In Huntingdon, a MIDEA35 installed on a brick façade with a raised and carefully positioned outdoor unit
This installation of a MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump in Huntingdon highlights an aspect of HVAC work that is less often seen in installation photos: the positioning of the outdoor unit. In this project, the configuration of the house required several elements to be considered simultaneously, including a brick façade, a basement window, ground level, the presence of a downspout, and the space required around the heat pump for its operation and maintenance.
The photograph taken after the work clearly shows our solution. The outdoor unit MIDEA is installed against the masonry wall and raised above ground level using a wall bracket. The heat pump therefore does not rest directly on the ground or on the landscaping blocks visible beneath the installation. The large side-discharge fan remains completely unobstructed, while the unit is kept at a height that facilitates operation in Quebec conditions.
This positioning is particularly important in Huntingdon, where the heat pump must operate not only during hot and humid days but also throughout a significant part of the winter.
A successful outdoor installation is not simply a matter of finding a space large enough to place the condenser. We must consider snow accumulation, drainage from the defrost cycles, vibrations, airflow, access to the service panel, the route of the refrigerant lines, and the obstacles already present around the house.
Why was the outdoor unit raised?
In the photo, the clearance beneath the MIDEA is one of the most important elements of this installation.
A heat pump used for heating during the winter produces water during its defrost cycles. This water must be able to drain away. At the same time, accumulated snow must not unnecessarily obstruct the areas required for the unit to operate.
Installing the heat pump directly at ground level would therefore have been much less suitable in this configuration.
The chosen solution makes it possible, among other things, to:
- to keep the unit above ground level;
- to reduce direct exposure to accumulated snow and debris;
- to leave space beneath the unit for defrost water drainage;
- to maintain convenient access around the heat pump;
- to protect the nearby basement window;
- to prevent the unit from resting on the blocks or landscaping elements beneath the installation area.
MIDEA’s documentation specifically presents its outdoor units with side discharge such as compact units that can be installed on a base or bracket. This design reduces the footprint compared with some traditional top-discharge heat pumps.
A brick facade requires a mounting solution designed to last
The visible masonry on this Huntingdon home was another important project consideration.
When an outdoor unit is mounted on a wall bracket, we do not treat the mounting as a mere finishing detail. The assembly must support the weight of the heat pump and remain stable during operation.
The vibrations generated by the compressor and fan must also be taken into account. Poor mechanical installation can transmit vibrations to the building structure or create noises that were not present at commissioning.
We therefore seek a result in which the unit is:
stable, level, sufficiently clear, and accessible for future servicing.
The final photograph clearly shows this approach. The MIDEA is positioned parallel to the facade, and the large front fan has completely open space in front of it.
Why the front of the heat pump must remain clear
The outdoor unit constantly exchanges energy with the surrounding air. A significant amount of air therefore passes through the heat exchanger and is moved by its fan.
Obstructing this area with a fence, outdoor storage, overly dense vegetation, or another obstacle placed too close can reduce the quality of heat exchange.
In this project, the side-discharge fan is directed toward an unobstructed area.
This is particularly important when a heat pump is used as a true heating appliance and not merely as a wall-mounted air conditioner during the summer.
A MIDEA35 designed for Quebec winters
The MIDEA35 belongs to MIDEA’s premium wall-mounted series. According to the manufacturer’s Quebec documentation, this range operates at R-454B refrigerant, is rated Cold Climate V6.1 and can operate in heating mode down to an outdoor temperature of -30°C. Depending on the chosen combination, its efficiency reaches up to 33.3 SEER2 in cooling and 22.0 HSPF2.
These features are particularly relevant for a heat pump installation in Huntingdon.
We do not select a heat pump solely to lower indoor temperatures during a heat wave. The heating season represents a major portion of a HVAC system’s annual use in Quebec.
The ability to operate when temperatures drop significantly therefore becomes an important criterion when choosing the system.
The three configurations of the MIDEA35 series
The range documented by MIDEA includes configurations of 9,000, 12,000, and 18,000 BTU/h in cooling.
| MIDEA35 | Rated cooling | Rated heating | SEER2 | HSPF2 IV | AHRI reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSESU-H09B-2A / MO1SS-H09B-2A | 9,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h | 33,3 | 22,0 | 215471386 |
| MSESU-H12B-2A / MO1SS-H12B-2A | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h | 29,4 | 14,5 | 215471387 |
| MSESU-H18B-2A / MO1SS-H18B-2A | 18,000 BTU/h | 20,000 BTU/h | 25,6 | 16,2 | 215471388 |
Performance therefore varies considerably depending on the exact combination.
In the photo taken in Huntingdon, the plate containing the complete model number is not clear enough for us to confidently assign a precise capacity to this installation. We therefore prefer to retain the data for the MIDEA35 series rather than guessing the BTU capacity from the apparent size of the outdoor unit.
This is also good practice for a homeowner comparing quotes: the MIDEA35 trade name does not replace the exact model number and AHRI reference.
Weight and dimensions matter when wall-mounting
In an installation like this, dimensions are not only important for determining whether the unit fits in the available space.
They directly influence the choice and positioning of the bracket.
For the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h MIDEA35 combinations, MIDEA lists an outdoor unit of approximately 35.04 in wide by 13.46 in deep and 26.50 in high, for a net weight of approximately 99.65 lb.
The 18,000 BTU/h version increases to approximately 37.24 x 16.14 x 31.89 in and 130.29 lb.
A wall mount must therefore be chosen based on the actual equipment installed, not simply because a bracket “looks like” one used on a previous heat pump.
The basement window visible in the photo also influenced the positioning
Another interesting detail appears to the left of the installation: basement window is located directly near the outdoor unit.
We must maintain a configuration that does not unnecessarily hinder the use of or access to the building's existing features.
Positioning the heat pump a few inches lower, farther to the left, or directly in front of this opening could have resulted in a much less practical installation.
The choice of outdoor positioning is therefore always a compromise among several factors:
- refrigerant line length;
- indoor unit location;
- available structure for mounting;
- building openings;
- circulation around the house;
- drainage;
- maintenance;
- snow removal;
- airflow quality.
It is this overall analysis that enables us to achieve HVAC installation specific to Huntingdon rather than simply mechanically installing the equipment.
R-454B refrigerant: an important technical detail of the new generation MIDEA35
This MIDEA35 uses R-454B, an A2L-classified refrigerant.
MIDEA documentation specifically mentions a leak detection system associated with A2L refrigerant, as well as temperature and humidity control functions on the relevant series.
For the owner, daily use remains simple.
On the installation and service side, however, it is important that the procedures, tools, and practices match the refrigerant actually used by the equipment.
This is one of the reasons why we systematically check the exact models before an installation, diagnosis, or HVAC maintenance HVAC maintenance.
The invisible details behind a successful outdoor installation in Huntingdon
The photographed outdoor section is impressive in its simplicity: MIDEA unit, brick wall, bracket, and clearance.
But several technical elements are hidden behind this finish.
Refrigerant lines vary by capacity
A 9,000 or 12,000 BTU/h MIDEA35 uses refrigerant lines measuring 1/4 in and 3/8 in.
For the 18,000 BTU/h configuration, the dimensions increase to 3/8 in and 5/8 in.
MIDEA also specifies a maximum length of 82 ft for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h versions and up to 164 ft for the 18,000 BTU/h version.
These differences are particularly important when a homeowner wants to replace an old heat pump while keeping the copper already concealed in the building.
We never assume that old piping is automatically compatible.
We check the diameter, condition of the copper, length, elevation difference, and requirements of the new equipment.
The electrical system must match the exact model
The same principle applies to the electrical side.
MIDEA documentation specifies a power supply of 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz for this series.
The 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h configurations require a minimum allowable ampacity of 16 A, with a maximum protection size of 20 A. The 18,000 BTU/h configuration has a minimum ampacity of 24.9 A with a maximum protection of 25 A.
The electrical circuit must therefore be checked using the technical data for the installed combination.
Variable operation instead of constant starts and stops
The MIDEA35 uses variable-speed technology.
MIDEA explains that the compressor can adjust its operation to meet temperature needs rather than operating solely through repeated on-and-off cycles. This modulation helps reduce indoor temperature fluctuations and provides more stable operation.
For the homeowner, this translates into more gradual comfort.
Once the indoor temperature is close to the setpoint, the heat pump can reduce its output rather than stopping completely and restarting shortly afterward.
This is also why sizing remains essential.
Systematically choosing the largest available capacity is no guarantee of achieving better comfort. We must consider the home’s actual needs, insulation, room layout, windows, and heat loss.
An outdoor unit must also be serviceable
The MIDEA’s service panel is located on the side of the outdoor unit. In our Huntingdon installation, the appliance is positioned so that it remains accessible for future service.
This accessibility matters when a technician needs to:
- check the connections;
- perform diagnostics;
- inspect the components;
- clean the heat exchanger;
- take electrical measurements;
- work on the refrigeration circuit.
Installing a heat pump in an extremely compressed space between two obstacles can make future work unnecessarily difficult.
The quality of an installation is therefore also measured by what will happen several years after commissioning.
Defrosting: an unavoidable reality during winter
When a heat pump heats a home in winter, its outdoor heat exchanger may accumulate frost.
The system then periodically initiates a defrost cycle.
The water created during this process must be able to leave the appliance and drain properly. When the outdoor temperature is very low, some of this water may obviously freeze on the ground.
This is an additional reason why the elevation visible on this MIDEA heat pump in Huntingdon is relevant.
The owner must also avoid allowing snow to accumulate directly against the unit and keep the areas necessary for airflow clear during the winter.
LogisVert financial assistance: what really needs to be verified
MIDEA35 is identified in the manufacturer’s documentation as a Cold Climate V6.1, with specific AHRI numbers for each combination.
For the residential program Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, current rules provide assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at -8 °C for a certified heat pump ENERGY STAR – cold climate, when all program criteria are met. Since November 26, 2025, ENERGY STAR certification has been part of the eligibility requirements.
However, it would be incorrect to determine the amount applicable to this Huntingdon installation solely from the photo or the name “MIDEA35.”
We always verify:
- the exact indoor model;
- the exact outdoor model;
- the AHRI number;
- the applicable ENERGY STAR certification;
- the recognized heating capacity at -8 °C;
- the actual installation date;
- the program conditions applicable to the dwelling.
This verification is important because Hydro-Québec specifies that the amount depends on the capacity at -8 °C and that the applicable conditions are those in effect at the time of installation.
What we particularly like about the final result
The exterior photo of this installation says a lot about the project.
The fan’s large grille is completely unobstructed. The unit is elevated above the ground. The basement window remains clear. The system is securely positioned in front of the brick façade, and access to the service side remains possible.
We also include our identification AirGreen attached to the unit, a simple detail that allows the owner to quickly find the contact information of the company that carried out the installation when service or maintenance is needed.
Nothing was placed randomly.
The presence of a downspout, ground-level blocks, the window, and the masonry meant that this area required careful planning before the heat pump could be mounted.
Errors to avoid when installing an outdoor heat pump near ground level
This project also illustrates several errors we strive to prevent on our projects:
- place a unit directly on an unstable surface;
- install the heat pump too low for winter conditions;
- block the fan with a nearby obstruction;
- place the unit directly in front of a window;
- neglect the drainage of defrost water;
- use an inadequate support for the equipment’s weight;
- overlook vibrations transmitted to the structure;
- make the service panel inaccessible;
- automatically reuse old refrigerant lines;
- choose the electrical protection without consulting the model specifications;
- then allow snow, objects, or materials to accumulate around the condenser.
A proper wall-mounted heat pump installation must perform just as well at initial startup as it does after several Quebec winters.
A four-season MIDEA35 installation designed for Huntingdon
This Huntingdon clearly demonstrates why we consider the outdoor unit an essential part of the installation, rather than an appliance that simply needs to be hidden beside the house.
The MIDEA35 needs an environment that allows it to properly deliver its heating and cooling capabilities. Its location, support, clearances, and the quality of its connections all influence the system’s operation.
At AirGreen, we apply this same approach to our wall-mounted heat pumps in Huntingdon and throughout the greater service area, including Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore.
Every home has a different layout. A brick façade, a basement window, a terrace, a narrow passage, or significant snow accumulation can completely change the installation solution.
Our job is to adapt the system to the building rather than force the building to adapt to the heat pump.
In this Huntingdon project, the combination of a an elevated wall bracket, generous front clearance, and a carefully selected placement allows this MIDEA35 to integrate neatly into the exterior of the house while remaining ready for the demands of Quebec’s climate.