A MIDEA35 installation in a narrow space between two doors: every inch of the wall had to be used intelligently
At Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, we completed an installation of a MIDEA MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump in a particularly interesting interior configuration: the unit had to be positioned at the very top of a wall, directly beneath the ceiling and between two door openings.
The photo taken on site immediately shows why this project required more precision than an installation on a large, unobstructed wall. The wall-mounted unit occupies the upper portion of a relatively narrow strip of wall. On the left and right, the door frames significantly limit the available space. Above, the ceiling also imposes a height constraint. Lower down, a wall-mounted control device is already installed and must remain accessible.
This is exactly the kind of situation where a few inches can make a significant difference.
A wall-mounted heat pump must never be positioned solely because a location “seems to fit.” We must take into account the clearance required around the unit, its air intake, the direction of the airflow, the structure behind the wall, the route of the refrigerant lines and condensate drain, as well as the access required for future maintenance.
In this residence in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, the challenge was therefore not to find a large, unobstructed wall. The precise location had to be used properly without compromising the quality of theHVAC installation.
A unit installed near the ceiling, but not at random
On a wall-mounted heat pump, room air is generally drawn in through the upper part of the unit and then conditioned before being redistributed through the lower louvers. Positioning it near the ceiling is therefore common, but it must comply with the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
In this project, the very high installation primarily makes it possible to use a surface that would otherwise have been difficult to utilize.
The two doors on either side make the lower section of the wall practically unusable for equipment of this width. Install the MIDEA35 above the traffic allows the passageways to remain clear while placing the unit in a favorable position for distributing air throughout the space.
This is an issue we often encounter during our installations at Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and on the South Shore : the actual architecture of a home does not resemble the simplified diagrams in brochures. You have to work around doors, windows, cabinets, stairs, trim, beams, existing electrical systems, and circulation areas.
Why the width of the indoor unit must be verified before work even begins
The MIDEA35 lineup includes several capacities, and the dimensions of the indoor head change according to the selected output.
The MIDEA35 models 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h measure approximately approximately 37.99 in wide, while the model 18,000 BTU/h reaches approximately 44.88 inDepths and heights also vary.
In a location like the one visible in the photo, this difference is far from theoretical.
A few extra inches can result in:
- excessive proximity to a door frame;
- insufficient access for maintenance;
- difficulty removing the panel or filters;
- a complete relocation of the drilling point;
- a change in the route of the lines;
- or simply the impossibility of installing the proposed capacity in that location.
At AirGreen, we therefore check not only the BTU, but also the physical dimensions of each combination before confirming the final configuration.
A discreet installation that preserves circulation between the rooms
One of the interesting aspects of this project is that the unit occupies space that does not reduce the living area.
The heat pump does not compete with a piece of furniture, a television, a bookcase, or storage space. It is located above an area of circulation already defined by the two doors.
For the homeowner, this means more efficient use of the interior space.
For us, however, this requires additional consideration of the airflow directionWhen a wall-mounted head is positioned between several openings, we must consider how conditioned or heated air can move toward neighboring areas.
A wall-mounted unit does not automatically turn several enclosed rooms into one perfectly uniform zone. Open doors, corridor layout, temperature differences between rooms, and natural air circulation affect the result.
That is why sizing and placement must always be analyzed together.
MIDEA35: a heat pump designed for extreme cold heating
The choice of the MIDEA MIDEA35 is particularly relevant in the climatic context of Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville.
This series is identified in the manufacturer's documentation as a extreme cold heat pump operating with R-454B refrigerantMidea indicates a heating operating range down to -30 °C and a classification Cold Climate V6.1 for combinations in this series.
This characteristic is important for a property in Montérégie, where winter temperatures can fall well below freezing.
However, two concepts must be distinguished: a heat pump capable of operate at -30°C and a heat pump capable of delivering exactly its rated capacity at that temperature are not necessarily the same thing.
At AirGreen, we therefore look at low-temperature performance data rather than focusing solely on the advertised minimum temperature.
The three main capacities of the MIDEA35
Midea documentation lists three rated cooling capacities for this series:
- 9,000 BTU/h;
- 12,000 BTU/h;
- 18,000 BTU/h.
The associated AHRI references are, respectively, 215471386, 215471387, and 215471388.
In the photo of this installation, the nameplate information is not clear enough for us to confidently assign one of these three capacities to the photographed unit. We therefore prefer not to invent a technical specification that cannot be visually confirmed.
This clarification is important when a homeowner compares multiple quotes: MIDEA35 is a series, not a single capacity.
Up to 33.3 SEER2, but efficiency depends on capacity
The maximum efficiency advertised for the MIDEA35 series reaches 33.3 SEER2, but this value belongs to the 9,000 BTU/h model.
The published values are:
- 9,000 BTU/h: 33.3 SEER2;
- 12,000 BTU/h: 29.4 SEER2;
- 18,000 BTU/h: 25.6 SEER2.
For heating, the Region IV HSPF2 values reach, respectively, 22,0, 14,5 and 16,2.
This demonstrates why it is important to read the technical tables rather than focus solely on the statement “up to 33.3 SEER2.”
The best unit is not necessarily the one with the highest SEER2 rating on paper. You must select a capacity that properly matches the building’s heating load.
This project in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville shows why positioning and sizing must be considered together
Performance at -15°C provides a better idea of winter operation
For a Quebec homeowner considering a heat pump for heating, low-temperature performance is particularly useful.
Midea indicates at -15°C a rated heating capacity of:
- 13,500 BTU/h for the 9,000 model;
- 13,500 BTU/h for the 12,000 model;
- 22,600 BTU/h for the 18,000 model.
The COP stated at this temperature is 3,60 for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h models and 4,40 for the 18,000 BTU/h model.
This data is far more informative than a simple statement that it “heats down to -30°C.”
When analyzing a project, we seek to understand the home’s actual load and the expected role of the heat pump: primary heating for a large area, improved comfort, replacement of an old unit, or supplementation of another system.
Oversizing is not a solution to every problem
In a space as tight as this installation site, one might be tempted to choose the largest model that can physically fit on the wall. This reasoning is incorrect.
An oversized heat pump can reach the requested temperature too quickly, reduce its useful operating cycles, and sometimes result in less uniform comfort.
Conversely, an undersized unit may run continuously without meeting the load during the coldest periods.
We therefore assess several factors:
- the actual area served;
- the insulation level;
- the number and type of windows;
- the home’s orientation;
- the floors and open areas;
- the circulation between rooms;
- the main heat losses;
- the unit’s heating capacity at low temperatures;
- the space available for the indoor unit.
This last variable is particularly noticeable at this Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville installation.
Modulating operation to reduce temperature fluctuations
The MIDEA35 uses variable-speed technology. Instead of operating only in a full-capacity on-off cycle, the compressor can adjust its speed to the building’s needs.
Midea presents this technology as a way to maintain a more stable indoor temperature while reducing the frequent fluctuations associated with traditional single-speed systems.
This modulation becomes particularly useful on days when heating or cooling demand is low to moderate.
The unit can then maintain comfort without constantly switching from a complete shutdown to maximum output.
An indoor noise level suited to living spaces
Since the unit is installed directly above an indoor traffic area, noise level also matters.
Depending on the capacity of MIDEA35, the documentation indicates levels as low as 19 dB(A) on certain 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h units, while the 18,000 BTU/h model can reach 16 dB(A) at the indicated quiet level.
Midea also offers gradual fan-speed adjustment and specifies up to 100 airflow levels, allowing airflow to be fine-tuned according to the desired comfort level.
For a heat pump located near bedrooms or living areas, these features are worth considering.
The wall-mounted control device visible in the photo
On the wall, below the heat pump and to the right of the installation, we can also see a wall-mounted control device.
This type of configuration helps keep the controls easily accessible without having to reach the wall-mounted head itself.
The MIDEA35 range offers several control options. The documentation specifically provides for an optional wired controller, as well as Wi-Fi features and various comfort-adjustment options.
However, without its model number, we avoid precisely identifying the device visible in the photo. Visually, we can confirm its presence, but not all of its functions.
Useful everyday features
The MIDEA35 is not limited to basic heating and cooling.
According to the manufacturer's documentation, the series includes:
- mode ECO;
- Turbo function;
- stepless fan-speed adjustment;
- night mode;
- timer;
- function Follow Me;
- automatic cleaning;
- silent mode;
- hold heating at 8°C;
- horizontal and vertical swing;
- Wi-Fi control;
- A2L dispersion system;
- smart sensor;
- humidity control.
The 8°C hold mode can be particularly useful when a property must remain heated during a period of absence. According to Midea, this function maintains a minimum temperature to help protect the home from freezing during an extended vacancy.
R-454B requires work to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the new equipment
The MIDEA35 series uses R-454B, an A2L refrigerant.
The transition to new refrigerants is another reason why we advise against treating a heat pump replacement as a simple operation involving removing an old head and mounting the new one in the same location.
Line-set diameter must also correspond to the selected capacity.
For the MIDEA35:
- the models 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h use line sets measuring 1/4 in and 3/8 in;
- the 18,000 BTU/h uses 3/8 in and 5/8 in.
Midea also specifies a maximum line-set length of 82 ft for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h models, compared with 164 ft for the 18,000 BTU/h model.
Each installation must therefore be verified based on the exact combination selected.
Electrical requirements also vary according to capacity
MIDEA35 indoor units are rated for a power supply of 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz.
For outdoor units, Midea specifies a minimum allowable amperage of 16 A for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h models and 24.9 A for the 18,000 BTU/h unit. The maximum protection indicated is 20 A, 20 A, and 25 A, respectively.
This detail is a reminder of an essential rule: an accurate quote should identify the capacity and model numbers rather than simply stating “Midea heat pump.”
Features designed to facilitate HVAC maintenance
The very high placement of this MIDEA35 makes future accessibility particularly important.
Midea includes, particularly in the MIDEA35, 28, and 25 series, a removable blower wheel, designed to facilitate access during a deep cleaning. The documentation also mentions automatic cleaning.
Even with these features, a HVAC maintenance professional remains relevant.
Over time, dust can accumulate on the filters, evaporator, fan, and internal surfaces. A heat pump that performs very well on paper cannot maintain optimal efficiency if airflow is gradually restricted by buildup.
What we check when a unit must be installed above doors
A configuration like the one in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville requires us to pay particular attention to several points.
Clearance above the indoor unit
The unit must be able to draw in air properly and provide access to the top panel.
Side clearance
With two door frames nearby, we must confirm that the unit’s width provides the required clearances and allows for servicing.
The wall mount
The mounting plate must be securely fastened and perfectly level.
Drainage
The condensate produced during cooling must be drained properly. An inadequate drain slope can cause drainage problems or water leaks.
The line route
The refrigerant lines and wiring exit must be planned before the indoor unit is finally secured.
The airflow direction
We plan the installation so that the airflow actually benefits the area being conditioned rather than unnecessarily hitting a wall or remaining confined in a small space.
A common mistake: choosing the location first and then looking for equipment that will fit there
Our approach is instead to consider them simultaneously location, sizing, and equipment.
If the residence genuinely requires a given capacity, artificially reducing the output simply because the smaller indoor unit fits the wall better is not a good strategy.
Conversely, buying an oversized heat pump simply because it offers impressive specifications is no more advisable.
It is the balance between the building’s needs and the installation constraints that produces the best result.
MIDEA35 and financial assistance: always verify the exact combination
The Quebec brochure identifies the MIDEA35 as a Cold Climate V6.1 and provides specific AHRI numbers for its various combinations.
When a homeowner wishes to take advantage of financial assistance such as LogisVert, we recommend verifying the eligibility of the exact combination at the time of the project rather than relying solely on the series’ commercial name.
Programs, criteria and amounts may change. The exact AHRI reference is therefore much more reliable than simply mentioning “MIDEA35.”
An attractive residential warranty to consider in the long-term cost
Midea’s Quebec documentation presents a 12-year limited warranty on the compressor, 12 years on parts and 10 years on labor, subject to the applicable conditions.
When comparing several heat pumps, we always recommend looking beyond the initial purchase price.
Winter performance, parts availability, warranty conditions, ease of maintenance and, above all, installation quality all influence the system’s actual cost over several years.
This project provides a good summary of how we work at AirGreen
The installation of this MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville may seem simple once completed: a white unit, neatly aligned below the ceiling, cleanly installed between two doors.
But this visual simplicity is precisely the desired result.
Behind the final result are the measurements, positioning choices, clearance checks, piping route planning, drainage, electrical work, heating capacity and accessibility for maintenance.
We apply the same approach to our wall-mounted heat pumps in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.
A good HVAC installation is not about fitting a machine into the available space. It is about ensuring that the selected machine can operate properly in that space for many years.
In this residence in Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, the MIDEA35 occupies exactly the space available to us: up high, between the openings, without encroaching on the walkway, and positioned so that this heat pump designed for Quebec’s climate can perform its heating and cooling roles efficiently.