An outdoor installation on a wall-mounted bracket designed to clear the ground and protect the heat pump in winter
In the Franklin neighborhood, we installed a MIDEA MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump with particular attention to an element that is becoming essential in Quebec: the positioning of the outdoor unit.
The job-site photo clearly shows our installation choice. The Midea outdoor unit is secured to a metal wall-mounted bracket, directly against a brick wall, rather than placed near the ground. It is installed near an exterior door without obstructing access. The refrigerant connections arrive neatly at the side of the unit, while an outdoor electrical device is installed nearby.
This type of installation looks simple once completed. However, the unit's height, the strength of the bracket, proximity to the masonry, the piping route, vibrations, and the necessary clearance around the heat exchanger must all be considered before final fastening.
For us at AirGreen, a wall-mounted heat pump never consists solely of finding a place to install the outdoor unit. We must consider how it will operate during the hottest periods of summer, as well as what will happen when there is snow, ice, and several days of below-freezing temperatures.
Why install the MIDEA35 outdoor unit above ground level?
In the Montreal area and in several residential sectors such as Franklin, snow accumulation can become a real problem for a heat pump installed too low.
An outdoor unit must be able to draw in and discharge air properly. If the lower part of the unit is surrounded by snow, ice, or frozen water, operating conditions deteriorate.
For this project, we therefore installed the unit on a raised wall-mounted bracket.
This configuration offers several practical advantages:
- it keeps the unit away from accumulated snow;
- it facilitates drainage of the water produced during defrost cycles;
- it reduces the risk of leaves, mud, or other debris accumulating directly beneath the unit;
- it frees up floor space;
- it generally makes the unit more accessible for an inspection or HVAC maintenance;
- it allows for a compact installation close to the building.
Midea documentation specifically notes that side-discharge outdoor units are designed in a compact format and can be installed on a pad or bracket, depending on the building configuration.
Mounting on masonry must be carried out precisely
The exterior wall visible in the photo is covered with brick. This detail directly influences our working method.
An outdoor heat pump has a compressor and a fan. Even with a modern variable-speed unit, some vibration is unavoidable. The bracket must therefore be installed in a stable, sturdy, and level manner.
We must consider, in particular:
- the nature of the cladding;
- the positioning of the structure behind it;
- the type of anchoring;
- the unit's weight;
- the spacing between the bracket arms;
- the clearance from the wall;
- the vibrations transmitted to the building.
The exact MIDEA35 model also affects the equipment's weight. Depending on the capacity, the documentation indicates that the outdoor unit's net weight ranges from approximately 99.65 lb to 130.29 lb.
Proper mounting is therefore an integral part of the HVAC system, not merely an aesthetic detail.
Positioning near a door: maintaining access without compromising airflow
The photo also shows that the unit was installed immediately next to an exterior door.
We therefore had to strike a balance between several constraints: not obstructing the passage, maintaining sufficient space around the heat pump, and avoiding positioning the equipment in a way that would complicate future maintenance.
An outdoor unit must be able to discharge air freely through its front fan. An obstruction that is too close can cause the discharged air to recirculate and impair performance.
In this Franklin installation, the wall bracket helps maintain clear space in front of the heat pump while making efficient use of the available wall section.
The visible detail we are looking for: a clean installation around the connections
On the right side of the Midea unit, the refrigerant and electrical connections leading into the building can be seen.
A professional installation requires this area to be handled carefully. The refrigerant lines must not be crushed or excessively bent, and their insulation must remain continuous to limit heat loss and condensation.
Midea documentation states that the ductless system range allows the indoor unit to be connected to the outdoor unit with flexible refrigerant lines, providing considerable positioning flexibility when the routing is properly planned.
However, this flexibility does not mean that all configurations are equivalent. We always look for a logical, accessible, and as clean a layout as possible.
The outdoor electrical disconnect is part of a complete installation
To the right of the unit, we can also see an outdoor electrical box.
It allows the equipment to be isolated for maintenance or service work. For our technicians, electrical safety is an integral part of the installation.
The MIDEA35 operates on 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 HzElectrical requirements vary according to the selected capacity.
Depending on the exact combination:
- the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h models have a minimum allowable ampacity of 16 A;
- the 18,000 BTU/h model is listed at 24.9 A;
- the maximum specified protection size is 20 A for the two smaller capacities and 25 A for the 18,000 BTU/h capacity.
That is why we always work with the exact model number, rather than only by the MIDEA35 trade name.
MIDEA35: high efficiency, heating down to -30 °C, and a design suited to Quebec's climate
A Midea series designed for low-temperature heating applications
The MIDEA35 is presented in the manufacturer's brochure as a premium wall-mounted series of the “extreme heat pump” type. It uses the refrigerant R-454B and the documentation indicates a heating operating range down to -30 °C. The series is also identified Cold Climate V6.1.
For an installation in the Franklin neighborhood, this winter performance is particularly relevant.
A heat pump installed in Quebec must not only be efficient in July. It must be able to operate when temperatures drop in January and February.
This is also one of the reasons why the outdoor positioning visible in our photo is important: a heat pump designed to operate at low temperatures must also be installed appropriately for actual winter conditions.
Three capacities available in the MIDEA35 series
Midea lists three main combinations in this series:
- 9,000 BTU/h in cooling;
- 12,000 BTU/h in cooling;
- 18,000 BTU/h in cooling.
The AHRI reference numbers indicated are 215471386, 215471387 and 215471388.
The nameplate visible in the photo from the job site is not legible enough to reliably confirm which of these three capacities was installed. We therefore prefer to present the series specifications without arbitrarily assigning a specific capacity to the unit shown in the photo.
This caution is also useful for homeowners comparing quotes: the name MIDEA35 does not refer to a single universal unit.
Up to 33.3 SEER2 depending on capacity
The series achieves cooling efficiency of up to 33.3 SEER2.
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 HSPF2 regional IV values are respectively 22,0, 14,5 and 16,2.
These differences reinforce a rule we apply to every project: we never choose a capacity solely because it displays the most impressive figure in a brochure.
The heat pump must first match the building’s heat load.
An interesting heating capacity at -15 °C
One of the most useful indicators for a heat pump in Quebec is its capacity when it is actually cold.
At -15 °C, Midea indicates a rated 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 COPs indicated at this temperature are 3,60, 3,60 and 4,40 respectively.
This data is much more useful than a simple statement such as “heating down to -30 °C,” because it provides a better understanding of the unit’s performance when the outdoor temperature is already very low.
Variable-speed technology: less on-off operation
The MIDEA35 uses variable-speed technology, allowing the compressor to adjust its output to heating or cooling needs.
Midea explains that this modulation reduces temperature fluctuations compared with a conventional system operating mainly through on-off cycles.
In practice, a properly sized heat pump can therefore operate longer at partial capacity.
This operating method promotes more consistent indoor comfort and avoids constantly alternating between high output and a complete shutdown.
An outdoor heat pump that must be able to defrost properly
During winter, the outdoor coil may accumulate frost. The heat pump then periodically performs a defrost cycle.
Water can be produced beneath the unit and then freeze when it reaches a cold surface.
This is another reason why we place so much importance on the height of the outdoor support. In an installation like Franklin’s, the space beneath the unit helps keep the chassis away from snow and provides more room for water drainage.
Installing a heat pump very close to the ground may seem simpler during construction, but the consequences sometimes become apparent only during the first winter.
R-454B: a new-generation refrigerant that requires proper installation
The MIDEA35 series uses R-454B, an A2L-classified refrigerant. The documentation also mentions the presence of an A2L refrigerant leak detection system in the relevant series.
Line-set dimensions vary according to capacity:
- 9,000 BTU/h: 1/4 in and 3/8 in;
- 12,000 BTU/h: 1/4 in and 3/8 in;
- 18,000 BTU/h: 3/8 in and 5/8 in.
The published maximum length is 82 ft for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h models and 164 ft for the 18,000 BTU/h model.
This data becomes particularly important when replacing an old heat pump. We cannot assume that the existing lines will automatically be compatible with the new system.
Errors to avoid when installing an outdoor wall-mounted heat pump
This installation in the Franklin neighborhood illustrates several errors we seek to avoid on our job sites.
Installing the unit too close to the ground
In a snowy region, a few inches can have a significant impact. The bracket must be selected with winter conditions in mind.
Neglecting the wall structure
A wall bracket must be installed on a sufficiently strong base to support the unit and control vibrations.
Placing the unit directly against an obstacle
A heat pump needs sufficient clearance to draw in and discharge air.
Improvising the refrigerant line routing after mounting
We plan the line-set routing before the unit's final positioning.
Choosing electrical protection based solely on BTUs
The manufacturer's electrical specifications and the exact model number must be verified.
Confusing minimum temperature with heating capacity
A heat pump that can operate at -30 °C does not necessarily deliver its full rated capacity at -30 °C. Low-temperature performance tables must be consulted.
Maintenance made easier by an accessible outdoor installation
The wall bracket used for this project will also help our technicians during future HVAC maintenance HVAC maintenance.
We can access the sides of the unit, the connections, and the main components more easily than with a unit wedged into a cramped location at floor level.
The MIDEA35, MIDEA28, and MIDEA25 series also feature a removable blower wheel to facilitate deep cleaning of the wall-mounted unit.
Proper maintenance helps preserve airflow and identify issues more quickly before they lead to a major breakdown.
Controls, comfort, and features available on the MIDEA35
The MIDEA35 series offers an extensive range of comfort features, including:
- Wi-Fi control;
- night mode;
- timer;
- function Follow Me;
- automatic cleaning;
- silent mode;
- maintaining heat at 8 °C;
- horizontal and vertical swing;
- ECO mode;
- stepless fan adjustment;
- smart sensor;
- humidity control.
The Follow Me function, for example, uses the temperature sensor built into the remote control so that the system can take the temperature measured near the user into account.
Midea also indicates up to 100 air-volume adjustment levels, as well as remote-control options through the SmartHome app and Wi-Fi when available in the configuration concerned.
Midea warranty: an item to verify against the project conditions
Midea’s Quebec brochure presents, for the residential sector, an advertised limited warranty of 12 years on the compressor, 12 years on parts, and 10 years on labor, according to the applicable terms and conditions.
As with any HVAC warranty, always verify the exact conditions applicable to the installation, equipment registration, and its use.
Financial incentives: verify the combination before calculating a rebate
The documentation identifies MIDEA35 combinations with their AHRI references and a Cold Climate V6.1.
When a financial incentive such as LogisVert is being considered, we recommend verifying the eligibility of the exact combination at the time of quotation.
The nominal capacity indicated on the unit is not sufficient on its own to establish an incentive amount. The applicable program, the exact equipment reference, and the current rules must be validated before presenting an amount to the homeowner.
Our AirGreen approach to a MIDEA35 installation in Franklin
On this project, the exterior photograph summarizes our approach very well.
We see a Midea heat pump installed at a carefully considered height on a metal wall bracket, with its connections grouped on the side and its electrical supply accessible nearby. The unit remains clear of the ground and does not obstruct use of the adjacent door.
This is the kind of result we seek with every HVAC installation : the equipment must operate properly, remain accessible, and integrate logically with the building.
We apply the same principles to our wall-mounted heat pumps in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, the South Shore, and in the Franklin neighborhood.
The advertised performance of a MIDEA35 obviously factors into the system choice. But the final quality also depends on much more concrete details: the support height, anchoring, air circulation, protection against snow, defrost drainage, pipe diameter, and electrical requirements.
A heat pump designed to heat down to -30 °C also deserves an installation designed for the realities of Quebec winters. That is precisely what we sought to achieve on this Franklin project.