Project

Midea wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval): a clean installation designed for Quebec winters

In Sainte-Dorothée, AirGreen installed a Midea wall-mounted heat pump with a raised outdoor unit for better resistance to snow and defrost cycles. A compact, quiet, four-season solution perfectly suited to residential use in Laval.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin7 min read
Midea wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval): a clean installation designed for Quebec winters
Midea wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval): a clean installation designed for Quebec winters
–chapters in this story
7 minreading time
–type of installation
2026year published
The tour

Take a tour of the installation

Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.

Generic diagram: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.

Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.

  1. Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.

  2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

  3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

  4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

  5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

  6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

  7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

The job

When installing a heat pump in a residential area like Sainte-Dorothée in Laval , the goal is always the same: to provide consistent comfort in both summer and winter, without compromising on aesthetics, durability, or ease of maintenance. The photo clearly shows a Midea outdoor unit installed flush with the house, on light-colored siding (vinyl/cladding type), near a door, and right next to landscaping. This is a typical scenario for single-family homes and modernized duplexes in West Laval—and it's exactly the kind of situation where our "smart installation" approach makes all the difference.

At AirGreen , we don't just "install a machine". We design the installation to remain efficient and quiet for years, taking into account local realities: snow, freeze/thaw cycles, winds, limited spaces, vegetation, access to service , and comfort expectations.


What type of system do we see in the image?

The outdoor unit's format (compact condenser, front-facing axial fan, square casing) corresponds to a wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split/wall unit) . In practical terms, this means:

  • An indoor wall unit (not visible here) ensures the distribution of hot/cold air inside.

  • An outdoor unit (the one in the photo) manages heat exchange and compression.

  • The two are connected by refrigeration lines and a drain , usually concealed or covered depending on the configuration.

In this type of project, the aim is often to achieve an excellent balance between energy efficiency, rapid comfort, reduced noise level and installation flexibility .


Model: a coherent “new generation” Midea for Quebec

The exact model is not visible in the photo (no nameplate is visible up close). In a residential context in Greater Montreal, and given the "four-season" positioning sought by the majority of our clients, a very logical choice within the range is the:

Midea28 (extreme cold series, down to approximately -30 °C depending on configuration)

This is an option we often prefer when the client wants:

  • efficient heating in winter (and not just air conditioning in summer),

  • good performance stability during periods of intense cold,

  • a modern, reliable machine, compatible with the comfort requirements in Quebec.

(The exact BTU output depends on the square footage, insulation, and floor plan. In this type of house, 12,000 to 24,000 BTU is very common; here, a configuration around 18,000 BTU is particularly common.)


Visible installation details: what the photo reveals (and why it matters)

This installation features several interesting and very "hands-on" elements, typical of our construction sites in Laval:

1) Elevated support (anti-snow / anti-ice)

The unit is installed on raised metal supports , rather than placed directly on a concrete slab. This is excellent practice in Quebec because:

  • Snow can accumulate and block air exchange .

  • Ice and thaws promote vibrations and movement if the unit is on the ground.

  • Defrost cycles generate water: raising it helps manage the flow .

2) Installation near an entrance: convenient, but must be managed properly

The proximity of the door is common: it can facilitate the passage of connections and reduce certain lengths. But it also requires particular attention:

  • to limit the propagation of sound towards the passage area,

  • maintain the recommended air clearances ,

  • to prevent steam/cold during defrosting from creating daily discomfort.

Here, the positioning is clean and compact, which suggests that space has been optimized.

3) Presence of vegetation and flowerbeds: vigilance regarding airflow

We can see some plants quite close together on the right-hand side. It's not a big deal, but we always like to remind people of a simple rule:

  • Keep the space around the unit clear to allow air to circulate freely.

  • prevent leaves and debris from sticking to the coil,

  • maintain easy access for maintenance.

In this type of configuration, we often recommend a small buffer zone (clearance) or more rigorous seasonal maintenance.

4) Stability and vibration reduction

The visible supports and anchoring appear robust — a key point for:

  • reduce the vibrations transmitted to the structure,

  • reduce the sound “beat” at certain engine speeds,

  • to extend the service life of the compressor and piping.


Why a Midea wall-mounted heat pump is a good choice in Laval

In Sainte-Dorothée, you'll find a mix of family homes, additions, renovations, finished basements… and a variety of heating and cooling needs. A wall-mounted heat pump is often the best solution when the client wants to:

  • to effectively cool down in summer (humidity + heat waves),

  • to heat at low cost for a good part of the winter,

  • to improve the comfort of a floor (or area) without redoing the entire air distribution system,

  • avoid major pipework.

Midea systems, especially in their recent generations, generally offer:

  • a comfortable modulation (inverter),

  • a rapid temperature rise

  • quiet operation is much appreciated in residential areas.


Our AirGreen approach: what we do "extra" to make it last

A successful installation isn't just about the device. It's about all the unseen decisions that prevent problems. In a project like this, we pay particular attention to:

Airtightness and good refrigeration practices

  • Complete vacuum extraction

  • pressure tests and checks,

  • cleanliness and protection of pipe ends,

  • Precise commissioning to avoid losses in efficiency.

Drainage and defrosting management

In heating mode, a heat pump defrosts: that's normal. The issue is the water. We take care to:

  • prevent the defrost water from freezing under the unit.

  • maintain sufficient clearance so that it doesn't "block" in the middle of January.

  • reduce the risk of icing in walkways.

Aesthetics and integration into the home

In Laval, many clients want a clean, discreet, aligned installation without any dangling wires. Depending on the situation, we offer:

  • optimized connection paths,

  • Capturing as needed

  • positioning that respects the facade and lifestyle habits (terrace, entrance, courtyard).


Practical maintenance advice for this type of installation

For an outdoor unit like this one, we recommend:

  • Clear away the vegetation around it (especially in spring/summer).

  • In the fall: remove leaves and debris near the device.

  • In winter: keep the unit clear after heavy broadsides (without ever hitting the coil).

  • Once a year: professional inspection/cleaning (and if necessary, more complete cleaning depending on the environment).

Simple and regular maintenance can prevent many problems: reduced performance, noise, too frequent defrosting, overconsumption.


Conclusion: a compact, robust, and logical installation for residential use in Sainte-Dorothée

This Midea installation perfectly illustrates what AirGreen strives for: a well-positioned, elevated outdoor unit designed for the realities of Quebec and integrated into a typical Laval residential environment. With a suitable choice like the Midea28 (for extreme cold) and a professionally executed commissioning, the result is a system that provides everyday comfort—summer and winter—while remaining efficient and durable.

The steps

The big day, step by step

The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
  2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
  4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
  5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
  6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
  7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
  9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
Your numbers

What would it look like at your place?

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour baseboards, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Going further

    Your own project, step by step

    Through the seasons

    What to do, season by season

    Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.

    • Clean the indoor unit's filters.
    • Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
    • Test cooling before the first hot days.
    At your place

    Is your home ready?

    Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.

    0 / 6 checked
    True or false

    Four statements: true or false?

    It all comes down to details you have just seen.

    1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.

    2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.

    3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.

    4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.

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    Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).

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