LG Central Heat Pump LGRED R32 | 1.5 Tons - 18,000 BTU

A 1.5-tonne power plant designed for our winters and our homes here

In the field, we often encounter the same need in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and on both the North and South Shores : a building that's "in between" (plex, bungalow, cottage, two-story condo, small condominium) where people want consistent comfort , better air quality , and a solution that remains effective even when temperatures drop significantly. This is precisely the niche of the LG LGRED R32 Central Heat Pump | 1.5 Ton - 18,000 BTU , an 18,000 BTU (1.5 ton) central system based on an outdoor unit and a multi-position air handler indoor module, designed to operate with a ductwork system.

At AirGreen , we like this format when a client wants to keep (or upgrade) existing ductwork, achieve uniform air distribution, and avoid temperature variations from one room to another. A well-installed system doesn't try to "blow harder": it aims for consistency, stability, and real efficiency, day after day.

Key figures to remember (simple and useful version)

This unit is designed with a cooling capacity of around 18,000 BTU , with operating ranges that allow the power to be adjusted according to actual needs. Specifically, this helps to:

• to air-condition smoothly during humid July days in Montreal ;

• avoid cycles that are too short (which impair comfort and dehumidification);

• maintain a more regular temperature in distant rooms (bedrooms, basement, upper floor).

The logic is similar for heating: a central heat pump performs best when it is properly sized and when the air distribution is efficient. An oversized system doesn't heat better: it often heats intermittently, then shuts off, and the feeling of comfort suffers.

Why a central unit rather than a wall-mounted one, in some buildings?

In many houses and plexes in Greater Montreal, the central unit is becoming a natural option for three reasons:

1. Homogeneous distribution : instead of having one very comfortable zone near the unit and others that are more unstable, the ducts distribute heat and air conditioning more evenly.

2. Integration : the central heat pump can be combined with finer control of the network (air returns, balancing, filtration, accessories).

3. Long-term value : when the installation is done well, a power plant often provides a more “invisible” daily experience: less noise, fewer jolts, less management.

An important word about R-32 (and the importance of proper installation)

R-32 is one of the modern refrigerants used to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact compared to some previous generations. That said, the most important aspect for a homeowner isn't the technical debate: it's the quality of the installation .
At AirGreen , our approach is simple: a central heat pump is never “good by default.” It becomes excellent when everything is in harmony.

• Clean piping, correct brazing, confirmed leak-proof;

• rigorous vacuuming;

• charging and commissioning carried out according to the rules;

• parameters and flow rates adjusted at home, not to a generic value.

This is exactly what separates a central heat pump that is “okay on paper” from a system that is truly comfortable for everyday use.

Acoustic comfort: a criterion that customers only understand in retrospect

Many people tell us, “I want it to be high-performing.” Very often, they then add, “And I don’t want to hear it.”
A properly installed control unit can be surprisingly discreet, especially when:

• the indoor unit is installed with intelligent mechanical insulation (anti-vibration, support, access);

• the ducts do not create whistling noises (poorly placed reductions, registers too closed, insufficient air returns);

• the outdoor unit is well positioned (distance from windows, surfaces, stable support).

This issue may seem secondary at first, but it becomes central once the system is in operation. Our role is to anticipate it.

AirGreen real-life case study: bungalow in Laval, consistent comfort everywhere

In a bungalow in Laval , the client had a classic problem: living room too hot, bedrooms too cold, and an old system that “started up strong” then stopped quickly.
We found two common causes:

1. an old, poorly sized device (short cycles);

2. a decent network of conduits, but never seriously balanced.

After the installation of a 1.5 tonne central heat pump and a complete fine-tuning (checking static pressure, balancing vents, adjusting flow rates), the most striking change was stability : fewer variations, a better feeling of comfort, and more pleasant air conditioning on humid days.

This type of intervention illustrates a key principle: the product matters, but the HVAC installation and duct optimization often account for half the result.

AirGreen real-life case study: house on the South Shore, priority given to heating during cold periods

On the South Shore , in a house where supplemental heating was too expensive, the priority was to maximize the portion of the season when the heat pump heats efficiently.
Our approach:

• realistic sizing consistent with the house;

• clear strategy for the additional space (rather than oversizing and compromising comfort);

• special attention to the network (air returns, restrictions, balancing).

The expected result, and observed in this type of scenario: more consistent comfort in mid-season, a smoother transition to supplementary heating when necessary, and better control of energy costs.

What distinguishes the “multi-position air handler” approach in renovation and construction

The indoor module of this system is a multi-position air handler , meaning it can be installed in various configurations (vertical and horizontal). For many buildings in Montreal and the surrounding areas, this flexibility makes all the difference.

Why “multi-position” flexibility really matters

The houses here are not all alike:

• basements with low ceilings;

• compact mechanical rooms;

• renovations where one has to deal with existing beams, ducts and clearance constraints;

• recent constructions where everything is cleaner, but where the technical space is sometimes minimalist.

A multi-position air handler allows the installation to be adapted to the building, instead of forcing a “standard” mounting which creates compromises:

• conduits too tight (noise and losses);

• difficult maintenance access;

• Poorly designed condensate drainage.

At AirGreen , we always aim for a maintainable installation. A central heat pump is an investment: it must remain accessible for service, checks and maintenance.

Airflow, comfort and static pressure: the mechanics of “good comfort”

In power plants, the perceived air quality often comes from three elements:

1. Consistent airflow : enough to distribute, but not to the point of creating noise.

2. Controlled static pressure : if the network is too restrictive, the system works harder, noise increases and efficiency decreases.

3. Sufficient air return : excellent blowing is useless if the air does not return properly to the unit.

During our installations in Longueuil and Montreal , we often find that the problem isn't "the machine," but the network: a return grille that's too small, a poorly chosen filter, a pinched duct, or an incorrectly placed reducer. Once corrected, comfort improves immediately.

Dehumidification: summer comfort is not just about temperature

In Montreal , discomfort is often linked to humidity. A properly adjusted central heat pump helps maintain a drier and more stable indoor environment.
We emphasize this point because some homeowners think that simply “turning it down” is enough. In reality, proper dehumidification often allows you to set the thermostat a little higher while still feeling more comfortable, which can also improve overall efficiency.

Filtration and air quality: what the central unit makes possible

A ducted central unit offers interesting options for air quality :

• choice of suitable filtration (depending on the house, allergies, dust, pets);

• better air circulation, therefore better homogeneity;

• possibility of additional integrations depending on the context (without promising miracles, but by addressing real needs).

We see it clearly in use: houses with a well-designed air return and consistent filtration “age better” in terms of comfort and maintenance.

Installation: the key points that make the difference (and avoid unpleasant surprises)

Here's what we systematically monitor on a central heat pump HVAC system :

1) Serious sizing, not a "random" number

The correct tonnage depends on the house, not just the surface area:

• insulation, windows, orientation;

• number of occupants;

• habits (doors, cooking, teleworking, closed bedrooms);

• configuration (floors, basement, cathedral ceiling).

Rigorous sizing avoids two costly errors: oversizing (short cycles, less comfort) and undersizing (system that forces unnecessarily).

2) Refrigeration piping: cleanliness, routing, protection

The routing of pipes is a subtle art:

• limit unnecessary bends;

• protect against vibrations;

• ensure a consistent slope and support;

• Take care of wall penetrations (waterproofing and finishing).

It is also an aesthetic issue, especially in neighborhoods like Rosemont , Ahuntsic or Le Plateau-Mont-Royal , where facades and backyards impose constraints.

3) Condensate drainage and water management

A central unit produces condensate during air conditioning, and water management must be flawless. In winter, managing defrosting and ice around the outdoor unit is also critical.
Our approach: plan for drainage, protect sensitive areas, and avoid “temporary solutions” that end up causing damage.

4) Electricity and protection: the foundation of a reliable system

A good HVAC system is also a well-protected system:

• gauge, circuit breaker, protections;

• clean, compliant connection;

• grounding, safety, access.

This is an issue that many customers never see, but it is a major element of long-term reliability.

5) Commissioning: the most neglected step… and the most profitable

Commissioning is not “a button to press”. It is a series of checks and adjustments:

• leak tests;

• vacuuming;

• parameter validation;

• control of flow rates and static pressure;

• adjusting the actual comfort level in the home.

This is often where an “acceptable” installation is transformed into an “excellent” one.

Common errors that we correct through inspection or replacement

We regularly intervene to correct existing installations. The most common errors are:

• Oversizing to feel reassured : paradoxically, this can reduce the quality of comfort.

• Forgetting about balancing : one room too hot and another too cold is not “normal”.

• Insufficient air return : the system lacks air, noise increases, efficiency decreases.

• Improvised drainage : the risk of water (and damage) increases.

• Poorly designed outdoor location : vibrations, noise, ice buildup, difficult access.

Each correction becomes a lesson: a successful power plant is a sum of details.

Why choose AirGreen for this LG central heat pump

At AirGreen , our added value is not a vague promise: it is a reproducible working method, and local experience in building.

• We install taking into account the realities of Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore (density, access, regulations, mechanical spaces).

• We treat the ducts as a “system” and not as a simple air pipe.

• We prioritize an installation that is maintainable, reliable, and optimized for comfort.

Our frank position: in which cases is this model particularly relevant?

This LG LGRED R32 18,000 BTU (1.5 ton) central heat pump is particularly suitable if:

• you have (or want) conduits;

• you are looking for consistent and discreet comfort;

• you want a serious solution for the summer and a significant portion of the heating season;

• You want a professional approach where the installation is treated as a real project, not as a “quick fix”.

Conclusion

Are you considering a central heat pump and want to avoid costly mistakes (incorrect tonnage, unbalanced ductwork, sloppy installation, poorly planned drainage and location)? Contact AirGreen for an on-site estimate and a precise recommendation tailored to your building in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or South Shore . We will offer you a comprehensive, costed, and professionally installed HVAC solution, with complete commissioning focused on maximizing your comfort.