An HVAC upgrade tailored for Montreal's modern condos: stable comfort, high efficiency and careful installation on the terrace
Project background
In Griffintown, in a recent condo with a large flat roof terrace covered with an elastomeric membrane, we are installing a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump – ZU1 series (R-32 refrigerant) . The client's goal: to achieve four-season comfort without noise or bulk, with contained consumption and elegant integration into the building. The chosen location allows for a very short refrigeration path between the indoor head and the condenser, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Choice of equipment
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) , monosplit.
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Brand : Sharp ( Eco Inverter technology and Plasmacluster ionization for air quality).
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Range : ZU1 (R-32) , designed for the climate of Greater Montreal with excellent capacity maintenance at low temperatures.
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Performance goals : efficient heating in cold weather, quiet cooling in summer, precise control and advanced filtration.
Why choose this unit in Griffintown: Wall-mounted units are ideal for condos with terraces or balconies. The compactness of the Sharp outdoor unit simplifies installation on raised supports and meets neighborhood noise requirements.
Outdoor installation: stability, silence and durability
We place the condenser on a four-legged aluminum stand , raised to prevent water stagnation and facilitate membrane maintenance. Anti-vibration pads mechanically isolate the unit and reduce the transmission of micro-vibrations to the structure—a crucial point in co-ownership.
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Connection path : clean and watertight penetration through the facade wall; UV insulation on the refrigeration lines; brazed connections checked with nitrogen.
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Electricity : external disconnect box installed at the foot of the support for safe disconnection during maintenance.
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Condensates : gravity drainage to the outside, with continuous slope and frost protection if required.
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Accessibility : The height of the stand makes it easy to read pressure gauges, replace dryer filters and perform any service operations.
Wall crossing and finishing
We make a single, controlled-diameter hole , reinforced and sealed with an elastomeric sealant compatible with condo facade sealing systems. The seal protects the structure against humidity and prevents thermal bridges . Inside, the finishes are discreet and aligned with the design of the wall unit.
Lengths and sizing
The Griffintown context offers a path of approximately 2 m to 3 m between the indoor unit and the condenser. This short distance reduces pressure losses, limits the amount of refrigerant and optimizes the COP in both heating and air conditioning. We systematically check:
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Refrigerant charge vs actual length,
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Indoor head air speed vs. room volume,
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Low temperature capacity holding curve .
Commissioning: AirGreen rigor
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Deep vacuum with service pump and micron meter (target: < 500 microns stabilized).
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Nitrogen leak test before vacuum.
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Electrical check (circuit breaker rating, terminal tightening, grounding).
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Setting the cold/heat mode and defrost test.
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Measurements : supply/return temperature, intensity, static pressure, condensate flow.
Result for the customer
The condo benefits from responsive heating from the first cool days and uniform cooling during heat waves. The quiet outdoor unit meets co-ownership requirements; air quality is improved thanks to ionization and Sharp filtration. The installation on a support guarantees durability on the roof/terrace.
Urban integration and co-ownership: our best practices
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Sound level : selection of a night mode when required; orientation of the air flow away from neighboring openings.
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Clearances : respect the free areas around the condenser to avoid air recycling .
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Snow management : even on terraces, the raised area prevents snowdrifts; minimum clearance maintained in winter.
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Aesthetics : compact lines; clean sealing; neutral colors on the facade.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
To maintain performance and warranty:
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Clean the internal filters every 4 to 8 weeks during the season.
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Annual inspection by our technicians: operating pressure, heat exchange, electrical diagnosis and condition of anti-vibration devices .
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Clearance around the condenser (leaves, dust, snow).
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Control of condensate flow and integrity of the penetration seal.
Grants and Compliance
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps (R-32) are generally eligible for energy efficiency assistance programs in Quebec. We confirm the eligibility of the Sharp ZU1 model according to the chosen configuration and prepare, if necessary, the administrative file . Our team also ensures electrical calibration (circuit breaker, wiring) complies with the current Code .
AirGreen Technical Advice for Condos in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
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Evaluate the structure : terrace, balcony or wall; choose the appropriate support (wall brackets, roof support , slab).
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Reduce the length of the connections when possible: better efficiency and less refrigerant.
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Anticipate winter : check clearances and condensate management, especially along the river (cold winds).
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Choose R-32 : better seasonal efficiency and lower global warming potential than older R-410A.
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Plan maintenance : an annual visit avoids overconsumption and shutdowns during peak periods.
Why AirGreen for your HVAC system?
We operate daily throughout Greater Montreal . Our strength: precise diagnosis , clean execution (supports, seals, finishes) and instrumented commissioning . Each condo project – from Griffintown to Ville-Marie , Laval or the South Shore – benefits from custom sizing and clear support, from BTU selection to grant paperwork.
Quick (useful and direct) fair
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Type : monosplit wall-mounted heat pump .
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Brand/Range : Sharp – ZU1, R-32 .
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Installation : raised support on terrace, anti-vibration , electrical disconnection at the foot, sealed penetration .
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Advantages : four-season comfort, silence , Plasmacluster air quality, high efficiency .
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Areas served : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
Next step
Are you planning a heat pump installation in a condo in Montreal or the suburbs? We offer a quick technical visit to confirm the template, condenser location, line length , and eligibility for financial assistance . At AirGreen , we deliver a clean , efficient, and sustainable construction site.
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