Installation of a Sharp (ZU1 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Île-des-Sœurs
Two Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps installed by AirGreen in Île-des-Sœurs : raised mounts, anti-vibration, short cooling path and four-season comfort. HVAC experts for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
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The job on one screen
The unit’s data sheet
The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.
| Size | Heating at −8 °C | Heating at −15 °C | Coldest certified point | COP at −15 °C | SEER | HSPF | Indicative LogisVert aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp ZU1 12 000 | 14,500 | 12,000 | −27 °C: 7,200 | 2.11 | 22.0 | 11.0 | $1,740 |
| Sharp ZU1 15 000 | 18,100 | 15,300 | −27 °C: 10,100 | 2.1 | 24.0 | 11.0 | $2,172 |
| Sharp ZU1 18 000 | 22,000 | 18,000 | −27 °C: 11,500 | 2.2 | 24.0 | 11.0 | $2,640 |
| Sharp ZU1 24 000 | 22,400 | 19,000 | −27 °C: 12,300 | 2.2 | 22.0 | 11.0 | $2,688 |
According to NEEP, it delivers 14,500 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (14,000 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 7,200 BTU/h, 60% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 17,100 BTU/h, 42% more than its nominal 12,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 18,100 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (18,000 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 10,100 BTU/h, 67% of its nominal 15,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 21,800 BTU/h, 45% more than its nominal 15,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 22,000 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (21,600 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its COP at −27 °C is 1.88: the highest of the ZU1 line, which ranges from 1.79 to 1.82 at that temperature.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 11,500 BTU/h, 64% of its nominal 18,000 BTU size.
At −27 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 3,200 BTU/h (5,500 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 19,000 BTU/h, 79% of its nominal 24,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 2.20.
Data read live from the airgreen.ca page of each size (NEEP / AHRI certified performance). When the title names the installed size, it is highlighted; otherwise the whole range is shown. The aid shown is today’s, using Hydro-Québec’s rule ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C); amounts quoted in the article date from its publication. Only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted.
The article, chapter by chapter
Two outdoor units on the roof terrace: performance, silence and exemplary finish
At AirGreen , we have just completed a particularly meticulous HVAC installation in Nuns' Island . The project consisted of installing two Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps (ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant) dedicated to two separate zones of a modern condominium. Our client wanted stable comfort in summer and winter , reduced outside noise , and aesthetic integration on a roof terrace covered with an elastomeric membrane.
From the design stage, we have favoured a sustainable approach: raised aluminium supports , navy blue anti-vibration pads under the plates, standard clearances for air supply and return, and a short refrigeration path to optimise seasonal yields.
Client context and needs
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Type of accommodation: contemporary condo with concrete structure, light-colored coated facade, access to a private terrace.
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Objectives: efficient air conditioning during summer peaks, efficient heating in very cold weather without noise overload for the neighborhood, and harmonious coexistence of two outdoor units.
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Constraints: accessible roof with black membrane, vibration management to prevent any structural transmission, wall crossings near a French window, and easy maintenance .
Why the Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 range)
Sharp's ZU1 range is one of the latest models using R-32 refrigerant , favoured for its high efficiency and lower climate impact compared to the previous generation. Key advantages:
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Fine modulation inverter technology : reduced consumption and very stable interior temperature.
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Good cold resistance (reliable heating in our latitudes).
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Quiet operation : fan and compressor optimized to limit noise levels.
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Advanced filtration inside, with Sharp's own Plasmacluster technology.
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Eligibility for grant programs when efficiency criteria are met — a point that our team systematically verifies for our clients in Greater Montreal.
Helpful note: When two separate zones need to be managed independently (bedroom/office, living room/guest room, etc.), two single-zone units can provide remarkable flexibility and reliability , while avoiding lengthy internal distributions.
Rooftop terrace layout details
We install the two condensers in line , parallel to the wall, on mechanically anchored aluminum trestles . Each plate rests on a shock-absorbing mat which:
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decouples the vibration,
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protects the membrane,
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stabilizes the charge during defrost cycles in winter.
This raised configuration has several benefits:
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Snow clearance during winter, preventing the grids from getting blocked.
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Simplified drainage of meltwater and rainwater.
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Easy maintenance , with full access to service panels.
Respect for clearances and air circulation
Sharp units blow through side and front grilles; we have maintained an air corridor between the two so that air discharged from one does not feed the other . The positioning takes into account:
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prevailing winds on the river, frequent on Île-des-Sœurs,
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solar reverberation on black membrane (which can increase the ambient temperature around the machines in summer),
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minimum distances recommended by the manufacturer and required by code.
Refrigeration path and power supply
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Reduced refrigeration lengths thanks to a direct wall crossing behind each machine.
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Controlled bending and nitrogen brazing to ensure watertightness.
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Continuous insulation of the linesets to prevent condensation and losses.
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Communication cables and dedicated power supply from the housing electrical panel, protected by suitable circuit breakers .
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Discreet white capping along the wall for a clean, UV-resistant finish.
Condensate management
Inside, we have favored gravity drainage when the slopes allow it. If the configuration requires it, we integrate a silent lifting pump with an anti-overflow alarm . In this project, the available heights allow gravity drainage , simplifying maintenance and reducing the risk of breakdown.
Noise reduction and acoustic comfort
Nuns' Island is a residential area where tranquility is valued. To limit noise perception:
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Anti-vibration pads under each of the plates,
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Tightening of fasteners to the correct torque to avoid harmonics,
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Night mode programmed on thermostats to reduce ventilation speed during sensitive periods,
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Measured spacing between units to avoid any airflow interference .
Result: a very low exterior noise level , imperceptible from inside when the French windows are closed.
Commissioning and checks
Our certified technicians carry out the following steps:
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Deep vacuum and leak testing,
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Fluid opening , balancing and control of over/underheating ,
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Electrical verification and communication between cards,
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Calibration of remote controls and instructions,
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Customer training : best practices for use, preventive HVAC maintenance , filter management and seasonal modes.
Results obtained
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Rapid temperature rise in heating mode, even in cold winds on the river,
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Uniform comfort in targeted rooms,
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Lower consumption compared to the old portable solution + additional heaters,
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Impeccable aesthetics from the terrace, without visible cables or overhangs.
Operating advice for Greater Montreal
For residents of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , we recommend:
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Auto/modulation modes : let the heat pump modulate rather than alternating on/off.
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Stable set temperature : avoid variations of more than 2°C to maximize efficiency.
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Winter clearance : maintain 30 to 60 cm free around the units; remove snow gently without hitting the grilles.
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Annual maintenance : cleaning of internal filters, inspection of connections, checking of supports and service caps.
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Summer protection : if the sunlight is very direct, consider a non-obstructive sunshade to limit surface overheating on the membrane.
Grants and Compliance
Sharp's ZU1 series R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps achieve seasonal performance ratings that can meet the criteria of grant programs offered in Quebec (depending on BTU configuration and certified performance). Our team supports each customer in:
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check eligibility (power, performance, installation by qualified contractor),
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assemble the supporting documents ,
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and submit the files within the required timeframes.
Why choose AirGreen?
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HVAC specialists in Greater Montreal, we are experts in urban (rooftop terraces, condominiums, plexes) and residential (houses, intergenerational) contexts.
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Selection of proven equipment : Sharp, Gree, Fujitsu, Midea… exclusively in their recent R-32 / R-454B versions .
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High-level finishing : alignment of supports, cappings in coordinated colors, watertight drilling and clean management of the membrane .
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After-sales service : scheduled maintenance, parts available, priority assistance during cold weather.
AirGreen operates daily in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore for wall-mounted heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , multi-zone systems and central heat pump projects. For a detailed quote and a perfectly sized choice of BTU capacity, our technical team guides you from the thermal study to commissioning.
The job tools
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Baseboards and electric furnaces turn 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump delivers more: that is its COP. At Hydro-Québec’s rate D (11.142¢/kWh above 40 kWh a day, since 1 April 2026):
Hydro-Québec: a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months.
Estimate per kWh of heat, at the chosen temperature, using the certified COP from the product page. Taxes, access charge and backup heat not included.
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.
How the job unfolds
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
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.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- 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.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What we check on a job like this one
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
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.
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.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
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.
Good habits, once the unit is in place
Six simple habits that keep the unit going. Your list stays on this device.
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.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
The right pages, at the right time
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.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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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).