Installation of a Sharp ZU1 range wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Laurent

Four-season comfort in a bright Saint-Laurent office, with careful integration and performance adapted to the Montreal climate.

Context: a glass workspace that requires precision

At AirGreen , we are working in an office space in Saint-Laurent : suspended ceiling, light wall, deep window overlooking a road, slatted blinds and beam drop near the doorway. The client wants:

• maintain a stable temperature for a team on a continuous schedule;

• reduce the use of electric heaters in mid-season;

• a discreet HVAC installation , without visual or noise nuisance;

• an effective solution for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer for Greater Montreal .

We recommend a new generation Sharp R-32 wall-mounted heat pump (model from the ZU1 range ), known for its seasonal performance and resistance to low temperatures.

Why the Sharp R-32 range in a Saint-Laurent office

• High energy efficiency in heating and cooling mode, with R-32 refrigerant at reduced GWP compared to R-410A.

• Extreme cold : maintaining performance below −20°C, relevant for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .

• Quiet : low interior noise level, ideal for concentration spaces.

• Air quality and comfort : fine control of air flow and shutter to avoid direct drafts on workstations.

Interior head positioning: glare-free efficiency

We place the wall head at the highest point of the wall, aligned with the suspended ceiling , close to the drop and set back from the glazing. Objectives:

• sweeping the air along the ceiling for a homogeneous mixture;

• avoid solar gain and direct blowing towards the work area;

• keep the blinds free to move and access to the window for maintenance.

The wall bracket is anchored in the solid area. We check the level and flatness to ensure gravity drainage of condensate and quiet operation.

Route of connections, capping and crossing

To preserve the aesthetics of the office:

• we group refrigerant lines + cable + drain in a vertical white capping which descends from the side outlet of the head, following the angle of the wall then towards the crossing;

• estimated total length of lines: 2 to 3 m (round trip), minimizing pressure losses;

• short wall crossing near the bay; Ø65 mm drilling, peripheral vapor barrier and external sealing;

• continuous insulation of connections (closed cells) and taping at connections to prevent condensation on the wall.

This compact path limits interventions in the suspended ceiling and maintains a minimal visual signature in the room.

Condensate drainage: priority to gravity

The drain follows the same capping with a controlled slope towards the outside. Advantages:

• increased reliability (no pump);

• quiet operation;

• maintenance limited to periodic rinsing.
  If the architecture requires it, we plan the mini-pump option, but here gravity evacuation was the natural choice.

Outdoor unit: flat roof and protections

The office building has a flat roof : we install the outdoor unit on anti-vibration rails with weighted slabs:

• standard clearances respected for suction and discharge;

• defrosting management and free flow away from traffic areas;

• windshield and lift to keep the machine out of snow accumulations;

• cabling and connections over-clad and UV protected.
  This choice avoids cluttering the glass facade and limits the transmission of vibrations to the lightweight partitions.

Key steps for a successful HVAC installation

1. Electrical validation : dedicated circuit breaker and rating adapted to the Sharp nameplate; verification of the differential if required by site.

2. Installation of the support and laser level control for the flow of condensates.

3. Drilling with sleeve, air barrier treatment and external sealing.

4. Brazing under nitrogen , dry nitrogen pressurization for leak testing.

5. High vacuum to the micron, stabilization then opening of the valves.

6. Settings : mode configuration, air flow check, heating/air conditioning test and temperature balance.

7. Finishing touches : capping, collars, UV protection, site cleanliness and usage instructions.

Results obtained

• Rapid temperature reduction in summer in the glass area without cold spots near the stations.

• Reduced use of electric baseboards during the off-season thanks to heat pump mode.

• Sound level compatible with meetings and phone calls; no vibrations felt in the suspended ceiling.

Operating tips for lasting comfort

• Orient the shutter so that the flow runs along the ceiling: better mixing, less draft on the occupants.

• Use dehumidification mode on muggy days for stable comfort without overcooling.

• Schedule suitable time slots (arrival/end of day) to optimize consumption.

• HVAC maintenance : cleaning of filters every 4–6 weeks during periods of use, and annual inspection (pressure, connections, condensates, defrost test).

AirGreen best practices and points of vigilance

• Respecting the bending radius of the tubes and limiting elbows: a guarantee of compressor efficiency and longevity.

• Airtightness at the penetration: essential for the effectiveness of the envelope and the reduction of external noise.

• Sufficient lifting of the outdoor unit on a flat roof: avoids air recirculation and snow build-up.

• Accurate sizing (BTU): Avoid oversizing which leads to short cycles and poorly managed humidity.

Grants and support

High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance depending on current programs and performance criteria. We assist our clients in verifying eligibility and preparing files for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .

What this achievement changes for commercial buildings in Greater Montreal

• Clean integration into finished premises, without heavy work on false ceilings.

• Consistent thermal comfort despite large glass surfaces.

• Better controlled operating costs thanks to heat pump mode and fine adjustments.

• Simplified maintenance and easy access to components for preventive maintenance.