Four-season comfort in a glass-enclosed condo: a clean integration above the bay
At AirGreen , we successfully installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series) in a Griffintown condo. The apartment, with its large windows and exposed to the winds from the Lachine Canal, required a quiet, stable HVAC solution that was visually discreet. The result: an inverter-modulated system placed above the bay window, with a covered service path that follows the angle of the wall for a clean and durable finish.
Why the Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series) for a Griffintown condo?
In recent towers in the Southwest , living areas are open and often bathed in sunlight. You need a unit that can quickly absorb heat gains in summer, while still providing reliable heating in cold weather. The Sharp ZU1 ticks these boxes:
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Eco Inverter Compressor: power is finely adjusted, reducing consumption and limiting perceived temperature variations.
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Plasmacluster Ion Technology: Improves indoor air quality —a welcome benefit in buildings with sealed windows.
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Low noise level in Auto/Low speeds, ideal for living spaces adjoining the bedroom.
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Compact indoor unit with a simple design, which fits into a contemporary decor without being visually overloaded.
Reading space and positioning the head
The living room has a large bay window equipped with vertical blinds . We positioned the head above the lintel , as close as possible to the textured ceiling , to:
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Free up the wall space and keep the blinds running without snagging.
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Maximize controlled stratification : in air conditioning, cold air blows horizontally, along the ceiling and then “falls” back to the center of the room; in heating, modulation maintains gentle convection, without hot spots.
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Direct air away from seating areas and the work surface, increasing perceived comfort.
The clearance around the unit complies with the manufacturer's distances to ensure optimal airflow and quiet operation.
Technical path: discreet vertical capping and UV protection
The refrigeration connections , the communication cable and the condensate drain are grouped in a white capping which descends vertically along the wall return, then runs towards the technical outlet. This choice provides:
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A coherent visual integration with the pale woodwork and white walls.
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Mechanical protection against furniture impacts and household maintenance.
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Easy access in case of diagnosis: each section of the hood can be unclipped.
On the exterior, anti-UV capping and closed insulation limit aging due to the sun, particularly present on the glass facades of Griffintown.
Drilling, sealing and vapor barrier continuity
On condo structures, we favor punched holes with:
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Reconstructed vapor barrier sleeve to maintain the seal of the envelope.
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Membrane compatible elastomeric flashing and sealant for exterior outlet.
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Collars and anchors spaced to prevent beam buckling.
This method eliminates air infiltration , reduces parasitic noise and protects the structure against interstitial condensation .
Gravity drainage and condensate control
The drain is gravity- fed with a continuous slope and a non-return loop near the outlet. The sections near the bay have been insulated against condensation to prevent the formation of droplets during the very humid days of July and August. This eliminates the need for a condensate pump , reducing noise and future maintenance.
Power supply and compliance
The unit is connected to a dedicated 240V circuit , protected by an independent circuit breaker at the panel. A disconnect box is installed near the outdoor condenser (on the roof or balcony, depending on the building's configuration) in accordance with RBQ and Hydro-Québec regulations. The communication cable follows the same covered path as the lines to limit any disruption and simplify service .
Commissioning: AirGreen protocol
Our technicians applied the in-house protocol:
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Nitrogen test and brazing check.
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Deep vacuum with stabilization and micron reading.
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Powering up and self-checking the electronic board.
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Measurement of blown temperatures and intensities in cold/heat modes.
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Calibration of shutters and Auto speed, then customer training (filter maintenance, seasonal adjustments, savings tips).
This process ensures long-lasting performance and prevents service returns due to insufficient loads or vacuum draws.
Results: immediate comfort and controlled silence
From the first time you turn it on, the room quickly reaches the setpoint despite the afternoon sun . In the evening, the inverter modulation maintains a stable temperature without jolts, and the Low speed keeps the noise level very low—perfect for teleworking, relaxing, or a night open to the living room.
AirGreen Best Practices for Condos with Large Windows
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Position high above the lintel, with horizontal air discharge to avoid direct airflow onto occupants.
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Reduce the length of refrigeration connections: better seasonal efficiency and faster response.
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Favor gravity drainage when possible; otherwise, provide a pump with detector and annual maintenance.
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Clean filters every 6 to 8 weeks during heavy use; dust the lintel if streaks form near the ceiling.
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Annual HVAC maintenance : washing the outdoor coil, checking currents and temperature differential, electrical tightening.
What about the outdoor unit?
In this sector, the outdoor unit is generally installed on a flat roof with raised anti-vibration supports or on a balcony according to the co-ownership regulations. We respect air clearances , protect the lines with UV capping and organize a safe route for the service (technical aisle, disconnection within reach, clear identification of circuits).
Grants and administrative support
High-performance heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 series may be eligible for assistance programs, depending on the type of housing and current criteria. We support our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore to assess eligibility, gather supporting documents, and optimize the application .
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Montreal and Greater Montreal
Our commitment: clean, compliant and sustainable installations. From taking measurements to commissioning , we aim for an aesthetic and efficient result, supported by a maintenance service that protects your investment. Whether you are in Griffintown , Ville-Marie , Laval or on the South Shore/North Shore , our teams deliver turnkey projects in wall-mounted heat pumps , multi-zones , central units and related systems.
