Installation of a Sharp ZU1 series wall-mounted heat pump in Nuns' Island
AirGreen installs a Sharp ZU1 series wall-mounted heat pump in Île-des-Sœurs: high integration near a bay window, gravity drain, discreet capping, performance and silence for a bright living room.
Take a tour of the installation
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.
Discreet comfort in co-ownership: a clean, efficient project designed to last
At AirGreen , we install heat pumps that blend seamlessly into the interior design while delivering consistent performance year-round. This project in Nun's Island (Montreal) features a Sharp ZU1 series wall-mounted heat pump, installed high on the wall near a large bay window. The result: a bright, precisely temperature-controlled living space without compromising on aesthetics.
The customer's need and our recommendation
The owner wanted:
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efficiently air-condition and heat the living-dining area facing the river;
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reduce temperature differences linked to afternoon solar input;
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minimize noise and visible elements.
We proposed a Sharp ZU1 series for its fine modulation, low noise level and Plasmacluster filtration, which is appreciated in urban environments. The sizing takes into account the glazed volume, the occupancy rate and the internal loads (electronics, lighting).
Interior integration: controlled diffusion and careful finishing
Location. The indoor unit is positioned at the corner of the exterior wall , under the ceiling, above the curtain return. This location avoids direct airflow onto the occupants and sweeps the ceiling to distribute air evenly towards the TV area and reading corner.
Clearances. Sharp's recommended side and top clearances are met, ensuring maintenance access and optimal air intake.
Processing of connections.
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Single rear drilling (Ø ≈ 65 mm), invisible once the head is fitted.
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Short refrigeration line (≈ 3 m) limiting pressure losses and improving seasonal efficiency.
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Gravity drain with continuous slope towards the outside; installation of a non-return valve to prevent any entry of cold air in winter.
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Power and communication cables bundled, sheathed and mechanically secured to eliminate vibration.
Aesthetic.
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Flush-mounted crossing cover, sealed with acrylic painter's putty .
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No visible channel inside: the finish remains refined around the mirror and the TV niche.
Outdoor installation: silence and compliance in co-ownership
In co-ownership on Île-des-Sœurs , acoustic control and compliance with building regulations are essential.
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Outdoor unit placed on anti-vibration support on the private balcony, rear and side clearance respected.
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10mm neoprene pads and rubber spacers under the base to break the solid transmission.
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Condensate drain cable protected against frost; discharge away from pedestrian paths.
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Disconnect box within visual range of the device, compliant with the Quebec Electrical Code.
AirGreen Methodology: Precision and Controls
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Nitrogen test at 350 psi, stabilized, no drop.
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Deep vacuum ≤ 500 microns, hold for 15 min, then static leak test.
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Tightening to the torque specified by Sharp (flare fittings).
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Settings : setpoint, auto-swing mode, silent speed, locking of sensitive functions.
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Final checks : overheating/subcooling, intensity, supply/return temperature, perceived noise.
These steps ensure stable operation, increased compressor longevity and high efficiencies in heating and cooling modes.
Performance and concrete benefits for the customer
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Fine regulation thanks to the inverter: the machine adapts its power to the solar input from the bay window.
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Quiet in real use : low speed in the evening, conversation and TV viewing preserved.
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Air quality : Plasmacluster filtration, useful against cooking odors and fine particles.
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Savings : in mid-season, the heat pump advantageously replaces electric convectors.
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Uniform comfort : Tangential airflow along the ceiling eliminates hot spots near the window and cool spots on the corridor side.
Best practices that we apply in glass facades
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Comfort probe positioned to avoid false signals due to direct solar radiation.
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Shutter orientation : wide horizontal sweep, moderate vertical angle to limit air projection on the curtains.
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Multimedia cable management near the TV: no crossing with the refrigerator line, reducing the risk of subsequent drilling when wall anchoring.
HVAC Maintenance: The Simple and Effective Plan
Regular HVAC maintenance maintains efficiency and silence:
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Filters : Gentle vacuuming every 4 to 6 weeks; washing in warm water and drying thoroughly.
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Tray and drain : check the slope and rinse at the start of summer.
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Exchanger : annual professional cleaning to prevent lamellar fouling.
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Outdoor unit : clearing of grilles (leaves, snow), visual inspection of anti-vibration mounts.
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Annual AirGreen visit : electrical check, thermometry, static pressure, tightening, parameter updates.
Tips for use and pitfalls to avoid
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Avoid installing rods or supports in the axis of the crossing; keep 15 cm of free clearance.
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Do not point the shutters directly towards the curtains : risk of local condensation and annoying ripples.
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In winter, favor a stable setting (20–21°C) rather than sudden variations which increase consumption.
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If a fireplace is used, keep the ventilation low so as not to disrupt the draft.
Grants and support
High-performance wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for current programs ( LogisVert Hydro-Québec , local assistance). Our team assists with the selection of eligible models, the collection of proof of HVAC installation and the submission of files for customers in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Why AirGreen for your project in Île-des-Sœurs and Greater Montreal?
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Management of co-ownership construction sites : communication with the union, work slots, acoustic requirements.
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Premium finish : clean drilling, watertight seals, discreet exterior capping , short paths.
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Rigorous sizing : calculation of loads with glazed surfaces and actual exposures, choice of BTU capacity which avoids over- or under-sizing.
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Structured after-sales service : HVAC maintenance reminders, seasonal optimization and rapid technical assistance.
Balance sheet
This Sharp wall-mounted heat pump installation in Nun's Island delivers stable temperatures, exemplary acoustics, and a meticulous interior finish. The living room enjoys precise comfort, summer and winter, while consumption remains contained thanks to inverter modulation and optimized cooling length. This is exactly the level of quality that AirGreen advocates for every project in Greater Montreal .
The unit on this job, in figures
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 big day, step by step
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 would it look like at your place?
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.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
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.
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.
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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Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
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).