Installation of a Sharp ZU1 series wall-mounted heat pump in Nuns' Island
In Île-des-Sœurs , AirGreen installs a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump on a balcony: raised support, short connections, careful sealing and silence in co-ownership. HVAC installation service in 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
A sleek balcony installation: performance, silence and respect for the co-ownership
At AirGreen , we deliver HVAC systems that fit perfectly with the requirements of condominiums in Greater Montreal. This project in Île- des-Sœurs (Montreal) features a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump ( ZU1 series, new generation refrigerant) installed on a balcony with a paved slab and coated facade, near a French window. The goal: a discreet system, stable in the cold, without disturbing traffic or neighbors.
Project context and client expectations
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High-rise condo with tiled balcony and metal railing .
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Need for a contained noise level and a sober aesthetic (no unnecessary visible ducting).
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Request for a raised support to preserve water flow and facilitate cleaning of the balcony.
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Simplified maintenance access, accessible external electrical disconnection , and securing of drillings.
Why the Sharp ZU1 series for a condo in Nuns' Island?
The ZU1 series is distinguished by:
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An inverter compressor offering excellent capacity maintenance at low temperatures — an asset for Greater Montreal winters.
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Controlled exterior noise levels , appreciated in dense environments.
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Reliable electronics and washable filters on the inside, limiting maintenance costs.
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A power range covering the main rooms (open-plan living room, bedroom or office), with fine modulation to avoid overheating or short cycles.
At AirGreen, we always size capacity based on the envelope (orientation, glazing, infiltration) and uses, in order to reduce annual consumption while guaranteeing comfort.
Technical details of the installation
Condenser installation
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Outdoor unit placed on a four-legged aluminum base , stainless steel screws and anti-vibration pads . This extension:
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protects equipment from puddles and dust,
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simplifies balcony maintenance,
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reduces the solid transmission of vibrations in the slab.
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Clearances around the suction/discharge faces are respected to preserve air flow and efficiency during heat waves.
Drilling, connections and sealing
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Short wall crossing (balcony → room) with sleeve, vapor barrier and polymer mastic ; the aesthetics of the coated facing are preserved.
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Very short total length of refrigeration connections (≈ 2–4 m) : less pressure loss, better pressure stability.
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Continuous insulation of lines, clamps and UV protection where direct sun is present; tight sealing cap on the outside.
Food and safety
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Handy disconnect box , clear labeling, cable curve protected against abrasion.
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Clean electrical routing along the bottom of the facade, without obstructing the opening of the French window.
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Grounding checked, terminal blocks tightened to the correct torque and current checked during operation.
Condensate management
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Gravity drainage from the interior head to the exterior: continuous slope, discreet exit at the foot of the wall, outside the passage area.
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Provision for anti-freeze heating cable if the co-ownership requires it during periods of prolonged frost.
AirGreen Method: Commissioning and Checks
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Deep vacuum < 500 microns with vacuum resistance test.
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Opening of valves and stabilization of pressures.
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Superheat/subcooling reading, leak check.
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Compressor intensity measurement, supply/return temperature on the interior side.
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Remote control settings: comfort modes, dehumidification, eco settings and time slots.
We provide the customer with a seasonal operating guide (winter/summer) and maintenance recommendations.
Site constraints and solutions chosen
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Narrow balcony : the compact support frees up circulation, while leaving full access to the facade for maintenance.
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Clear facade (plaster): minimal drilling, white finish of visible accessories and careful sealing for durability.
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Close neighborhood : orientation of the air discharge to avoid any direct blowing towards the railing; checking the noise level at several fan speeds.
Expected results: comfort and efficiency
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Even air conditioning of the main rooms, without jolts thanks to inverter modulation.
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Efficient supplementary heating in mid-season and support during winter thaws, which reduces the need for main heating.
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Air quality maintained by washable filters; cleaning recommended twice a year.
Aesthetics and durability of integration
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Clean and short wall crossing: no unnecessary visible ducts on the facade.
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Aluminum base resistant to corrosion in urban environments; stainless steel screws.
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Positioning to avoid resonances from guardrails , and height calculated to stay away from watering water and dirt.
HVAC maintenance: our best practices
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Gentle washing of the external battery, fan and drip tray control.
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Re-insulation if traces of UV, checking tightening torques on fittings.
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Cleaning the blower and the heat exchanger on the inside to maintain efficiency and limit allergens.
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Annual HVAC maintenance program available in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and South Shore .
Grants and Compliance
Recent generation high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps (lower GWP refrigerants and lower cooling performance) are often eligible for provincial subsidies. We verify model-by-model eligibility (SEER/HSPF ratings, cooling capacity, installation criteria) and provide the required proof: serial photos, detailed invoice, and certified qualified installer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How We Prevent Them)
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Insufficient clearances on the discharge side → loss of efficiency: we respect the spacings and direct the flow.
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Support placed directly on slab → structural noise: we use anti-vibration pads and a suitable base.
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Drilling without vapor barrier → moisture infiltration: systematic sleeve, mastic and sealing strip.
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Drain without slope → random dripping: validated gravity route and controlled outlet.
Deadlines and organization
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Pre-visit with co-ownership validation.
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Installation of a single head usually completed in one day .
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Commissioning and user training on the same day, then submission of the technical file.
What the customer remembers
A discreet , silent and reliable solution, perfectly suited to the co-ownerships of Île-des-Sœurs: the outdoor unit does not interfere with life on the balcony or the aesthetics of the facade, while providing precise comfort all year round.
Are you considering a similar installation?
Our team installs wall-mounted heat pumps and wall-mounted air conditioners throughout Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and South Shore , with the same level of technical requirements and finishing.
Express FAQ
Is raised support mandatory on balconies?
It is highly recommended for maintenance, drainage and structural noise reduction.
Do you need a condensate pump?
In this case, no: gravity drain is possible. When the slope is lacking, we install a silent pump with safety.
What to plan for winter?
Pre-season maintenance and snow removal from the surrounding area are sufficient. The installed series retains useful capacity in the cold; using a main heating system remains advisable during extreme peaks.
The AirGreen signature
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Rigorous sizing and short refrigeration path to maximize yield.
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Exemplary sealing of the holes and accessible electrical disconnection .
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Neat finish on a light facade, aligned with the standards of the co-ownerships of Île-des-Sœurs.
At AirGreen, we combine engineering and attention to detail for installations that last, throughout Greater Montreal .
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).