Careful integration on the terrace: condenser on an aluminum base, protected connections, accessible circuit breaker and R-32 performance for 4-season comfort without disturbance.
The context: a garden level in Verdun
In Verdun , a residential neighborhood popular for its plexes and ground-level terraces, we are modernizing a home with direct outdoor access. The goal: to install a recent Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (R-32 range) to provide air conditioning in the summer and efficient supplemental heating in the winter, while maintaining circulation on the patio. The site has a stucco wall , an adjacent patio door , and limited ground clearance due to the layout of the terrace.
Expectations defined with the client
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Stable and quiet comfort in the main living area.
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Minimum floor space on the terrace.
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Easy HVAC maintenance (circuit breakers, clearances).
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Aesthetics and durability in the face of Montreal's freeze-thaw environment.
Why a wall-mounted Sharp for this type of home?
Sharp's latest-generation units combine high-modulation inverter and Plasmacluster air treatment technology for a healthier interior. In heating mode, the machine maintains useful capacity at low outdoor temperatures, which meets the needs of Greater Montreal . Fine-tuning limits short cycles and lowers consumption in mid-season.
Concrete benefits:
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Very fast load ramp-up and ramp-down thanks to the inverter compressor .
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Quiet operation, essential in living rooms adjoining the terrace.
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R-32 : new generation refrigerant, with lower GWP than R-410A.
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Controlled interior diffusion via the wall head, with motorized sweep to homogenize the temperature.
Outdoor installation: stability, security, longevity
On the terrace, we install the Sharp condenser on an aluminum base with blue anti-vibration pads . This assembly:
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Elevates equipment to protect it from snow, runoff and ice deposits.
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Reduces the transmission of vibrations to the patio floor.
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Prevents clogging by dust and leaves.
An external circuit breaker is located nearby to provide electrical isolation for maintenance. The refrigeration connections and the control system are sheathed and protected by a UV-resistant white cap . A service loop at the base of the condenser prevents mechanical stress on the connections during thermal expansion.
Clearances and air circulation
We respect the side and front clearances recommended by the manufacturer to guarantee:
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Free convection through the exchanger.
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Efficient defrost cycles in winter.
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Maintenance without heavy disassembly.
Wall passage and interior integration
The drilling is carried out with a slight slope towards the outside to facilitate the evacuation of condensates from the interior head in air conditioning mode (gravity drain). We install a sleeve and elastomeric caulking for air and water tightness, essential on rendered walls.
Route of the connections:
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Pre-flared and continuously insulated copper pair (taped joints to ensure vapor barrier ).
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Communication and power cable in the same capping for a clean finish.
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Estimated total length 2 to 3 m between the head and the condenser: low pressure losses and zero or minimal additional refrigerant quantity depending on the capacity.
Inside, the head is positioned high up for optimal room coverage while avoiding air recycling under the ceiling. The aesthetic is discreet; only the motorized shutter remains visible, ready to direct the flow.
Technical steps of HVAC installation
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Site preparation : protection of the terrace and patio door, location of networks, validation of the drilling point.
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Fixing the base : stainless steel anchors on slabs; checking for plumbness and rigidity .
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Installing the inner plate : checking clearances and level to avoid flow noises.
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Through drilling and sleeve of the wall; installation of the controlled slope drain .
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Routing of refrigeration connections and sealing of the capping.
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Connections : Flare couplers tightened to the prescribed torque ; circuit breaker connected, grounding checked, circuit breaker dedicated to the panel.
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Long-term vacuum (target < 500 microns) and resistance test; fluid release and controls (intensity, superheat/subcooling, delta T).
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Settings : mode, fan speed, sweep; recording of commissioning values in the AirGreen file.
Winter management: de-icing, condensates, snow
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The base elevates the unit to prevent snow from being sucked in and to allow defrost water to drain away without stagnating in front of the patio door.
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A soil slope profile is considered to divert water away from traffic areas.
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Instructions for use: Clear the front of the unit of snow if there is a heavy accumulation and keep the rear clear.
Result: comfort and silence every day
The customer benefits from rapid cooling during hot weather and additional heating that relieves the burden on old electric convectors. The noise level remains very low on automatic speeds; the sweep function distributes the air without any perceived drafts.
Maintenance and best practices
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Filters : clean every 4 to 6 weeks during intensive use.
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Annual inspection : pressures, connections, condensate drainage, condition of capping.
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Instructions : avoid extreme instructions; prefer a stable temperature for the heat pump in order to optimize the COP .
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Winter: Keep clearance in front of the condenser; do not cover the unit.
Sizing: Choosing the Right Capacity
For a garden level of 350 to 550 sq ft with average insulation, a 12,000 BTU is often ideal. We analyze:
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Orientation and solar gain via the patio door.
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Building sealing and air renewal.
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Occupation profile (teleworking days, evenings, weekends).
If several closed rooms need to be served, we offer a MultiZone Sharp or a combination with interior systems (cassette/floor-ceiling) depending on the configuration.
Grants and local compliance
Recent high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for programs in Quebec, subject to certifications and performance in extreme cold. We support our customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore for:
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Check the technical criteria .
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Estimate the savings .
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Prepare the file in good and due form.
The installation complies with the Quebec Electrical Code : dedicated circuit breaker , external circuit breaker , compliant grounding and caulking resistant to freeze-thaw cycles.
Common mistakes… avoided by our methodology
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Condenser placed directly on the ground : here, aluminum base for snow and durability.
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Exposed capping not watertight : neat joints and outlets; service loop to relieve connections.
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Insufficient clearances : strict compliance with heat exchange and maintenance.
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Counter-slope drain : level check and flow test before delivery to the customer.
AirGreen, your local HVAC partner
Our teams are familiar with Verdun terraces and Montreal plexes , as well as their constraints: noise , vibrations , harsh winters , and restricted spaces . Our approach prioritizes a durable, easy-to-maintain, and aesthetically pleasing HVAC installation —a crucial point when the unit is located next to a heavily used patio door .
Next step
Are you looking for a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump or a recent R-32 / R-454B alternative for Verdun and Greater Montreal? We offer a technical visit with sizing, support options (wall, slab, base), and work planning without disrupting your daily life.