Four-season comfort on an urban balcony: a solid, clean and durable exterior installation
At AirGreen , we have just equipped a condo in Verdun with a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series, R-32 refrigerant) . The outdoor unit is installed on the balcony , a common configuration in plexes and condominiums in southwest Montreal. Our goal: to deliver an HVAC installation that is discreet , efficient and reliable in winter , while respecting space and neighborhood constraints.
The context: a narrow balcony, close neighbors, and demanding winters
The apartment overlooks a tree-lined residential street. Floor space is limited, access is via a patio door, and occupant circulation must remain unobstructed. We therefore favor a raised installation of the outdoor unit to clear the passageway, facilitate water drainage, and protect the unit from snow accumulation.
Equipment selection: Sharp R-32 wall-mounted heat pump
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Type of equipment: single-zone wall-mounted heat pump ( mini-split ).
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Brand: Sharp .
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Range: ZU1 series (Inverter, R-32).
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Refrigerant: R-32 , more efficient and lower GWP than older R-410A systems.
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Application: efficient additional heating at low temperature and gentle air conditioning in summer.
This Sharp ZU1 family is renowned for its silence , its stability in the cold and its energy efficiency , major assets in a dense urban environment like Verdun.
Installation details: what we did, and why
Raised aluminum support with anti-vibration pads
We placed the outdoor unit on a raised aluminum support (four feet), fitted with anti-vibration pads under the soles.
Benefits :
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Ground clearance to avoid snow and allow free flow of condensate.
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Reduction of vibration transmission to the balcony slab and to the guardrail.
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Increased technical accessibility for annual maintenance ( HVAC maintenance ).
Noise and vibration management: respect for the neighborhood
The noise level is strongly influenced by the quality of the installation. We direct the fan towards the open space, we mechanically separate the support points, and we optimize the lengths and curves of the connections to avoid any buzzing in the structure. The result: very discreet operation, suitable for condominiums.
Electricity: outdoor disconnect box and dedicated circuit
In the immediate vicinity of the unit, we have installed an outdoor, waterproof disconnect box , compliant with the requirements of the RBQ and CCQ standards. The unit is powered by a dedicated circuit from the main panel, with circuit breaker rating and conductor gauge sized according to the inverter compressor nameplate.
Refrigerant connections and finishing
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Clean wall outlet from the inside, insulated and sealed crossing connections , high-strength UV tape.
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Estimated lengths : approximately 1.5 m from the indoor head to the outlet, then 0.6 to 0.8 m to the outdoor unit expansion valve; radius clearance respected on curves.
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Accessible service valve , calibrated flared fittings , torque controlled by dynamometer .
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High vacuum < 500 microns and nitrogen leak test before opening the fluid.
Drainage: gravity and without pump
On balconies, we favor gravity drainage . The slope is controlled from the interior tank to the outlet; no electromechanical equipment (pump) is required, which reduces the risk of breakdown and simplifies maintenance .
Clearances and air circulation
The unit has a free setback from the wall and sufficient height under the rejingot to ensure suction and blowing. We respect the recommended clearances (side, rear and front) to prevent recirculation of cold air in heating and to protect the compressor .
What the customer actually gains
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Four-season comfort : stable warmth in mid-season and winter, moderate and even coolness in summer.
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Energy efficiency : Inverter technology that adapts power to actual needs, reducing on/off cycles.
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Discretion : low noise level and vibrations contained thanks to the studs and rigid support.
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Durability : Snow-free installation, protected connections, UV finishes and easy access for annual HVAC maintenance .
Grants and Compliance (Montreal, Laval, North Shore, South Shore)
Depending on the BTU capacity and efficiency of the installed model, R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for certain energy efficiency financial assistance programs . We verify eligibility (power, cooling efficiency, certification) on a case-by-case basis . Our team supports customers in:
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verification of criteria ,
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preparation of documents ,
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and the required installation certificate .
All our installations comply with the standards of the RBQ , the CCQ and the requirements of co-ownerships (drainage, noise, drilling, aesthetics).
AirGreen Tips for Balcony Installations
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Always raise the outdoor unit in urban areas: snow clearance, easier maintenance, better acoustics.
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Anti-vibration pads are mandatory on the feet: comfort for the neighborhood and longevity of the compressor.
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Visible and accessible external disconnection : security and compliance.
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Preferred gravity drainage : less maintenance, less noise.
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UV protection of insulation and sealing of crossings: durable connections.
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Annual maintenance : exchanger cleaning, tightening checked, load and performance check, to maintain seasonal efficiency.
Progress of work and deadlines
The typical intervention takes half a day to a day depending on access and the length of the connections. Here, the logistics of the balcony and the proximity of the interior head reduced the finishing work . We then proceed with commissioning , functional tests in hot and cold conditions, and the provision of operating and maintenance instructions .
Why AirGreen?
We combine technical expertise , respect for the rules of the art and attention to detail . Our experience in the dense neighborhoods of Greater Montreal — Montreal , Laval , North Shore and South Shore — allows us to anticipate constraints (noise, co-ownership, weather) and deliver an HVAC installation that performs every day, summer and winter.
Balance sheet
This installation of a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series) in Verdun illustrates our approach: rigid supporting structure, anti-vibration , standard disconnection , careful connections and gravity drainage . A clean, safe and durable system, designed for the comfort of occupants and the peace of mind of neighbors.
Disclaimer : Grant criteria, municipal codes, and installation standards are subject to change. We always validate requirements during planning.