Installation of a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Léonard
In Saint-Léonard , we are installing a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump on brackets with a brown "L"-shaped casing and external sectioning . An AirGreen HVAC installation designed for Montreal winters: comfort, silence and a durable finish.
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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
Reliable heating in the middle of a Montreal winter: reinforced brackets, L-shaped metal cladding and exterior sectioning for durable integration on a brick facade
Project background
At AirGreen , we are modernizing a brick house in the Saint-Léonard sector of Montreal with a Sharp ZU1 series (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump. The owner's goal is clear: four- season comfort without increasing the energy bill, a clean and durable HVAC installation , and quiet operation despite exposure to wind and snow. The installation is done in winter , which requires precise technical choices: adequate elevation , clearances for defrosting, perfect sealing of openings and protection of connections.
Why Sharp ZU1 (R-32) series here
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Extreme cold performance : fine modulation inverter compressor, maintains heating capacity at low temperatures; ideal for metropolitan areas.
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R-32 refrigerant : improved performance and reduced environmental impact compared to older generations.
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Silence : variable speed fan motor and fine vibration management → acoustic comfort for family and neighbors.
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Mini-split format : no ducts to install; the indoor head directly targets the main living area.
Sizing: For this brick home, we validate a power of 9,000 to 15,000 BTU depending on the orientation of the rooms, the surface area and the internal contributions. The correct caliber prevents short cycles and stabilizes the humidity.
Reading the site and architectural intentions
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Red brick facade with cemented basement and basement window: typical context of residential neighborhoods in eastern Montreal.
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Outdoor unit on reinforced wall brackets : installed at mid-height to free the unit from snow accumulated on the ground and facilitate water discharge during defrost cycles.
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Brown metallized “L”-shaped cladding : a horizontal section runs along the base then a vertical section goes up the wall. The assembly protects and hides the refrigeration connections , the communication cable and the drain while visually integrating into the masonry.
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Accessible external disconnect box **: safety for maintenance and rapid disconnection in the event of intervention.
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Short, straight path between the inner head and the condenser: minimized pressure losses, preserved efficiency .
Our installation method (AirGreen process)
1) Preliminary study and preparation
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Calculation of thermal load , identification of passage axes and validation with the owner.
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Choice of brackets (galvanized steel) and stainless steel screws suitable for solid masonry.
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Dedicated power supply plan with circuit breaker compliant with Sharp specifications.
2) Drilling(s) and sealing
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Brick coring with rigid sleeve ; controlled slope for gravity flow of condensates in air conditioning mode.
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Vapor barrier on the interior side and elastomeric sealant on the exterior to prevent air and water infiltration.
3) Mechanical installation of the condenser
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Level the brackets and check the clearances : front (60–90 cm free), sides and rear, to avoid air recirculation .
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Disconnection by anti-vibration pads; tightening to the torque to prevent any drift during freezing/thawing.
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Checking for a clear path under the appliance for winter defrosting .
4) Refrigeration connections and hooding
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Large radius bending of insulated copper tubes; brazing under nitrogen , deep vacuum and micron leak testing .
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Installation of the brown metallic “L” shaped cover , adjusted to the millimeter: it camouflages the connections, protects them from UV rays and impacts and respects the aesthetics of the facade.
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Drip loop and drain routing to prevent any infiltration into the appliances.
5) Electricity and safety
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Connection to a dedicated circuit with a circuit breaker rating corresponding to the Sharp nameplate.
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Installation of a watertight and clearly labeled service disconnect .
6) Commissioning and calibration
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Reading of suction/discharge pressures , control of currents , superheating and subcooling .
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Setting modes and speeds ; explaining defrost cycles to the owner.
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HVAC maintenance tips: Clean outdoor coil in spring, indoor filters every 4–8 weeks.
Visible details that make the difference
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Wall brackets : the ideal solution when there is a lack of floor space or when the ground is saturated with water and snow; they keep the device out of reach of accumulations and facilitate snow removal .
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“L” shaped cover : clean and straight path; fewer bends = less pressure loss and better long-term reliability .
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External sectioning : requires a simple cut-off for maintenance and reassures insurers and unions.
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Installation height : designed to preserve airflow during storms and protect the facade from frost splashes when hot air is released.
Results obtained for the family
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Stable heating of living spaces, reduction of the delta near windows and rapid increase in comfort after frequent door openings.
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Noise is controlled outside thanks to the decoupling and inverter mode; inside, the wall head finely modulates for a gentle airflow .
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Respected aesthetics : the brown cladding follows the base line and matches the brick.
Best AirGreen practices in Montreal winter
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Minimum clearance of 60–90 cm in front of the blower grille; do not store anything under the appliance.
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Monitoring after heavy snowfall: free the front and underside to promote defrosting .
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Spring hood inspection : tightening, seal inspection, cleaning.
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Annual maintenance : checking pressures, blowing temperature, condition of insulation and stainless steel screws.
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Programming : use stable heating settings to limit over-use and improve seasonal efficiency .
Sizing and ranges offered
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Typical areas of this type of house are satisfied with 9,000–12,000 BTUs ; more open or less insulated rooms may require 15,000–18,000 BTUs .
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In our offer, the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) series is preferred for its silence/power balance, the THU/TU can be chosen depending on the configuration and acoustic objectives. The final choice is validated upon submission .
Grants and procedures
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps capable of heating down to -25°C/-30°C are regularly included in assistance programs available in Quebec. We support:
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eligibility verification based on power and performance sheets,
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the constitution of the file (serial numbers, proof of installation, photos),
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support until payment.
Our service covers all of Greater Montreal : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Frequently Asked Questions
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Vibrations on bricks? Buffers and torque tightening eliminate structural transmission. For increased requirements, we add specific silent blocks .
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Defrosting: water on the floor? Yes, this is normal in heating systems; the high installation and free water path prevent backflow and ice cubes on the facade.
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Aesthetics and co-ownership? The brown-tinted hood harmonizes the whole; the invisible fasteners and the alignment with the base meet the expectations of the unions.
In summary
This HVAC installation of a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Léonard illustrates our signature: robust brackets , perfectly adjusted "L"-shaped casing , short connections and instrumented commissioning . The result: lasting comfort , silence , energy efficiency and careful integration into the masonry. We reproduce these standards throughout Greater Montreal for residential projects that aim for quality at first glance... and over time.
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).