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.