An elegant HVAC installation , designed to last: our team integrates a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump ( ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant) into a narrow side passage, with a raised structure adapted to the winters of the South Shore .
A custom project for a family home in Boucherville
At AirGreen , we design simple and efficient installations that respect the architecture and facilitate HVAC maintenance . In this residence in Boucherville , we positioned the outdoor unit in a paved side corridor, lined with vegetation and vinyl siding. The goal: to guarantee reliable heating in cold weather, quiet air conditioning in summer and safe technical access, without hindering traffic.
Context and expectations of the owner
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Reduce heating costs and stabilize the temperature of living spaces.
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Preserve the aesthetics of the facades visible from the street.
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Minimize noise pollution from neighbors.
Why the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) for this project?
Performance and comfort in four seasons
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Inverter compressor ensuring fine modulation and a stable interior temperature.
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R-32 refrigerant: better volumetric efficiency and reduced charge compared to R-410A.
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Optimized defrosting algorithms, useful during freezing episodes on the South Shore .
Ease of maintenance and availability of parts
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Compact vertical design for easy access to service panels.
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Common components and a solid supply chain in Greater Montreal .
Consistency with current programs
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Depending on the capacity chosen and the certified performance, this range can be integrated into assistance programs applicable in Quebec for single-family homes in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Installation architecture: stability, clearances and silence
Raised base and snow protection
We fix the unit on a raised aluminum support , anchored to a stable concrete slab . This elevation:
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keeps the base of the condenser above the snow line and defrost runoff;
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limits the re-entry of dust and debris;
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improves acoustic comfort by separating the machine from the floor.
Anti-vibration pads reduce energy transmission to the structure.
Controlled clearances in a narrow passage
The lateral corridor requires precise distance management. We maintain rear and side clearances that meet Sharp specifications to ensure clean intake and free blowing toward the driveway. The orientation prevents any backflow of hot air onto the facade and protects vegetation.
Food and safety
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Outdoor disconnect box installed within easy reach, protected from splashes.
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Dedicated circuit from the main panel, size adjusted to the nominal current.
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Grounding checked and insulation tested on conductors.
Route of the refrigerant connections and the drain
In this configuration, the lines run along the side facade over a short distance (≈ 3–4 m) with capping matching the cladding. The condensate drain is directed to a permeable, frost-free area; in winter, defrost water flows freely under the slab without splashing the wall.
Commissioning steps: rigor and traceability
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Calibrated flares and torques tightened with a dynamometer, with frosted rings for a lasting seal.
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Deep vacuum draw down to < 500 microns, maintained under vacuum to validate the absence of microleaks.
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Fluid opening (factory charge R-32) and compensation if length exceeds specified base.
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Functional controls : delta-T in cold/heat, compressor intensity, communication, defrost cycles.
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Acoustic verification and usage instructions: filter management, clearing the unit in winter, programming temperature settings.
BTU Sizing: The Right Capacity for Boucherville
We size the heat pump taking into account:
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of the thermal envelope (insulation, sealing, orientation);
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volumes actually mixed by the wall head;
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internal contributions (appliances, sunshine);
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from the target holding point between −20°C and −30°C depending on the range selected.
Proper capacity avoids short cycles , improves comfort and lowers operating costs.
Resolution of site-specific constraints
Narrow technical passage
The corridor is narrow and serves as an access path. We center the base on the slab to ensure traffic clearance and prevent accidental impacts.
Coating protection
Vinyl siding requires clean, watertight holes. We use sleeves , vapor barriers , and suitable sealing to prevent any infiltration.
Water management
Gravity drainage is preferred; the paved surface is corrected for natural runoff away from the foundation joints.
Good HVAC Operation and Maintenance Practices
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Clean the inner head filters every 4 to 6 weeks during use.
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Clear 30–60 cm around the condenser; remove leaves and snow.
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Gently rinse the external exchanger if necessary (without high pressure).
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Programming: stable instructions, moderate differences between day and night to promote inverter modulation.
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Annual inspection : electrical inspection, line temperature measurements, inspection of flares and support.
Pitfalls to avoid (AirGreen feedback)
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Installing the unit too low : risk of burial by snow and freezing of the vents.
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Excessive refrigeration runs: pressure losses and unnecessary refrigerant top-up.
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Lack of accessible disconnect : longer and non-compliant interventions.
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Neglecting front fan clearance : Increased noise and decreased performance.
Result: discreet performance and intact facade
The owner benefits from stable comfort and a better controlled energy bill, without compromising the aesthetics of the land or access to the corridor. The Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump , installed on a raised support with a concrete slab , offers safe operation in winter and efficient air conditioning in summer for the whole family.
AirGreen, your HVAC partner on the South Shore and Greater Montreal
We assist households in Boucherville , Longueuil , Saint-Bruno , La Prairie , as well as Montreal , Laval , North Shore and South Shore , from choosing the machine to applying for subsidies , including HVAC installation and annual maintenance. Our requirement: clean, measurable and sustainable work.
Express Fair
Is raised support essential?
In snowy areas and for narrow corridors, yes: it protects against ice, promotes flow and facilitates maintenance.
What noise outside?
Inverter modulation maintains low RPMs most of the time; aisle positioning and anti-vibration pads limit reverberation.
What if I want to add a second head?
Depending on the configuration, we can study a compatible MultiZone or the addition of a second dedicated unit, ensuring energy consistency and routes.