Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Griffintown (Le Sud-Ouest)
Griffintown condo: installation of a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump on a concrete balcony, short connections, gravity drainage to drain, clean finishes. AirGreen, HVAC experts in Montreal and throughout Greater Montreal.
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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
Modern condo, concrete balcony and strict regulations: our AirGreen method for an elegant, silent and compliant installation
At AirGreen , we manage each HVAC installation as a mini-engineering project adapted to Montreal realities. In this Griffintown condo (Le Sud-Ouest) , we are installing a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump ( ZU1 – R-32 range) to provide four-season comfort with minimal visual impact on the metal facade and balcony. The client's objective is clear: to efficiently air-condition the open living area while having stable heating support in the fall and spring, without disturbing the neighbors or complications with the condominium association.
The context of the building and its constraints
Recent buildings in the area impose specific requirements : clearances around the outdoor unit, control of condensate runoff, nighttime noise management, and impeccable finishes on metal cladding. Access is via a balcony, with a concrete slab and a typical low ceiling. We must:
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avoid any vibration transmission to the structure;
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protect refrigeration connections from UV rays and rain;
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connect the condensate drain to the balcony drain (or equivalent approved solution), to prevent any dripping to the lower floors;
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respect a sober aesthetic required by the co-ownership.
Why the Sharp ZU1 range in R-32 for a Griffintown condo
The ZU1 series operates on R-32 , a new generation fluid that is advantageous for urban buildings:
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High seasonal efficiencies thanks to inverter modulation and reduced refrigerant charge;
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Lower GWP than R-410A, consistent with condominium environmental policies;
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Very good acoustic stability of the outdoor unit, essential on balconies.
For an open-plan condo living room-kitchen area, the 12,000 BTU capacity is generally the most appropriate option: it avoids short cycles, preserves the actual COP , and remains acoustically discreet. The simple control allows for comfort scenarios: Dry mode for summer humidity, Turbo restart after prolonged opening of the patio doors, and preset settings for nighttime use.
Outdoor installation: discretion, rigidity and easy maintenance
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Support : We place the condenser on a raised metal table with silent blocks . This choice stiffens the base on the concrete slab, keeps the equipment out of puddles, and simplifies future maintenance.
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Clearances : The unit remains away from the door frame and glazing for free airflow. The fins breathe without recirculation against the guardrail.
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Finishing touches : the refrigeration connections and the communication cable are protected by a short, clean, rigid conduit screwed onto the sheet metal. The curves are rounded to avoid damaging the insulation.
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Condensate management : a dedicated pipe runs to the balcony drain , in accordance with the usual expectations of co-ownerships; no runoff on lower levels.
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Noise : Check the static pressure on the outdoor fan side and check the vibrations at idle; the noise level remains within the tolerances required by the building.
Route and drilling: clean, short and durable
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Single drilling Ø ~65 mm through the metal cladding and insulation, with outward slope to allow gravity drainage from the indoor unit.
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Length of connections : less than 5 m, which keeps pressure losses to a minimum and preserves excess air conditioning capacity during heat waves.
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Waterproofing : sheath and air barrier mastic around the perimeter of the passage to block infiltration and thermal bridges.
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UV protection : weather-resistant tape and trunking, essential on facades exposed to the sun reflected by neighboring glass buildings.
Interior: laminar airflow and uniform comfort
The wall-mounted fan head is installed on a load-bearing wall in the living area, more than 2 m above the ground. The orientation of the shutter creates a horizontal jet that runs along the ceiling before gently descending; this avoids direct drafts onto the sofa or table. The washable filters are accessible without a stepladder, which facilitates periodic HVAC maintenance by the occupant.
Commissioning: AirGreen quality control
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Nitrogen leak test , then deep vacuum (< 500 microns) with vacuum holding to evacuate humidity and non-condensables.
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Weighing/loading according to actual length of links and manufacturer's table.
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Electrical measurements under different load levels; verification of the circuit breaker dedicated to the condo panel.
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Acoustics : check the sound level on the balcony and in the living room, adjust the silent blocks if necessary.
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User settings : summer/winter settings, timer, Dry mode, good ventilation practices for open areas.
Results obtained
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Immediate comfort in summer with a rapid drop in humidity without the sensation of cold breath.
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Effective supplementary heating during the off-season, limiting the use of baseboards.
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Preserved aesthetics : minimalist chute, discreet passage, outdoor unit aligned with the contemporary architecture of the balcony.
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Peace and quiet : no drips on the lower balconies thanks to the path to the drain, and noise is kept down at night.
Customer Service Advice
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Summer : Maintain 23–24°C. In humid weather, run Dry 30–60 min to stabilize humidity.
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Winter : 21°C with the shutter slightly upwards to promote air mixing.
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Ventilation : when the patio door remains open, switch back to Turbo for a few minutes to catch up on the sensitive load.
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Maintenance : Rinse filters every 4–6 weeks during peak season; annual AirGreen inspection (clean exchangers, tighten electrical connections, check condensates and settings).
Pitfalls avoided on this site
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No need for a condensate pump : the natural slope towards the balcony drain avoids noise and additional maintenance.
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Too long connections : the short route increases real air conditioning efficiency and reduces losses.
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Structural vibrations : the anti-vibration table decouples the unit from the slab and protects the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
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Unsealed drilling : we properly seal the passage to prevent air and water infiltration, which is critical on metal siding.
Grants and Eligibility
Recent R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps with good cold weather performance may be eligible for certain Quebec programs. Eligibility depends on the exact model and performance data sheets. Upon submission , our team verifies the criteria and builds a complete file for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Our added value for downtown residential towers
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Knowledge of co-ownership regulations : clearances, condensation management, authorized colors and fixings.
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Detailed planning of access (elevators, time slots, noise).
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Finishes adapted to contemporary cladding: aligned gutters, stainless steel screws, clean sealing.
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Ongoing service : HVAC maintenance , assistance in the event of interior design redesign, and support if the building requires periodic inspection.
Installation summary sheet
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Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump
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Brand / Range : Sharp ZU1 – R-32
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Location : Griffintown (Southwest, Montreal)
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Exterior : on metal table with silent blocks , clearances respected
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Route : single drilling, short connections in UV chute, gravity evacuation to balcony drain
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Interior : high wall head, laminar jet on the ceiling, washable filters
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Controls : deep vacuum, electrical measurements, acoustic validation, user briefing
Need discreet, controlled comfort in your downtown condo? Our AirGreen team plans, installs, and maintains HVAC solutions designed for Montreal 's high-rise buildings, with coordinated deadlines and finishes that respect the architecture and neighbors.
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).