Eco Inverter Condenser on Condo Balcony: Ultra-Clean Installation, Quiet and Union-Compliant in the Heart of Griffintown
At AirGreen , we installed a Sharp ZU1 Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump in a condo in Griffintown (Le Sud-Ouest district, Montreal) . The project features an outdoor condenser mounted on a tiled balcony , near a patio door and metal railings . In this dense urban setting, we favored a discreet integration , in accordance with the rules of the condominium association , and above all, silent to preserve the comfort of the neighborhood.
Context: Constraints of a condo balcony in Montreal
Griffintown is home to multi-story buildings with stacked balconies where space is at a premium. Successful installation requires:
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Strict manufacturer clearances for suction and blowing;
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Fine vibration management to limit any transmission into the slab;
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Short and watertight connection route , with drilling as close as possible to the inner head;
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Compliance with union rules (location, noise levels, aesthetics, maintenance access);
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Electrical safety : protected external outlet and disconnection box within reach.
Our team established an implementation plan validated with the client and the union before the work.
Technical details visible on the exterior installation
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Raised aluminium support : high rigidity, load distribution on the tiles and laser levelling. The elevation improves ventilation and prevents the accumulation of water from defrosting .
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Anti-vibration pads (blue) under the condenser feet: effective reduction of solid-borne vibrations towards the balcony structure.
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Very short refrigeration connection route along the wall, continuously insulated and properly capped ; sealed wall penetration (air barrier/vapor barrier).
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Dedicated power supply with external disconnect and protected outlet; grounding verified.
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Condensate and defrosting management : discharge directed towards the balcony edge, respecting the slope, in order to avoid runoff onto the lower floors.
The Sharp logo and the Eco Inverter label clearly identify the installed range.
Interior: controlled diffusion and preserved aesthetics
The wall-mounted heater (12,000 BTU) is positioned in the upper part of the living room, near the bay window. This placement optimizes:
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Air circulation along the glazing, limiting stratification ;
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The blowing range towards the open area;
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Maintenance access (washable filters) without damaging the furniture.
The connections follow a discreet white capping , with large radius curves to respect the copper and reduce pressure losses. The gravity drain is retained: a reliable and silent solution.
Why the Sharp ZU1 for a condo in Griffintown
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DC Inverter Technology : the machine modulates its power to stabilize the temperature and reduce kWh .
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R-32 refrigerant : better seasonal performance than older generations.
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Extreme cold heating capacity (ZU1 range) suitable for Montreal winters.
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Low sound inside and outside, essential in co-ownership .
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Sharp's proprietary high-density filtration and Plasmacluster technology for improved air quality .
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Remote control with timers and night mode; automatic restart after failure.
AirGreen Method: from study to commissioning
Study and authorizations
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On-site survey : surfaces, orientations, balcony constraints, safety distances.
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Union validation : location, size, noise levels, water drainage.
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Electrical check : dedicated circuit breaker, cable gauge, GFCI if necessary.
Drilling, sealing and insulation
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Careful coring with a sheath;
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Air barrier/vapor barrier compatible seal ;
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Continuous insulation of lines to eliminate thermal bridges and condensation.
Refrigeration chain
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Flares with torque meter ;
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Nitrogen flushing during brazing;
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Pressure test then deep vacuum < 500 microns (resistance test);
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Load adjusted to actual length.
Getting started
Cold and hot tests, overheating/undercooling control, probe settings, usage and maintenance advice given to the owner.
Results obtained
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Immediate comfort : rise and maintenance of the setpoint without jolts;
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Silence on the balcony and in the living room thanks to the glides and modulation;
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Successful visual integration : flush capping, clean alignments;
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Simplified maintenance : compliant clearances, easy access to disconnection and filters.
AirGreen best practices in co-ownership
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Filters : clean every 8 to 12 weeks during use.
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Instructions : Avoid extreme variations; let the inverter modulate .
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Winter : clear the area around the condenser and do not cover the appliance when in use.
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Balcony : keep clearances clear and check the flow of defrost water.
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Annual maintenance : check of refrigeration parameters, deep cleaning and verification of leaks .
Grants and support
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 are generally eligible for energy efficiency programs in Quebec. We support our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to structure the file , provide proof of installation, and optimize eligibility based on the housing configuration.
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
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Condo/plex expertise : clearances, noise, short distances, defrosting management on balconies.
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Strict RBQ/CCQ procedures (nitrogen, vacuum, test logs) and precision tooling.
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R-32 trained teams and original parts.
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Responsive after-sales service : maintenance, diagnostics, repairs.
Summary sheet
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Location : Griffintown – The Southwest (Montreal)
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Type : 1-zone wall-mounted heat pump
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Brand / Range : Sharp – ZU1 Eco Inverter
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Interior power : 12,000 BTU (open living room + dining area)
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Exterior installation : raised aluminum support on tiled balcony, anti-vibration pads , disconnection within reach, short capped and waterproofed route
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Drainage : defrosting management oriented according to the slope of the balcony
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Commissioning : pressure test, deep vacuum , adjustments and documented hot/cold tests
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Maintenance : quarterly filters, annual inspection recommended
Conclusion — This Sharp ZU1 installation in Griffintown shows how a balcony installation can be discreet, compliant and efficient when every detail — support, vibrations, waterproofing, route — is controlled by AirGreen .