Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Lachine

Four-season comfort perfectly integrated around a patio door

At AirGreen , we installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in an apartment in the Lachine area (Montreal) . The interior head is located above a patio door , in the upper part of the wall, with a vertical connection path covered along the doorway. This configuration, common in Montreal homes with balconies, reduces the refrigeration length , improves aesthetics and optimizes air diffusion to the living area.

We pay particular attention to the visible details of this type of installation: alignment of the cover with the window frame, discreet routing of cables and orientation of the shutters to avoid any direct draft on the occupants. The result: a clean, silent and efficient integration, designed for the Lacinois climate, often swept by the wind and subject to frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

Why the Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump is suitable for Lachine apartments

The Sharp ZU1 is a high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pump that provides year-round heating and cooling thanks to inverter technology . Its concrete advantages for an urban apartment:

• Continuous modulation : the machine adapts its power to the actual need, avoiding jolts, stabilizing the temperature and reducing consumption;

• Low noise level : ideal for living rooms adjoining a patio door;

• Even diffusion : the blower covers the living room-kitchen area well, even with large windows;

• Cold climate performance : reliable performance down to low temperatures, suitable for Montreal winters.

Depending on the surface area served, the 12,000 to 18,000 BTU range covers the vast majority of living rooms in apartments in Greater Montreal, while maintaining a large modulation capacity in mid-season.

Interior design: controlled position, hooding and evacuation

Positioned above the patio door. This layout frees up functional walls and takes advantage of natural stratification : temperate air sweeps across the glazing, limits cold areas on the floor, and blends effectively with the entire room.

Vertical enclosed run. The refrigeration lines and communication cable run straight down a white, UV-resistant enclosure . This short run reduces the number of bends, preserves the COP , and facilitates future maintenance.

Sealed crossings. The exit to the outside is sealed (envelope-compatible mastic) to prevent any infiltration of air or water, a crucial element near joinery.

Condensate management. Drainage is gravity-fed , with a controlled slope from the interior head to the opening. Sections close to the glazing are insulated to prevent parasitic condensation on the finishes.

Vibrations and noise. The mounting plate is anchored to a supporting support; spacers limit the transmission of vibrations to the cladding. We ensure sufficient clearance under the ceiling for air intake and maintenance operations.

Outdoor part: safety, stability and silence on balcony/terrace

In this type of apartment, the outdoor unit is generally installed on a balcony or adjoining terrace :

• Raised stand (galvanized steel or aluminum) with anti-vibration pads to protect the coating, raise the equipment above the melt water and reduce sound transmission ;

• Compliant air clearances around the exchanger to avoid recirculation, particularly near guardrails;

• Easily accessible proximity disconnect switch , RBQ/CSA wiring and waterproof sheaths for the outdoor portion;

• Defrost runoff management : the unit is located away from thresholds to avoid slippery areas in winter.

Key steps in achieving AirGreen

1. Simplified load survey and calculation : validation of BTU capacity based on volume, orientation, glazing and insulation.

2. Location : choice of position above the patio door, tracing of the shortest vertical path .

3. Calibrated drilling and bulkhead passage : protection of the refrigeration insulation and the envelope.

4. Nitrogen brazing : assembly of copper connections with constant purging to preserve the exchanger.

5. Nitrogen leak test followed by deep vacuum : elimination of humidity and non-condensable gases, essential for the durability of the compressor .

6. Opening the valves / switching on : checking the currents , measuring the supply-return temperatures (delta T in hot and cold) and checking the defrost cycles .

7. User settings : shutter orientation, night mode , recommended temperature settings and usage advice.

Each intervention is recorded on the AirGreen site sheet to guarantee traceability and full compliance with manufacturer warranties .

Good practices adopted in high-rise housing

• Shutters oriented to sweep the living area without blowing directly onto the sofa or work space;

• Cover aligned with the lintel for an aesthetic appearance and mechanical protection of the connections;

• Refrigerated lengths/heights maintained within brand limits to maintain seasonal efficiencies ;

• Control/power separation in wiring to avoid interference;

• Safety distances respected from curtains, blinds and shutter boxes.

Results measured after commissioning

• Stable comfort : uniform and noticeable temperature, reduction of gaps between ceiling and occupied area;

• Quiet operation thanks to the inverter and anti-vibration installation;

• Significant energy savings compared to electric baseboards, particularly in mid-season;

• Improved air quality thanks to continuous mixing and dehumidification in cold mode.

HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining Performance and Longevity

Annual maintenance is essential to maintain the performance of the wall-mounted heat pump :

• Cleaning of filters, coils and condensate tray;

• Inspection of pressures and intensities, control of electrical connections ;

• Checking the cover, fixings and condensate drainage;

• Energy assessment and parameter adjustments if necessary.

AirGreen offers maintenance plans for condominiums and rental buildings in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil , as well as on the South Shore and the North Shore .

Tips for maximizing savings

• Maintain stable setpoints (21–22°C in winter, 23–24°C in summer) and let the inverter work continuously;

• Use the dehumidification function on heavy days to improve perceived comfort;

• Clean filters every 4 to 8 weeks; check condensate drainage at the beginning of summer;

• In winter, leave clearance around the outdoor unit and do not obstruct the openings with snow.

Summary sheet

AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Lachine and throughout Greater Montreal

Our promise: carefully designed, compliant and durable HVAC systems , rigorously commissioned and monitored by responsive local maintenance . Whether your project is located in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil , on the South Shore or the North Shore , we size, install and maintain systems that optimize your comfort and operating costs year-round.