Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Montreal (Southwest)
AirGreen installs a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump on a flat roof in southwest Montreal. Carefully designed HVAC installation, high efficiency, and energy-efficient performance ensure reliable comfort all year round.
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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
A flat roof installation by AirGreen: performance, precision and expertise in the heart of Southwest Montreal
In the dynamic Southwest district of Montreal , a recent residential building was recently equipped with a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump , carefully installed by our AirGreen team. This intervention, carried out on a typical Montreal flat roof , perfectly illustrates our expertise in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) installations in dense urban environments.
The Sharp ZU1 heat pump: long-term efficiency and durability
At AirGreen, we recommend the Sharp ZU1 for its high energy efficiency , quiet operation , and stable performance down to −25°C — an essential asset for tackling Montreal winters.
The ZU1 model also stands out for its inverter compressor (Eco Inverter) using R-32 refrigerant , which is more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than previous generations using R-410A.
Its compact and robust design makes it an ideal solution for flat-roofed buildings, where space and weather resistance are key criteria.
A demanding urban environment: adaptation and rigorous installation
The building located in the Southwest presented the typical characteristics of buildings in this sector: bitumen roof, dark brick parapets, and limited technical space.
Our technicians therefore designed a raised installation , resting on a galvanized steel support fixed on treated wooden blocks , ensuring perfect stability and optimal air circulation around the unit.
This type of installation allows:
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increased protection against water or snow accumulation ;
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a reduction in vibrations transmitted to the roof structure;
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easy access for periodic maintenance of the machine.
All the refrigeration ducts have been carefully insulated and covered , guaranteeing optimal thermal sealing and better protection against UV rays .
The power supply, meanwhile, was connected via a wall-mounted protection box , meeting CSA standards and ensuring maximum safety for the occupants.
Key steps in the AirGreen installation process
Each AirGreen project follows a methodical and controlled process , guaranteeing lasting performance and optimal comfort:
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Initial site assessment : taking precise measurements, studying air flow and technical clearances.
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Selecting the appropriate mount : here, a raised galvanized frame , sized to support the weight and vibration of the Sharp ZU1 unit.
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Installation of refrigerant piping : installation of insulated copper lines , calibrated according to the distance roof → interior wall.
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Electrical connection : approved cable, dedicated circuit breaker, and connection to an external box complying with the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.
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Commissioning and performance verification : pressure test, leak check, then system calibration to maximize energy efficiency.
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Customer training : clear explanations on basic maintenance and proper use of the Sharp thermostat.
An installation designed for the Quebec climate
Montreal experiences extreme temperature variations , ranging from -30°C in winter to over +30°C in summer.
Thanks to its Inverter technology , the Sharp ZU1 continuously adapts the power of its compressor, allowing:
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reduce electricity consumption by up to 40% ;
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maintain a stable interior temperature without overheating or frequent shutdown cycles;
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extend the life of the system by minimizing mechanical stress.
Combining this performance with our Nordic-optimized installation , the result is a reliable, quiet and durable system – perfectly suited to the urban lifestyle of the Southwest.
An energy-efficient solution eligible for subsidies
The Sharp ZU1 series, with its R-32 refrigerant and high SEER and HSPF coefficients , is among the systems eligible for provincial grant programs aimed at energy transition (such as Rénoclimat and Chauffez vert ).
Our AirGreen advisors assist each client in preparing the documents necessary to obtain this financial assistance, thus facilitating investment in a greener solution.
Simplified maintenance and increased durability
To ensure the longevity of the system, we recommend:
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cleaning the internal filters every two months;
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an annual inspection by an AirGreen certified technician, including checking the pressure, wiring and cleanliness of the condenser;
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a check of the supports before each winter to ensure their stability.
Thanks to a robust design and installation that meets the most demanding standards, this Sharp ZU1 will offer optimal performance for many years.
Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Montreal
Our team understands the architectural and climatic realities of Greater Montreal:
flat roofs, heritage buildings, narrow plexes or modern condos.
We tailor each project to ensure:
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maximum energy efficiency ;
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an aesthetic and discreet integration ;
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durability that meets the strictest Canadian standards .
Beyond simple installation, we offer a complete service : thermal study, selection of the ideal model, installation, maintenance and support for subsidies.
It is this global approach that makes the AirGreen difference.
Final result: comfort, silence and efficiency on the roof of the South-West
The installation of this Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump perfectly illustrates our commitment: to offer tailor-made, reliable HVAC solutions that respect the urban environment.
Placed high up, sheltered from noise and bad weather, this unit operates silently, ensuring constant comfort inside while optimizing energy consumption .
At AirGreen , every installation is more than just a technical project: it's a commitment to quality, sustainability and the satisfaction of our Montreal customers .
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).