Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Pierrefonds-Roxboro
Residential project in Pierrefonds-Roxboro : Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump between patio door and window, short run, gravity drain , neat finish. AirGreen provides HVAC installation and maintenance in Montreal and the surrounding area.
Take a tour of the installation
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.
The living space gains in comfort and silence thanks to a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump precisely installed between a patio door and a side window. The goal: to provide spot cooling in the summer and stable heating support in the winter, without encroaching on furniture or daily circulation.
A project designed for a bright, open space
The living room features a typical Pierrefonds-Roxboro home layout: direct access to the deck through the patio door , a side bay window with a full-height curtain, and a soffit in the ceiling. We chose a compact HVAC system that preserves the aesthetics of the white wall and maintains proper clearances around the Sharp head to ensure optimal suction and diffusion .
Inner head positioning
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High mounting on a flat wall to exploit the natural stratification and cover the entire living area .
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Alignment from the corner of the patio door to prevent recirculation on the curtain and eliminate the risk of condensation on the fabrics.
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Wide horizontal shutter orientation: gentle mixing, no direct airflow onto the sofa or dining table.
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Soffit clearance respected to ensure suction from above and facilitate access to washable filters .
Refrigeration path, drilling and drain
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Short side outlet to the outside: single drilling with controlled slope, which limits the length of the lines (≈ 2 to 3 m) and reduces pressure losses .
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Integrated gravity drain with collars and continuous slope, preferred to eliminate any source of pump noise.
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Discreet, waterproof exterior capping ; polyurethane sealing and UV-resistant trim for a durable, airtight finish.
Outdoor condenser and installation
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Sharp outdoor unit installed on wall brackets at the rear, above the snow level, silent blocks to decouple vibrations, side clearances respected for maintenance.
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Electrical routing by dedicated circuit; verification of polarity and circuit breaker rating according to the capacity and voltage of the device.
Why the Sharp ZU1 for this trip?
Seasonal efficiency and R-32 refrigerant
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The ZU1 series uses R-32 , which allows for high efficiencies and reduced fluid charge.
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Inverter modulation keeps the temperature stable and quiet , ideal for open living spaces.
Acoustic comfort and air quality
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Low continuous noise levels, particularly appreciated during movie nights or calls.
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Easy-access front-mounted filtration ; regular cleaning recommended to maintain airflow and SEER .
Cold weather performance
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Efficient defrosting algorithm; the machine supports heating in mid-season and relieves the main system during peaks.
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Installation of the outdoor unit designed to evacuate ice and protect the drain from accumulations.
Key steps in our AirGreen implementation
Pre-visit, taking measurements and validation
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Survey of obstacles (soffit, curtain rod, low wall box) to position the unit without interference.
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Checking the electrical route and the gravity evacuation point.
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Choosing a solid anchor in the structure and checking the flatness to avoid vibrations.
Drilling, connection and leak testing
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Coring with insulated bulkhead , reconstituted air barrier and vapor barrier.
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Flares made to the template, nitrogen test and high vacuum < 500 microns before opening the valves.
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Superheat/subcooling control and reading of supply/return temperatures to optimize the setting.
Air diffusion settings
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Orientation of the fins to extend the jet along the ceiling, which homogenizes the temperature without drafts on the passage between the patio door and the living room area.
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Activation of Auto mode with instructions adapted to variable internal loads (sunshine, occupancy).
Result: discreet comfort and controlled consumption
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Rapid cooling of the crossing zone, thermal stability in the evening despite lateral solar input.
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Noise contained thanks to the rigid mounting, the silent blocks on the condenser side and the gravity drain .
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Simplified HVAC maintenance : front filters, exterior clearances provided and clear access to the capping for inspection.
Good practices for use and maintenance
Daily use
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Maintain a moderate setting and let the machine modulate ; avoid ON/OFF switching which reduces efficiency.
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In summer, briefly close the curtain during peak sunshine to reduce heat gain and relieve the heat pump.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Clean filters every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of heavy use.
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Clearing the outdoor unit after storms; inspecting the defrosting system in winter.
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Annual maintenance visit : check pressures, screws, supports and condensate.
Pitfalls to avoid
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Position the head too close to the curtain : risk of recirculation and reduced performance.
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Overfill the length of refrigeration lines in a configuration where short drilling is possible.
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Adding a condensate pump without the need: additional complexity and maintenance.
Subsidies and service coverage
Depending on the building's energy profile and the capacity chosen, this wall-mounted heat pump can meet the criteria of incentive programs for efficient appliances. Our team supports projects in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore .
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
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Residential expertise in houses and plexes in Greater Montreal with particular attention to finishes (capping, seals, supports).
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Accurate BTU sizing , advice on heat pump selection , and instrumented commissioning to ensure actual performance.
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Full service : estimation, installation, HVAC maintenance , and grant assistance.
Keywords : wall-mounted heat pump , Sharp ZU1 , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , R-32 .
The unit on this job, in figures
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 big day, step by step
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 would it look like at your place?
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.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
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.
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.
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).