Careful HVAC integration under the balcony, designed for four-season comfort and neighborhood peace and quiet
Building context and objectives
In a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal plex, mixing brick on the garden level and wood cladding on the upper floors, the owners wanted to modernize their comfort without cluttering the backyard. The challenge: install a high-performance, discreet , and easily maintainable heat pump , despite the presence of a projecting balcony , a soffit and dense vegetation. We chose a Sharp – ZU1 series (R-32) in a single-zone configuration to serve the main living area.
Why Sharp ZU1 series for this project
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High seasonal efficiency thanks to the inverter compressor : stable comfort in summer and winter.
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R-32 refrigerant : better performance and lower GWP than R-410A, in line with current assistance programs.
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Controlled acoustics : ideal for interior courtyards on the Plateau where the proximity of neighbors requires quiet installations.
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Compact footprint : perfect for narrow facades and backyards with balconies and exterior stairs .
Reading the site: constraints and risks identified
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Balcony projection with low vertical clearance can disrupt airflow if poorly designed.
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Mixed brick + wood facade : holes and anchors to be adapted to each material to guarantee load-bearing and watertightness .
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Existing pathways (exterior lighting, garlands, downspouts) to be coordinated to maintain a legible and safe facade.
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Nearby vegetation : be careful of obstructed air intake and fouling of the condenser.
Installation: high wall support clear of the ground
We installed the condenser on galvanized wall brackets with:
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Anti-vibration pads and rot-proof support plate to limit the transmission of vibrations into the masonry and balcony.
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Chemical anchors sized for the brick on the garden level and structural anchors for the wooden rail on the upper floor, depending on the stress zone.
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Generous ground clearance to avoid winter snowdrifts and facilitate passage under the aircraft.
This positioning under the balcony rail frees up circulation space, protects the unit from direct weather and preserves the required clearances at the rear and sides.
Refrigeration route, drilling and finishing
The route of the refrigeration connections and the power cable is carried out by crossing the wooden cladding towards the interior, with:
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Discreet exterior cladding running along the facade to the entry point, for a clean finish and UV protection.
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Drilling with a negative slope towards the outside, elastomer caulking and support on cable glands to prevent any infiltration.
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Gravity condensate drain , garden side, channeled to prevent dripping onto the patio door or paths.
The total length of the lines is optimized (< 5–7 m in this type of configuration), which reduces pressure losses and improves the useful capacity of the inner head.
Electricity and local power cuts
An external disconnect switch is installed within sight of the unit for maintenance. The circuit dedicated to the panel complies with the rating required by the heat pump nameplate, with conductors and circuit breaker conforming to local standards. Exposed junctions are waterproof and protected against shock.
Clearances and airflow performance under balconies
We have validated the lateral and upper clearances under the rail in order to guarantee:
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No air recycling in air conditioning mode;
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Effective defrosting in winter, without cold air being blown back against the wall;
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Low noise levels for occupants and neighbors.
The presence of a plant screen is taken into account: the suction face remains free , and an air corridor is provided to avoid any turbulence .
Sizing and areas treated
The home features an open living area on the garden level with patio doors . Load analysis indicates a range of 12,000–15,000 BTU/h depending on the envelope and orientation. The ZU1 series allows for:
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Rapid temperature rises ;
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Precise maintenance of humidity in summer;
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Very quiet low-speed operation for nighttime use.
Result for the occupants
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Consistent daily comfort and reduced consumption compared to the old air conditioner + baseboard combination.
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Neat aesthetics : aligned hood, streamlined cabling, device visually integrated under the balcony.
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Simplified maintenance : direct access to the device and the disconnector; easy cleaning of the exchanger.
AirGreen best practices on Plateau plexes
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Wall mount above the snow line to protect the condenser and free up floor space.
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Differentiated brick/wood anchors and checking of the balcony rail before drilling.
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Hood aligned with the uprights for a discreet reading of the facade.
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Gravity drain management when the site allows, in order to avoid the condensate pump and its maintenance.
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Clearances under balconies validated by measurement, not by guesswork.
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Visually visible disconnect switch , watertight seals and clear circuit identification.
HVAC Maintenance: Recommended Schedule
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Inner head filters : clean every 2–3 months in season.
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Condenser : gentle washing in spring, checking silent blocks and tightening hardware.
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Annual HVAC maintenance visit: pressure/temperature readings, heating mode test, defrost check, cowling and drain inspection.
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Winter : Keep 30–60 cm clear around the unit after snowfall.
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 series are often eligible for active assistance programs in Quebec based on their rated performance and climate zone. We verify eligibility model by model and provide the necessary documents (detailed invoice, installation form, technical data sheets).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the balcony above interfere with the device?
No, because the clearances are respected and the blowing axis is free . We avoid air returns and recycling areas.
Why choose brackets instead of a floor slab?
To free up passage space, protect from snow and reduce vibration transmission in the structure thanks to anti-vibration pads .
Will we be able to add a second zone?
The Sharp ZU family is available in multi-zone versions. If an extension is planned, we validate compatibility from the design stage (combined capacities, line lengths, clearances).
Our coverage
Our teams work every week in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and the South Shore . We handle sizing , BTU selection , HVAC installation , commissioning and HVAC maintenance with the same rigor as on this Plateau-Mont-Royal project.
In summary
This Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump HVAC installation under the balcony meets the tight constraints of Plateau backyards: controlled airflow , contained noise , clean finishes and easy technical access . An investment that combines comfort , savings and architectural discretion .