Four-season comfort and careful integration into a typical Plateau backyard
At AirGreen , we are working on a brick plex in Plateau-Mont-Royal . The client wants to replace an old air conditioning unit with a high-performance heat pump for mid-season supplemental heating and summer cooling, without cluttering up their wooden deck or hindering circulation under the metal balcony. The goal: an HVAC installation that is discreet, robust, and easy to maintain.
Why the Sharp ZU1 for this project
The Sharp ZU1 series is part of the new generation using a modern refrigerant and offering excellent performance in cold climates. Its advantages for an urban plex type dwelling:
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Stable heating in cold weather (extreme cold operating range).
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High efficiency in air conditioning mode to reduce electricity bills.
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Low exterior noise level, ideal for the interior courtyards of the Plateau .
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Compact condenser design that facilitates installation on brick facades.
Analysis of the location and constraints of the construction site
We have to deal with:
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An exposed brick facade and a metal balcony above.
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A wooden terrace used daily.
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A narrow passage running alongside a side pergola.
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An old ground unit to be removed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Our technical proposal validates mounting on wall brackets (anti-vibration) rather than on the ground to free up space and protect the condenser from blown snow and debris. The chosen position, under the balcony overhang, limits direct sunlight and improves the longevity of the unit, while respecting the clearances for suction and blowing.
Installation details: clean, symmetrical, durable
Refrigerated and electrical route
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Clean drilling in the brick with suitable coring and edge protection sleeve.
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Light-colored exterior capping for a discreet finish, with watertight corners.
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Optimized connection length (approximately 5 to 7 m in total), limiting pressure losses.
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Communication and power cabling grouped and held in place by UV clamps.
Fixing and anti-vibration
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Galvanized wall brackets , mechanically anchored in solid brick (tensile tests carried out).
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Anti-vibration pads under the chassis to reduce acoustic transmission towards the interior.
Condensate management
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Exhaust directed to the outside with a continuous slope to prevent backflow. The integration provides easy access for HVAC maintenance operations (flushing/inspection).
Commissioning procedures
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High pressure nitrogen test and leak test with electronic detector.
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Deep vacuum draw down to ≤ 500 microns, stabilization and ascent test.
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Checking intensities, blowing temperatures and superheating/subcooling.
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Complete commissioning: pairing, calibration of modes and instructions, usage advice.
Aesthetic result: a clear facade and a fully functional terrace
The Sharp condenser, suspended under the balcony, frees up the terrace and circulation. The vertical capping blends into the brickwork and the existing pergola. The noise level perceived on the terrace is very low at moderate speeds, which respects the immediate neighborhood – an essential point in the shared alleys and courtyards of the Plateau-Mont-Royal .
Expected performance and everyday comfort
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Rapid air conditioning of the main rooms thanks to inverter modulation.
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Effective additional heating in autumn/spring and winter support during thaws.
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Intelligent defrosting to maintain performance and protect the exchanger.
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Improved indoor filtration, beneficial during periods of pollen and urban dust.
Quick comparison: replacing an old air conditioner
The old unit, visible on the ground before evacuation, only provided air conditioning . The switch to a wall-mounted heat pump provides:
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Dual service (cooling and heating) without increasing the footprint.
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Mid-season savings : the inverter compressor consumes less than resistive heating.
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Better humidity control and more even air distribution.
Preventive maintenance recommended by AirGreen
To preserve yields and longevity:
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Clean the internal filters every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of use.
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Gentle washing of the external exchanger in spring, inspection of the fins and the tank.
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Annual professional check: pressures, vacuum gauge, electrical connections, probes, condensates.
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Minimal clearance around the condenser (vegetation, furniture) and maintenance of anti-vibration mounts .
Potential Grants and Eligibilities
The heat pump chosen belongs to a recent generation that meets heating efficiency criteria. Depending on the energy configuration of the home and the programs in force, eligibility for certain aid available in Quebec may be possible. We support our clients in preparing files and providing useful technical documentation for Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore .
Security, compliance and guarantees
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Work carried out by a certified team, according to applicable RBQ and CSA standards.
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Use of calibrated tools (digital manifolds, vacuum gauge, HFC/HFO detector).
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Exterior-rated sealants and mastics, UV and freeze/thaw resistant.
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Manufacturer's warranty on equipment and AirGreen labor warranty depending on the plan chosen.
Tips for maximizing energy savings
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Leave the heat pump in automatic mode with a stable setpoint rather than alternating frequently.
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In air conditioning, favor a setpoint of 23–24°C for lasting comfort and controlled consumption.
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Keep doors open between rooms to facilitate air circulation.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance before heat or cold spikes.
Deadlines and organization of the worksite
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Removal and recycling of old equipment: taken care of by us.
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Installation of brackets, connections and capping : same day.
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Commissioning, testing and customer training: at the end of the project.
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Cleaning of the site and restoration of the terrace and traffic areas to a clean state.
What the customer remembers
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Immediate comfort, summer and winter.
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A clear facade and a fully usable terrace.
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An HVAC system designed to last and simplify maintenance.
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A single partner, AirGreen , for monitoring, filters and periodic maintenance.
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Greater Montreal
Our team covers Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore . We advise on, size, and install wall-mounted heat pumps and central systems tailored to local needs: urban plexes, condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes. Need a clear proposal, a technical visit, or a second opinion? We respond quickly, with concrete recommendations and a detailed quote.
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