Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal
AirGreen installs a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal : installation on brackets, careful capping, complete commissioning and HVAC maintenance advice. Intervention Greater Montreal: Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
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.
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.
Useful keywords: heat pump , wall-mounted heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , Sharp ZU1 , brick facade , wall brackets , exterior capping , metal balcony , Plateau-Mont-Royal .
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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Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
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).