Modernize the comfort of an entire rental building, without compromising on aesthetics
On the brick facade of a plex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , we are installing a series of Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps ( ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant) to serve several dwellings. Client objective: efficient air conditioning in summer, reliable heating in cold weather, and a clean, robust and quiet exterior installation. Our approach optimizes the performance of each device while respecting the architectural framework and traffic on the side "alley".
Why the Sharp ZU1 range for a Montreal plex
The Sharp ZU1 offers fine inverter modulation, a cold operating range, and a domesticated noise level for dense urban contexts. The transition to R-32 reduces the environmental footprint compared to R-410A and improves heat exchange. For a multi-unit building, these qualities ensure uniform comfort and energy savings without disturbing the neighborhood.
An outdoor installation designed to last
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Galvanized Wall Brackets : We mount each condenser on sturdy brackets , clear of the ground to stay above snow, runoff, and debris.
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Height and clearances : the bottom of the units is at a height that allows for free evacuation of frost in defrost mode. The side and front clearances are calibrated to prevent any return of hot air and facilitate maintenance.
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Alignment and spacing : Aligning the three condensers along the wall ensures undisturbed air inlets and a simple service flow . We maintain sufficient distance between units for heat waves and freeze/thaw episodes.
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Winter condensate management : the flow is directed towards the ground with a controlled slope , away from paths to avoid ice in the path.
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Anti-vibration and noise : elastomer pads on each support, tightening of the fasteners to the correct torque, checking for facade resonances . Result: quiet operation, even at night.
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Covered paths : both inside and outside, the refrigerant connections and the communication cable are covered . The result is clean and facilitates future work.
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Anchoring on brick : suitable seals (mechanical/chemical anchors depending on the area), calibrated plates and drilling plan avoiding fragile joints.
Key technical details of the installation
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Connection lengths : We maintain short, straight lines to maximize efficiency. Each home has its own dedicated line, limiting pressure losses and simplifying any diagnostics .
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Leak test : apply high-pressure nitrogen , search for leaks (bubble/probe), then draw a deep vacuum until stable.
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Commissioning : monitoring of overheating and subcooling , recording of currents, validation of the blowing temperatures on the interior side and of delta T.
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Electrical : Dedicated power supply with sized circuit breaker; external disconnect box placed within easy reach (out of shot in photo) for technician safety.
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Climate protection : waterproof exterior seals, duct slope , anti-friction collars. The whole thing resists gusts , driving rain and freeze/thaw cycles typical of Montreal.
Impact for occupants: comfort and savings
Each apartment benefits from individual temperature control , dehumidification in the summer, and efficient heating support in the cold. Thanks to the inverter, the compressors adapt their power to demand, which:
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reduces consumption ,
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limits electrical spikes ,
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extends the life of equipment.
In a plex, this independence per dwelling reduces usage conflicts and improves tenant satisfaction.
Load study and capacity selection (BTU)
We size each indoor head according to the actual thermal load : surface area, orientation, fenestration, infiltration, type of occupancy. 12,000 to 18,000 BTU formats are common for living rooms; some bedrooms or offices receive 9,000 BTUs . Our team adjusts the capacity by taking into account the line length , elbows , and installation constraints to preserve the capacity in extreme cold .
What we particularly monitor in a multi-unit project
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Spacing between condensers to avoid cross -discharge of hot air .
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Uniform height for consistent aesthetics and efficient defrosting .
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Service road : safe and clear access for annual maintenance (side paving stones = cleaner, less mud).
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Clear numbering/identification of units (apartment A, B, C) to simplify operation and interventions.
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Co-ownership compatibility : compliance with installation regulations, capping colors and discreet integrations on the facade.
Instructions for use for occupants (interior)
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Keep filters clean (clean every 4 to 8 weeks depending on use).
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Favor stable settings (22–24°C for air conditioning, reasonable settings for heating) to avoid over-modulations.
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Use automatic scanning to homogenize the temperature.
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Program Silent mode at night.
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Plan annual HVAC maintenance : cleaning exchangers, checking condensates, tightening and updating parameters.
Exterior maintenance: simple actions that make a difference
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Clear snow from under the condensers in winter for proper frost removal.
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Avoid placing objects in front of the gills .
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Visually inspect cappings and seals after episodes of high winds.
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Report any unusual noise or vibration: early adjustment prevents wear.
Grants and support
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps with good cooling performance are often eligible for assistance programs in Quebec. We verify eligibility for each home based on the configuration and model specifications , then we support the owner in preparing the application .
Result: neat facade, high performance, satisfied tenants
The building benefits from an orderly façade, with aligned, quiet , easily accessible and easy-to-maintain appliances. Inside, the apartments gain in comfort all year round, while the owner reduces operating costs and increases the value of his asset.
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
We know the plexes and condominiums of Greater Montreal: brick facade constraints, narrow alleys, variable snow depths, condominium regulations. We operate in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore with precise planning , compliant installations and long-term monitoring .
Technical points to remember
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Sharp ZU1 ( R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump for multiple dwellings.
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Wall supports clear of the ground, anti-vibration , compliant clearances.
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Covered paths , waterproofing and controlled condensate drainage.
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Nitrogen testing + deep vacuum = reliability and long-lasting performance.
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Support for subsidies and annual HVAC maintenance by AirGreen.
Do you have a plex to equip or modernize? We size, install and maintain custom solutions in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .