Stable comfort in both summer and winter, without major renovations or ductwork: that's exactly the result achieved in this triplex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie thanks to the installation of a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump by our AirGreen teams. Our mission: to provide efficient cooling in the summer, reliable heating support in the off-season and during extreme cold, and improved air quality—all with discreet integration and quiet operation.
A compact and highly efficient solution for Montreal housing
Context and objectives of the project
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Building : accommodation on the upper floor of a brick triplex, with exterior access via a French window opening onto a balcony.
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Needs : refresh the main living area (living room/kitchen) of approximately 35–45 m² , reduce the electric heating bill, limit noise and preserve the brightness of the room.
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Constraints : refrigerated shelves to be minimized to maximize efficiency, restricted ceiling height above the French window, direct passage to the exterior without affecting the interior finishes.
Why the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) ?
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Inverter technology optimized for the cold climates of Greater Montreal, allowing heating capacity to be maintained at low temperatures.
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R-32 refrigerant, more efficient and with a lower GWP than R-410A.
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Air Quality : The Sharp series incorporates Plasmacluster ionization and multi-stage filtration that reduce dust and allergens—an asset in urban homes near busy roads.
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Silence : low noise levels both indoors and outdoors, suitable for adjoining housing.
In summary: compactness, high seasonal efficiency, acoustic comfort and improved air quality make it a solution perfectly suited to typical Montreal plexes .
HVAC Layout and Installation Details
Inner head positioning
We fix the unit above the patio door , centered, to promote longitudinal diffusion of air along the room. This placement:
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avoids direct air currents on the occupants;
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frees up load-bearing walls and keeps traffic flowing;
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shortens the refrigeration path by allowing an exit through the exterior wall immediately behind the appliance.
Ceiling clearance : the margin is reduced, we use dowels adapted to the lintel materials and a sufficient service reserve for filter maintenance.
Level : laser control to ensure horizontality, essential for the proper gravity flow of condensates in air conditioning mode.
Drilling, connections and finishing
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65 mm through hole with slight outward slope for natural condensate drainage.
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Line length : ~ 1.5 to 2.0 m between the head and the outdoor unit, which limits pressure losses and optimizes the COP .
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Full-length insulation of refrigeration lines; discreet exterior capping to protect and standardize the finish.
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Waterproofing : vapor barrier filling + UV exterior sealant to prevent air and water infiltration.
Condensate management
The drop allows for gravity drainage - no pump, so zero additional noise and reduced maintenance . The pipe exits through the same hole and is fixed under capping up to the regulatory drip point.
Installation of the outdoor unit
On the rear balcony, anti-vibration wall brackets (galvanized steel) with clearances:
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Top/bottom : respect the manufacturer's dimensions for air intake;
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Back : 10–15 cm minimum depending on the wall configuration;
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Front : > 60 cm for air circulation and maintenance.
We add anti-vibration mats and tighten to the prescribed torque to limit sound transmission to the building structure.
Commissioning and controls
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Calibrated flares and tightening torques with a torque meter;
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Nitrogen + deep vacuum to ≤ 500 microns, stabilization and leak test ;
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Remote control settings : slat orientation, auto speeds, economy mode;
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Heating and air conditioning test to check overcurrent, overheating/subcooling , and electronic stability.
Performance, comfort and air quality
Heating in cold weather
The ZU1 maintains excellent heating levels during Montreal winters . With short lines, the room heats up quickly. The user benefits from economical backup during peak periods and efficient main heating in spring and fall.
Uniform cooling in summer
Positioning above the bay optimizes airflow : the flow runs along the ceiling, mixes and then descends gently, which avoids cold areas and improves humidity.
Silence and discretion
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Interior : very low noise level at low speed;
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Exterior : Inverter compressor and silent blocks → minimized nuisance for neighbors and the interior courtyard.
Healthier air
Plasmacluster technology and washable filters trap dust and pollen and reduce odors . We set a maintenance reminder for the customer to clean the filters every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of heavy use.
What we do differently at AirGreen
Design for real performance
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Short lines and minimized bends : more useful capacity, less consumption.
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Rigorous sealing and continuous insulation : no dew point in the wall, no parasitic condensation .
Compliance with standards and sustainability
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Anchors and guy lines sized for freeze/thaw conditions;
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Defrost and clearance management to prevent ice buildup around the outdoor unit;
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Compliant wiring (dedicated circuit breaker, adequate rating, disconnect nearby).
Controlled deadlines
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Technical visit, choice of capacity ( 9k–18k BTU typical for this type of space), supply, installation in one day in the majority of cases, commissioning and user training.
HVAC usage and maintenance tips
Good daily practices
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Leave the unit in Auto mode with a setpoint of 22–23°C for constant comfort.
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When heating, favor large open blades to promote gentle stratification.
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Keep 1 m clear in front of the head and 60 cm around the outdoor unit.
Annual interview
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Regular cleaning of filters by the customer;
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Annual HVAC maintenance by AirGreen: electrical inspection, battery/fan cleaning, condensate check, performance checks. This maintenance preserves the warranty and longevity .
This project in figures (indicative)
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Capacity : 12k to 15k BTU depending on open area load calculation;
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Line length : ~2 m;
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Evacuation : gravity ;
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Perceived noise level : very low at low speed;
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Installation time : 1 day including commissioning.
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps are generally eligible for provincial programs when they meet the required performance thresholds. We review each application and support our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to maximize the assistance available to their address and equipment configuration.
Result: comfort, savings and careful integration
The home now benefits from four-season comfort with optimized consumption , discreet operation and improved air quality . The integration above the French window keeps the room clear, while preserving access to the balcony. It is a clean, durable and efficient installation - the AirGreen signature.
Need a wall-mounted heat pump installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore?
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