Four-season comfort installed on a Montreal balcony: performance, discretion and impeccable work
At AirGreen , we have just completed the installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in a condominium in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie district. The residence has a typical Montreal signature: red brick wall , covered wooden balcony and relaxation area with rattan furniture . Our client's objective: to efficiently cool the living area in the summer , heat stably down to −25 °C in the winter, and preserve the tranquility of the balcony used daily.
Context and needs: a project where every centimeter counts
The balcony, semi-enclosed by horizontal slats, provided natural shelter from rain and snow but imposed air clearance constraints. The electrical outlets and the external disconnect switch were already in place on the brick side, which guided the positioning of the Sharp ZU1 condenser . The space available between the railing and the wall required a raised support to optimize air circulation and condensate management , while freeing up the passage area and limiting vibrations transmitted to the slab.
We therefore recommended:
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Installation on an anti-vibration base in galvanized aluminum with rubber pads;
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A front clearance oriented towards the balcony opening to prevent hot air from being recycled against the slats;
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Side and rear clearance respecting the manufacturer's distances in order to preserve seasonal performance;
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A wall crossing to the interior head in a direct line, to limit pressure losses and reduce the refrigeration length.
Refrigeration and drainage path: clean, discreet, durable
The refrigeration path connects the living room wall head to the balcony condenser by a brick crossing with an outward slope . We installed:
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Copper piping insulated with a light-colored UV-resistant sheath for a harmonious visual effect with the brick;
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Butyl tape and closed-cell foam at critical passages to block air infiltration and thermal bridges;
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Sealing flap and polyurethane sealant on the outside;
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Gravity condensate drain , integrated into the bundle and directed outwards, for silent, maintenance-free evacuation .
The total length of the connections is controlled (approximately 3 to 4 meters ), which promotes efficient operation, rapid vacuuming and R-32 refrigerant charging in accordance with the manufacturer's table.
Electrical management and commissioning: safety and compliance
The Sharp ZU1 heat pump is powered by a dedicated circuit from the main panel with a double-pole circuit breaker and calibrated cable . Outside, the proximity disconnect switch installed on the brick wall allows the unit to be isolated for maintenance.
Our commissioning steps include:
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Nitrogen leak tests and deep vacuum with micron meter until stabilization;
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Checking currents , superheating and subcooling ;
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Acoustic step (measurement at 1 m and 3 m) to confirm the low noise level on the balcony;
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Setting the comfort mode, sweeping and instructions to limit direct airflow into the relaxation area.
Why the Sharp ZU1: efficiency, silence and R-32 refrigerant
The Sharp ZU1 is one of the new generation of wall-mounted heat pumps that runs on R-32 , a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential than R-410A. It offers:
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High seasonal efficiency in air conditioning and heating, ideal for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore ;
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An inverter compressor that finely modulates power to maintain a stable temperature while reducing consumption;
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Extreme cold operation down to −25°C , consistent with Greater Montreal winters;
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A contained noise level , crucial for an inhabited balcony ;
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Compatibility with aid programs when efficiency and installation criteria are met.
Condenser positioning: best practices on balconies
On a Montreal balcony, the rules of the art for a sustainable HVAC installation are clear:
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Condenser elevation : Here, a rust-proof metal frame with pads absorbs vibrations, facilitates cleaning and protects against stagnant water.
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Air release : the blown flow is directed towards the balcony opening; we maintain sufficient free space in front of the grille to avoid any recirculation and loss of capacity.
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Debris Protection : Leaf screening on the upper deck was not required as the space is covered, but we advised the client to perform minimal HVAC maintenance twice a year (spring and fall).
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Winter management : the balcony naturally protects against snow; we still recommend a visual inspection during storms to keep the facade clear.
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Acoustics : In addition to buffers, the orientation and absorption of the balcony reduce the propagation of noise to the neighborhood.
Interior integration: comfort without disrupting musical life
Inside, the wall-mounted header is perfectly aligned with the main living room wall. The shutters are adjusted to prevent direct airflow into the piano area and to circulate air evenly between the living room and dining room.
Result: a uniform temperature , better controlled humidity and almost inaudible operation , even during musical rehearsals.
Work progress: fast, clean, structured
The intervention took place over half a day :
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Protection of sensitive areas (carpets, balcony furniture, glass table) before drilling;
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Controlled drilling of brick with diamond helicoid and dust control ;
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Installation of connections , insulation and capping matching the facade;
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Testing , commissioning and delivery of a clear user guide , including seasonal adjustments .
We systematically schedule a follow-up call after the first week of use to adjust instructions and answer any customer questions.
Recommended maintenance: the key to performance
To maintain the performance of the heat pump :
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Clean the indoor head filters every 4 to 6 weeks in summer and when the heating is restarted;
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Dust the outdoor heat exchanger and check that nothing is blocking the air intake ;
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Annual professional HVAC maintenance with electrical check , pressure control , insulation inspection and gentle fin cleaning ;
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Recalibration of instructions before the heatwave and before winter to optimize energy savings and comfort .
Subsidies and added value
The Sharp ZU1 R-32 configuration, when sized according to CSA rules and the thermal load of the dwelling , can meet the efficiency criteria required by various assistance programs in effect in Quebec. We support our customers in:
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Eligibility verification (model, performance, location, eligible work);
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Preparation of documents (quote, detailed invoice, proof of installation);
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Best practices for maximizing kWh saved .
What the customer remembers
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Immediate comfort and silence on the balcony and in the living room;
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Aesthetic integration : the condenser is discreet, the interior head aligns naturally with the decor;
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Controlled consumption : fine modulation and maintenance of stable temperature during weather variations;
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Ease of use : intuitive remote control, Auto/Heat/Cool modes, timer and automatic recovery after failure.
AirGreen, your HVAC partner in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
Our team understands the constraints of Montreal plexes , condominiums and single-family homes . We deliver clean, durable and optimized installations , whether it is a wall-mounted heat pump , a central heat pump or interior systems (cassette, ducted, console).
For a similar project in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie or elsewhere in Greater Montreal, we offer a technical evaluation and rigorous sizing to guarantee the best comfort/economy ratio .
AirGreen — the assurance of a neat, efficient HVAC installation designed for your daily life.