Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

A careful winter replacement on a mixed stone/cladding facade: silence, clearances and stabilized performance for a typical Rosemont four-and-a-half-bedroom apartment

Project background

At AirGreen , we regularly work in Rosemont plexes where outdoor space is limited and winter snow complicates clearances around the units. Here, our mandate is to install a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump to ensure four-season comfort in a family home overlooking a backyard with a wooded deck and basement skylight. The goal: to heat efficiently in extreme cold, cool discreetly in the summer and preserve circulation around the window well, without vibrations or noise pollution for the household... or for the neighbors.

Why the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) range for this type of housing

High seasonal efficiency thanks to inverter technology and R-32 refrigerant, favorable to yield and carbon footprint.
Extreme cold operation (low range adapted to the Montreal climate), ideal for the harsh winters of Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Controlled acoustics on the condenser side and on the interior head side, a major asset in shared courtyards and alleys typical of plexes.
Well-designed components and protections : optimized defrosting, ventilated exchanger housing and protected electronics for long-term reliability.

Please note: when the precise reference is not communicated by the customer, we validate the capacity (e.g. 12,000 to 18,000 BTU) based on losses and the use of the rooms served, to perfectly align comfort and consumption.

Site reading and implementation strategy

The rear wall combines stone masonry and painted wood siding with a raised wooden deck. A window well leads to the basement; the ground is covered in snow for several months of the year. We note:

Installation on galvanized wall brackets with crosspiece, above the snow area and out of the shoveling path.
Vibration decoupling by anti-vibration pads and tightening controlled by dynamometer to avoid any transfer into the structure.
Vertical covered path (grey capping) for refrigeration connections and communication cable, ensuring clean aesthetics and mechanical/UV protection.
Through-hole drilling through the side wall, with gravity slope towards the outside and waterproof sheath : this reduces the risk of infiltration and facilitates possible maintenance.
Standard clearances : free face in front of the exchanger and clear side to optimize air intake/expulsion and defrosting.

Installation Details (AirGreen Step-by-Step)

Taking measurements and identifying obstacles : useful height to pass over the accumulation of snow; distances from the window and the well; free blowing angle.
Structural anchors in the soundest area of the facing, with sealing adapted to the support (stone/wood) and compressible sealing washers.
Leveling the cross member and installing anti-vibration pads .
Pre-fabrication of connections : clean bends, continuous insulation of lines, identification of electrical extension cords. Estimated total length ≈ 3 to 5 m from the condenser to the internal head, route as direct as possible to minimize pressure losses.
Refrigeration connections to the exact torque, deep vacuum and leak test (pressure gauges + vacuum resistance) before releasing the fluid.
Power supply via dedicated circuit breaker and external disconnector placed within visual range of the condenser (safety requirement), watertight sheath and cable glands.
Functional tests : start-up in heating mode, control of intensity, blowing temperatures, defrost cycle and acoustics.
Finish : aligned covers, screw covers, neat joints around the capping and wall penetration.

Constraint management: snow, window wells and terrace

Installation height : we position the unit at a height that allows safe clearance to be maintained even during episodes of compact snow.
Air discharge : the orientation prevents backflow towards the window and avoids recirculation of cold air under the terrace.
Maintenance access : the area remains usable for well maintenance and terrace cleaning, without disconnecting the equipment.
Snow and defrost protection : If necessary, we add a frost deflector or a roof snow guard to prevent cornices from falling onto the unit. Here, the clearances and position under the eaves are sufficient.

Result: consistent comfort and contained noise

Once commissioned, the indoor head supplies the adjoining living room, which benefits from the vertical circulation typical of plexes. The exterior noise level remains low on the terrace; inside, the inverter modulation eliminates jolts. Consumption drops compared to the old electric auxiliary heating, and the summer air conditioning easily covers hot spells.

Best HVAC installation practices we apply here

Refrigeration lines as short and straight as possible , continuous insulation and UV capping.
True deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns) to protect the compressor.
Clearances respected for heat exchange and defrosting.
Compliant electricity (size, circuit breaker, disconnector).
Suitable anti-vibration material to preserve the calm of the premises and the hold of the fixings in the stone.

Maintenance and longevity: our advice

Regular HVAC maintenance protects performance:

Gently rinse the condenser fins in spring and clear away blown snow in winter.
Clean the inner head filters every 4 to 8 weeks depending on usage.
Schedule an annual inspection : electrical checks, pressure, superheat/subcooling, gasket and cover updates.
On a wooden facade, check the hardware and anchor points; on stone, monitor the waterproof seal at the fixings.

Grants and Compliance

Efficient R-32 refrigerant heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 are generally eligible for Quebec's current financial assistance programs (efficient electric heating, energy efficiency). We support our customers in:

eligibility verification based on declared capacity and performance;
documentation (quotes, photos, serial numbers);
the timetable for the procedures in order to avoid delays in acceptance.
This expertise applies to all of Greater Montreal : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .

What a plex owner should remember

Choose the right capacity : we size the heating as a priority, so that the compressor works at partial load most of the time.
Think about winter clearances : laying too low quickly becomes problematic; aim for 40–60 cm above the expected snow level.
Secure the aesthetics : aligned capping and appropriate color; cables and lines invisible from the terrace.
Anticipate maintenance : easy access to the disconnector, easy-to-remove internal filter, space for cleaning the exchanger.

Why AirGreen

Specialists in Montreal buildings (plexes, condos, laneway houses) and their constraints: mixed masonry, narrow terraces, winter courtyards.
Multi-brand expertise (Sharp, Gree, Fujitsu, Midea, etc.) to recommend the truly optimal option, not just the one available in stock.
Clean execution : tight finishes, perfect levels, effective anti-vibration, documented tests.
After-sales service : maintenance reminders, priority availability during the cold season, stocks of common parts.

Technical sheet – highlights of the construction site

Machine : Sharp ZU1 , wall-mounted heat pump (R-32), capacity validated according to the main room.
Installation : galvanized wall brackets with crosspiece, anti-vibration pads .
Route : vertical hooded (approx. 3–5 m), slope drilling with sleeve.
Power supply : dedicated circuit breaker and external disconnect switch within reach.
Environment : mixed stone/wood facade, terrace, window well ; height calculated for snow cover.
Objective : four-season comfort, silence in the yard, stable performance in extreme cold.

Do you have a plex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , Villeray , Le Sud-Ouest or on the North Shore / South Shore and you want a clean, efficient and durable HVAC installation ? Our team plans, installs and optimizes your heat pump with the same high standards as for this project, from model selection to grant applications.

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