A discreet and efficient HVAC upgrade for a Montreal brick plex
Project background
In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, a brick plex owner wanted to stabilize his comfort in both summer and winter while reducing his electricity bill. The goal: a compact HVAC solution that performed well in Montreal's extreme cold , was quiet enough for the backyard, and was installed without encroaching on floor space . We recommended a Sharp ZU1 series wall-mounted heat pump (R-32 refrigerant), sized for the main living area.
Why the Sharp ZU1 series for this type of building
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Four-season performance : inverter technology and reliable heating in cold weather, with efficient defrost management.
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R-32 : reduced charge, better energy efficiency and lower GWP than R-410A.
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Quiet operation : ideal for interior courtyards and close balconies typical of Montreal.
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Compact size : fits easily into brick facades and tight spaces on exterior stairs .
Reading the site and constraints
The site has all the features of a plex backyard: brick facade , metal awning/soffit , steel railings and a wooden lattice privacy screen . The main constraints:
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Avoid ground clearance to keep traffic free and facilitate snow removal.
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Maintain free ventilation of the outdoor unit despite the awning.
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Protect equipment from snow accumulation and splashes during defrosting.
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Drill through the brick without weakening the masonry and ensure watertightness .
Choice of location and support
We fixed the condenser high up on galvanized wall brackets , under the soffit, with:
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Load-bearing plate made of rot-proof material and anti-vibration pads to limit the transmission of structural noise.
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Chemical anchors in the brick (not in the friable joints) for a distributed and durable load .
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Generous ground clearance : the aircraft is clear of winter snowdrifts and protected from impacts.
This positioning provides consistent rear/side airflow , while remaining discreet from the yard. The proximity of the awning reduces snow and rain drift on the box.
Refrigeration and finishing
The refrigeration path descends vertically under the unit, covered by a white exterior molding in order to:
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Protect the refrigeration connections and the power cable ;
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Provide a clean and uniform finish on the brick;
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Facilitate future maintenance (quick access to fittings).
The condensate drain is managed by gravity , avoiding a pump in this context. The drilling was carried out with a slight slope towards the outside to prevent any water return. Inside, the wall head is placed on a nearby load-bearing wall, limiting the length of the lines and optimizing pressure losses .
Ventilation, clearances and acoustic performance
We respect the minimum clearances around the condenser (rear, sides and under the canopy) to guarantee:
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Hot air exhaust in summer and cold air in defrost mode in winter;
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An efficient defrost cycle without re-aspiration of air;
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Controlled sound levels thanks to installation height, silent blocks and rigid support .
The adjacent mesh screen does not obstruct the flow: the blowing axis remains free . We avoid blind spots that could cause air recycling and overheating .
Electricity and protection
The connection is made to a dedicated circuit with a circuit breaker suitable for the nameplate, and an external disconnect switch within visual range for maintenance. The junctions are watertight and UV protected . A drip is provided to evacuate the defrosting water without glazing on the circulations.
Sizing and comfort
On this project, the heat load of the main zone justifies a capacity in the 12,000–15,000 BTU/h range (depending on the head chosen). The inverter ensures:
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Rapid temperature rises ;
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Precise maintenance of humidity in summer;
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Very quiet low-speed operation at night.
Result: efficiency, discretion and controlled maintenance
The customer now benefits from:
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Four-season comfort with optimized consumption ;
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From an installation almost invisible from the courtyard;
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Easy technical access for annual maintenance (cleaning the exchanger, checking pressures, checking fixings and drain).
AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Brick Plexes
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Wall support above the snow line → protected condenser, clear circulation.
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Anchors suitable for brick → no cracking, safe load-bearing.
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Light-colored exterior cladding → cables and lines protected and integrated into the facade.
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Clearances respected under soffit/awning → performance and longevity preserved.
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Gravity drain when the site allows it → less maintenance, zero pump noise.
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Professional caulking around holes → waterproofing and energy performance .
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Clean the inner head filters every 2 to 3 months during the season.
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Gentle washing of the external exchanger in spring, visual inspection of the silent blocks and hardware.
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Annual HVAC maintenance visit : readings, tightening, defrost test, air flow and drain check.
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Winter Clearance: Keep 30–60 cm clear around the unit after storms.
Grants and Compliance
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 series are generally eligible for assistance programs based on their rated performance and climate zone. We verify model numbers for compliance with active programs for each project and provide the necessary documentation (detailed invoice, installation certificate, technical data sheets).
What this installation changes for the customer
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Consistent comfort in the living room, reduced noise on the balcony.
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Less energy consumed than with a traditional air conditioner + electric baseboards.
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Increased property value with a careful and reversible HVAC upgrade .
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Peace of mind : manufacturer's warranty and installation certified by our team.
Are you in Rosemont, Plateau or the Southwest?
Our teams operate weekly in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore . We quickly assess potential ductwork , heat load , clearances , and electrical supply , then offer a turnkey solution—from BTU selection to bracket mounting and warranty declaration .
Express FAQ
Doesn't the soffit above smother the unit?
No. We respect the vertical and lateral clearances and position the blowing in such a way as to avoid any air recycling .
Why on brackets rather than on the ground?
For this plex , this frees up the ground area, avoids snow and limits structural noise thanks to the silent blocks . It is also safer against impacts.
Can we add a second head later?
The ZU1 series is available in single or multi-zone configurations. We validate compatibility in advance if an extension is planned.
AirGreen expertise in brief
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Load studies adapted to brick buildings in Montreal.
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Neat drilling and freeze/thaw resistant caulking .
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Intelligent condensate management (gravity as priority).
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Clean finishes : harmonized cover, discreet wiring, compliant disconnector .
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After-sales service : HVAC maintenance and optimization of seasonal settings.
Ready to modernize your HVAC system ? We size and install your heat pump with the same precision as on this Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie project.