Precise comfort for an urban condo: a neat, discreet installation designed for the long term
Project background
In a condo in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , Montreal, we installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series, R-32 refrigerant) to provide efficient heating in the mid-season and quiet air conditioning in the summer. The home has a large patio door opening onto a balcony: the location allowed us to optimize the routing of refrigerant connections and preserve the interior aesthetics , a key issue for the client.
Equipment selection: Sharp, ZU1 series (R-32)
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split, horizontal indoor unit).
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Brand : Sharp — renowned for its compact heads, reliable electronics and quiet operation .
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Range : ZU1 series (R-32) , recent generation with low GWP, compatible with Greater Montreal winters.
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Goal : Maximize seasonal efficiency and room-by-room comfort, while maintaining a sleek and easily maintained HVAC system .
Why R-32? This generation of refrigerant reduces the environmental footprint compared to older R-410A series, while enabling high performance and better energy density.
Interior installation: precision, level and silence
We positioned the interior head at the optimal height on the main wall of the living room, far enough from the ceiling for efficient air intake and simplified maintenance. The blowing direction promotes even distribution without direct air currents on the living area.
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Connecting path : approximately 4.5 to 5 m visible in a horizontal course discreetly covered in white along the wall, up to the corner near the patio door.
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Aesthetics : thin and continuous capping, clean junctions , fixing every 40–50 cm to avoid sagging and vibrations.
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Condensate : gravity drainage inside the hood, with controlled slope. This choice avoids the addition of a pump (noise/maintenance) and reduces long-term risks .
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Drilling : a single through hole in a protected area, carefully sealed to prevent any infiltration of air or moisture.
Outdoor installation: compactness and co-ownership compliance
The condenser was installed on the balcony , near the connection outlet, on anti-vibration pads . The location complies with the condominium's instructions (clearances, condensate drainage, facade aesthetics) and service distances.
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Anti-vibration : high-density pads + tightening to the recommended torque to limit sound transmission to the structure.
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Clearances : free space in front and on the sides to ensure air flow in air conditioning/heating mode.
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Electrical disconnection : service box near the condenser, dedicated connection from the panel, in accordance with RBQ standards and Hydro-Québec practices.
Technical execution details
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New refrigerant lines , crimped and brazed according to the rules of the art; continuous closed-cell insulation up to the connections.
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Nitrogen test and leak test before deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns), followed by resistance monitoring to validate the integrity of the network.
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Condensate management : laser-measured slope, anti-pocket collars to prevent low points.
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Sealing : wall pass-through protected by sleeve and UV sealant , with vapor barrier on the interior side.
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Finish : Matching caps and curves to avoid open segments, stainless steel screws at exposed points.
Concrete result for the client
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Immediate comfort : rapid temperature rise in the off-season, effective dehumidification during hot spells.
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Silence : minimized noise thanks to the combination of Sharp interior head + condenser anti-vibration supports.
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Aesthetics : linear, discreet and consistent route with the lines of the wall; no visible, disordered sheathing.
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Maintenance access : clearances respected, filters accessible without complex disassembly, which reduces maintenance costs .
Good AirGreen reflexes for an urban condo
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Co-ownership pre-validation : we coordinate the exterior location, the color of the hoods and the drilling to comply with internal regulations.
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Dedicated electricity : circuit breaker and rating adapted to the unit's power; verification of cable length and voltage drop.
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Water management : priority to gravity ; if not possible, silent lifting pump with safety tank and alarm sensor .
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Limiting nuisances : orientation of the condenser, pads and management of hot/cold air discharges to preserve the peace and quiet of neighbors.
Energy savings and subsidies
A properly sized, latest-generation R-32 wall-mounted heat pump reduces energy consumption compared to electric baseboard heaters and improves comfort in both summer and winter. Depending on the specific model and its performance in cold climates, certain local subsidies may apply in Greater Montreal. We assist our clients in documenting the installation and preparing the necessary documents.
Recommended preventive maintenance
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Clean filters every 4–8 weeks during use.
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Annual inspection : pressure, temperatures, condensates, electrical tightening, cleanliness of the exchanger.
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Exterior clearance : keep the unit free of any obstacles (snow, leaves, furniture) to preserve seasonal performance .
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Head hygiene : gentle antibacterial treatment of the fins if intensive use (animals, dust).
What makes the AirGreen difference
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Certified team in residential and multi-unit HVAC installation .
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Clean finishes : aligned hood, watertight seals, clamps at the correct center distance, no loose cables .
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Responsible sizing : we adapt the BTU capacity to the volume, sunlight and building envelope to avoid oversizing (noise, short cycles) or undersizing (discomfort, wear).
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Complete support : from the technical visit to the first start-up, then post-installation monitoring .
Points of vigilance (and how we avoid them)
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Horizontal drainage too flat → systematic check of the slope and flow tests with clear water.
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Poorly sealed holes → sleeve + sealant + interior vapor barrier .
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Vibrations → torque tightening, suitable pads , distribution of masses on the balcony.
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Too visible paths → white cover coordinated with the wall, molded elbows for clean angles.
Example of perceived performance
In this Rosemont condo, temperature stability immediately improved. The client noted drier air on humid days and a noticeable reduction in the operating time of the electric baseboard heaters. The outdoor unit, located away from the balcony's relaxation areas, remains discreet to both the ear and the eye.
In short: a clean, efficient and durable installation
This Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series, R-32) perfectly meets the constraints of an urban apartment : short and neat connection paths, gravity evacuation without pump, stable and silent outdoor unit. At AirGreen, we place the same level of requirement on invisible quality (high vacuum, sealing, slope) as on the visible finish (hoods, alignments, cleanliness of the site). The result: comfort , energy efficiency and aesthetics combined, ready for Montreal winters as well as for summer heat waves.
Quick FAQ
Is this facility suitable for other boroughs of Montreal, Laval, the North Shore or the South Shore?
Yes. We adapt the capacity , clearances and drainage method to the configurations (plex, condo, house) of Montreal , Laval , North Shore and South Shore , always in compliance with local regulations and co-ownerships.
How long does the annual maintenance take?
Typically, 1-2 hours are sufficient for a complete inspection with cleaning of major components and functional testing.
Call to action
Do you want the same precise comfort and a clean HVAC system in your home in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, or the South Shore? Contact AirGreen : we'll assess your space, suggest the right brand and capacity , and install a heat pump that blends seamlessly into your interior.