A Sharp heat pump on a brick balcony: neat and quiet integration in the heart of Rosemont
At AirGreen , we have just installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in a Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie plex. The outdoor unit is located on the red brick rear balcony , a typical environment for the area: metal railing, black privacy panel, sliding patio door, and concrete slab. Our goal: to guarantee four-season comfort , while respecting the space, aesthetic, and silence constraints specific to Montreal buildings.
Why the Sharp ZU1 range on a Montreal plex
Sharp has built its reputation on high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps , featuring precise inverter control and Plasmacluster Ion filtration that improves indoor air quality. The ZU1 range operates on R-32 refrigerant , which has a lower GWP than R-410A, and is distinguished by:
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heating stability in cold weather;
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discreet operation — an essential criterion in co-ownership and dense neighborhoods;
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fine modulation which follows the actual thermal load of the dwelling;
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interesting electrical sobriety to reduce the energy bill.
For the occupants of a Rosemont plex, the equation is simple: less noise, more comfort, and healthier air .
Site context: narrow balcony, solid brick, close neighbors
The intervention takes place on a narrow balcony exposed to neighborly view. The technical challenges are clear:
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Airflow management in a side corridor formed by the brick wall and the privacy panel.
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Vibrations and noise that could be transmitted to the structure and disturb neighbors.
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Drilling into the brick for the refrigeration line, condensate drain and power cable, while maintaining watertightness.
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Regulatory clearances for winter/summer maintenance and performance.
Our balcony installation strategy
Support, stability and anti-vibration
We install the outdoor unit on a galvanized pedestal fixed to the balcony slab. This choice:
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raises the condenser to prevent the accumulation of thawing water in winter;
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mechanically separates the device using anti-vibration pads to limit sound transmission to floors and walls;
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facilitates drainage and cleaning under the appliance.
Orientation and air clearances
In a space bordered by a privacy panel , the priority is to avoid the recirculation of hot air in summer and to ensure free air discharge. We orient the blower facade towards the clearest axis of the balcony and maintain the recommended clearances around the unit (rear and side faces) to preserve capacity and COP .
Drilling and protection of crossings
The drilling in the solid brick is carried out at a slight angle towards the outside. We install:
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a watertight bulkhead ;
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a weather-resistant sealing foam ;
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a discreet technical cover that protects insulated refrigeration lines and wiring, while visually integrating into the wall.
Condensate management
On balconies, any disruptive runoff must be avoided. We plan a gravity drain directed towards a suitable drainage point, with a continuous slope. As an option, we can add a heating tracer on the exposed section if intensive winter use and the orientation of the balcony justify it.
Lengths, routes and internal integration
The internal head is located just behind the brick wall, on the living room side, which allows for a very short (≈ 2–3 m) route of the lines. Concrete advantages:
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minimized pressure losses ;
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reduced amount of refrigerant ;
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better system responsiveness .
Inside, we take care of the electrical connection on a dedicated circuit breaker , the anchoring of the wall plate and the sealing around the cable gland. The passage of the condensate line from the head is designed to flow by gravity to the outside, avoiding the use of a pump in this context - a guarantee of silence and reliability .
Noise, neighborhood and urban conformity
In dense environments, acoustic management is key. Our configuration aims to:
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a minimal perceived noise level on the neighbors' side (orientation of the rejection, anti-vibration, enhancement);
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avoiding resonances with the privacy panel (decoupling and clearances);
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an adapted ventilation speed in night mode thanks to Inverter control .
We comply with municipal best practices regarding exterior installation (maintenance clearances, fire access, safety of balcony occupants).
Results obtained: tangible comfort and preserved aesthetics
Upon commissioning:
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the interior temperature stabilizes quickly, with even diffusion in the living room and adjacent rooms;
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the noise level on the balcony remains contained; using Quiet/Night mode increases comfort in the evening;
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consumption decreases compared to the old electrical backup configuration, thanks to Inverter modulation.
Aesthetically, the integration of the technical duct and the choice of the pedestal maintain a clean line , without cluttering the passage area.
HVAC Maintenance: What We Recommend
To maintain the performance of the wall-mounted heat pump :
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Clean the interior filters every 4 to 8 weeks during the usage season;
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Clear leaves and dust from the outdoor heat exchanger every spring/fall;
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Check the clearance of the discharge chute (avoid ice cubes in winter);
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Schedule annual AirGreen preventive maintenance : electrical inspection, tightening, load verification, temperatures and pressures, probe calibration, vibration control.
Regular maintenance ensures high seasonal performance , limits consumption and extends the life of the appliance.
Pitfalls to Avoid on a Montreal Balcony (and How We Avoid Them)
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Air recirculation due to a privacy panel that is too close → we respect the clearances and point the device towards the opening.
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Vibrations in the structure → galvanized pedestal + anti-vibration pads + torque-controlled anchors.
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Droplets and ice on the slab → directed drainage and sufficient elevation.
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Leaky hole in the brick → weatherproofing , closed foam and finishing cover.
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Nuisances for neighbors → selection of a silent mode and appropriate usage advice.
Deadlines, tests and delivery
The complete intervention includes:
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Taking measurements and electrical validation;
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Drilling and installation of the support;
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Passage of lines and sealing;
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Vacuuming (deep vacuum), leak testing;
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Start-up and functional tests (pressures, superheating/subcooling, supply/discharge temperatures, currents);
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Occupant training in efficient use (programming, dehumidification, night mode, maintenance).
We provide a commissioning report and personalized usage advice .
Subsidies and efficiency
Depending on the programs in force and the configuration chosen , this wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible for assistance related to energy efficiency (seasonal performance criteria and cold behavior). We support our customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore to validate eligibility and complete proof of compliant installation .
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Montreal and Greater Montreal
Our team is familiar with the unique features of plexes and narrow balconies in Rosemont, Villeray, Plateau, Hochelaga, and beyond. Each project is designed to perform well in the Quebec climate , remain discreet in co-ownership, and meet standards .
Need a Sharp, Gree, Fujitsu or Midea wall-mounted heat pump? We advise, install and maintain with the same rigor, whether you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore .