Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Laurent
High-level installation of a Sharp ZU1 (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Laurent : structural brackets, covered connections, metal duct supply, easy maintenance. AirGreen, HVAC experts for all of Greater Montreal .
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
A high installation, on structural brackets, designed for an active industrial premises — without compromising access or reliability
Project background
In Saint-Laurent, in the heart of a busy area, we are working in an industrial space with a ribbed metal ceiling and exposed steel frame. The objective: to install aSharp wall-mounted heat pump ( ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant – class A2L ) to ensure year-round comfort and savings, while respecting the traffic, noise and maintenance constraints specific to a work environment.
The client wanted:
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An out-of-reach position to free up floor space and preserve trolley aisles.
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A robust and durable anchoring structure .
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A clean and protected refrigeration connection passage .
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A secure and easy to maintain electrical path .
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A facility compatible with an uninterrupted operating schedule .
Choice of equipment
The Sharp ZU1 stands out as a recent R-32 wall-mounted solution, recognized for its energy efficiency, smooth modulation and resistance to Greater Montreal winters. The available capacities (from 12,000 to 24,000 BTU in this range) cover most workshops, closed offices and industrial mezzanines when sized according to actual loads. We favor here:
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Inverter compressor for fine adjustment of power.
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R-32 (A2L) : better volumetric efficiency and reduced charges, contributing to a reduction in the quantities of circulating refrigerant.
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Sound level optimized to limit vibration transmission to the building.
What we've put in place — and why
Anchoring on reinforced wall brackets
The outdoor unit is fixed on galvanized steel brackets , sized for the overhang and mass of the unit, with an additional perforated rail forming a support crosspiece. This configuration:
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Transfers the forces into the load-bearing wall.
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Facilitates horizontal alignment of the device.
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Creates clearance under the unit for drainage and maintenance.
We systematically provide anti-vibration spacers and torque control to prevent the transmission of vibrations to the wall. On industrial sites, this precaution protects adjacent partitions and sensitive equipment.
Passage of refrigeration connections and protection
The insulated refrigeration tubes and communication cable are guided through a clean, plugged, and sealed core hole . Inside, a junction box and covers provide mechanical protection and maintain the bend radius. Outside, we continue with UV capping (color of your choice) for a clean and durable result.
Electrical supply in flexible metal conduit
The power supply is made of metal flex (type “sealtite”) with service box in the immediate vicinity of the unit. Advantages:
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Safety : connections protected against shocks.
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Maintenance : local outage for intervention.
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Compliance : route identified, connection properly labeled.
Working at height and risk management
The high-level installation (approximately 5–6 m) requires a lifting platform and a high-altitude working procedure. We mark out the area, coordinate the lifting slots and check that there is no interference with overhead cranes, ducts, suction paths or walkways. The chosen position:
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Frees up ground traffic .
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Protects the unit against shocks, dust and projections .
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Allows airflow without recirculation, essential for performance.
Condensate management and defrosting
In heating mode, a heat pump generates defrosting . In high wall installation, we plan:
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Clearance under chassis for drainage.
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Controlled drainage path to a non-disturbing area (or collection tray if required).
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Pre-wiring and access for seasonal inspection.
Expected result
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Stabilized comfort in the targeted area, with power modulation.
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Lower consumption compared to direct electric heating.
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Simplified maintenance thanks to secure access, service box and protective covers.
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Careful technical aesthetics : clean drilling, straight paths, regular finishes.
Sizing: our benchmarks for the Saint-Laurent and Greater Montreal premises
Proper sizing isn't just about square meters. We consider:
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internal loads (machines, people),
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stratification due to ceiling height,
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infiltration rates and sealing,
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the level of insulation of the envelope,
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fresh air constraints (if parallel mechanical ventilation).
For open and high spaces, we check the air diffusion and, if necessary, couple the heat pump to destratifiers or to existing ventilation to avoid pockets of hot air in the ceiling and improve uniformity at the working level.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
A wall-mounted heat pump performs at its best when it's properly maintained. We offer HVAC maintenance tailored to industrial sites:
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Seasonal inspection (tightening, connections, visual inspection of covers and drain).
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Cleaning the external exchanger (without damaging the fins).
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Checking the insulation and fixing of the connections.
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Reading of parameters (intensity, temperatures) to prevent any drift.
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Update of safety markers and labels.
Grants and Compliance
Recent R-32 heat pumps are generally eligible for energy transition programs when seasonal performance criteria are met. We support our clients in:
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eligibility verification ,
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collection of documents (serial numbers, performance sheets),
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validation of compliant work (installation by licensed contractor, supervised start-up).
Points of attention (and common mistakes to avoid)
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Undersize an area with a high air exchange rate. We include ventilation in the calculation.
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Forget about high-rise maintenance : we plan access to the platform and a dedicated time slot in the maintenance contract.
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Neglecting clearance in front of the exchanger: a cramped unit loses efficiency and longevity.
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Trace the connections without protection: we cap and protect each change of direction .
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Ignore structure-borne noise : we install anti-vibration pads and control wall resonance .
Why AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore?
We combine site engineering , field execution and after-sales service . Each installation is documented (photos of anchors, tightening torques, markings), and we deliver a clear customer file : connection diagram, equipment references, reminder of maintenance instructions. Our team plans the intervention without immobilizing your activity, even in an industrial environment .
What if your building needs more than one head?
The Sharp range (wall-mounted and Multi-Zone ) allows for system expansion . We can add indoor units (offices, break room, mezzanine) on a multi-platform as needs change. A quick audit tells us whether the existing infrastructure is scalable or whether a central heat pump would be more appropriate (existing ducts, zoning, heat recovery).
Next step
Do you operate a warehouse , workshop , or office in Greater Montreal and are looking for a clean, safe, and well-sized heat pump installation ? Contact us. We will take measurements , validate the installation (heights, clearances, electricity), and provide a clear quote with a commissioning schedule.
Quick Facts about the Installation (Saint-Laurent Project)
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System : Sharp wall-mounted heat pump — ZU1 range ( R-32 / A2L ).
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Installation : galvanized wall brackets + perforated crosspiece.
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Power supply : flexible metal conduit with service box .
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Connections : insulated tubes, clean core drilling , protective cover.
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Installation height : work with a basket ; marked area.
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Objective : stable comfort, optimal performance , easy maintenance .
Naturally integrated keywords : heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
The unit on this job, in figures
The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.
| Size | Heating at −8 °C | Heating at −15 °C | Coldest certified point | COP at −15 °C | SEER | HSPF | Indicative LogisVert aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp ZU1 12 000 | 14,500 | 12,000 | −27 °C: 7,200 | 2.11 | 22.0 | 11.0 | $1,740 |
| Sharp ZU1 15 000 | 18,100 | 15,300 | −27 °C: 10,100 | 2.1 | 24.0 | 11.0 | $2,172 |
| Sharp ZU1 18 000 | 22,000 | 18,000 | −27 °C: 11,500 | 2.2 | 24.0 | 11.0 | $2,640 |
| Sharp ZU1 24 000 | 22,400 | 19,000 | −27 °C: 12,300 | 2.2 | 22.0 | 11.0 | $2,688 |
According to NEEP, it delivers 14,500 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (14,000 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 7,200 BTU/h, 60% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 17,100 BTU/h, 42% more than its nominal 12,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 18,100 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (18,000 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 10,100 BTU/h, 67% of its nominal 15,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 21,800 BTU/h, 45% more than its nominal 15,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 22,000 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), more than at 8 °C (21,600 BTU/h). It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its COP at −27 °C is 1.88: the highest of the ZU1 line, which ranges from 1.79 to 1.82 at that temperature.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −27 °C (−17 °F) is 11,500 BTU/h, 64% of its nominal 18,000 BTU size.
At −27 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 3,200 BTU/h (5,500 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 19,000 BTU/h, 79% of its nominal 24,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 2.20.
Data read live from the airgreen.ca page of each size (NEEP / AHRI certified performance). When the title names the installed size, it is highlighted; otherwise the whole range is shown. The aid shown is today’s, using Hydro-Québec’s rule ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C); amounts quoted in the article date from its publication. Only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What would it look like at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Baseboards and electric furnaces turn 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump delivers more: that is its COP. At Hydro-Québec’s rate D (11.142¢/kWh above 40 kWh a day, since 1 April 2026):
Hydro-Québec: a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months.
Estimate per kWh of heat, at the chosen temperature, using the certified COP from the product page. Taxes, access charge and backup heat not included.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
More jobs to see, near you
By town, by equipment or by region: browse more than 4,700 published projects.
Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).