Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Léonard

A precise and durable HVAC upgrade on a typical east-end Montreal brick facade

At AirGreen , we have just installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in a Saint-Léonard apartment building. The building has a pale brick façade , a rendered basement , and a narrow lateral clearance —a common feature in this area of ​​Montreal. Our work aims for four-season comfort with a clean, safe, and easily maintained integration.

Housing context and client objectives

The accommodation is occupied year-round. The priorities expressed:

• stabilize the temperature of the living room and bedrooms upstairs;

• reduce electricity bill compared to baseboards;

• maintain a clean aesthetic on the alley side to avoid conflicts with the neighborhood;

• guarantee heating reliability down to −25°C .

The Sharp ZU1 meets these requirements with its Inverter compressor and low GWP, Energy Star R-32 refrigerant, designed for the cold climates of Greater Montreal .

Location Choice: Performance and Aesthetics

We have chosen a mounting on galvanized wall brackets in order to:

• raise the condenser above the snow and splash level (≈ 40–45 cm from the ground),

• facilitate free flow and access for HVAC maintenance ,

• prevent rising damp from the gravel.

The outdoor unit is installed well away from an existing metal chimney ; standard clearances are respected to prevent air recycling or obstruction. The fan blows freely towards the driveway, away from windows.

Connection management: discreet white cover and optimized lines

The refrigerant lines , the communication cable and the power supply run in a white capping :

• horizontal crossing of ± 3.5 m at constant height;

• vertical rise of ~2 m to the floor of the upper floor, where the interior head is located.

The hood features screw-on covers and large radius elbows to protect the insulation and limit pressure losses. All joints are silicone-coated to withstand freeze/thaw cycles. The lines are continuously insulated with anti-UV tape to prevent degradation in the sun, which is common on exposed facades.

Electricity and safety

We installed an outdoor disconnect box within easy reach of the technician, in accordance with code. The circuit breaker rating and conductor cross-section are sized according to the Sharp Eco Inverter nameplate. Grounding is verified, and the wiring is sealed at the point of penetration to prevent water infiltration .

Commissioning: rigor and traceability

Our standard procedure includes:

1. Deep vacuum draw to reach the recommended microns;

2. Leak test (dry nitrogen + soapy water at flare fittings);

3. Opening of the valves and stabilization;

4. Reading of blowing and suction temperatures ;

5. Checking the condensate flow rate on the interior side (gravity drain with continuous slope);

6. Sound control and vibration assessment on the brackets (anti-vibration pads installed).

Each step is documented in the AirGreen installation sheet to ensure easy maintenance tracking in the years to come.

Why the Sharp ZU1 for Saint-Léonard?

The Sharp ZU1 is distinguished by:

• reliable heating in very cold weather (target −25°C), ideal for winters in the east of the island;

• reduced noise level on the condenser and evaporator sides;

• fine modulation which avoids consumption peaks;

• easy-access filters for maintenance;

• compatibility with provincial grant programs when installed by a contractor holding the required licenses.

For a plex like this, the most common size is between 12,000 and 18,000 BTUs depending on the surface area served and the building envelope. We always size after a thermal assessment and recording of possible openings.

Execution details visible in the photo

• Horizontal and vertical capping in a single color for a uniform finish on pale brick;

• Heavy brackets with mechanical anchors suitable for brick joints;

• Line outlets to the right of the condenser : short apparent lengths, minimized losses;

• Accessible disconnect box ;

• Clear space in front of the exchanger to simplify low-pressure water washing in spring.

Result: stable comfort, reduced bill, clean facade

The set offers:

• rapid cooling during heat waves;

• regular heating in the off-season, limiting the use of baseboards;

• an orderly facade , without visible pipes or hanging cables;

• easy maintenance thanks to the clearance and screwed covers.

AirGreen Advice for Plex Owners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore

1. Condenser height : always above snow and splash;

2. Line routing : prefer short distances and wide bends to preserve pressure;

3. Quality cladding : extends the life of the insulation and keeps the facade clean;

4. Disconnect box : mandatory and strategic for the service;

5. HVAC maintenance : annual condenser washing, drain inspection , heating and air conditioning operation check;

6. Grants : Several programs recognize efficient heat pumps — we support pre-eligibility and documentation .

What our installation warranty covers

We guarantee the conformity of the drillings , the mechanical fixing , the sealing of the joints , as well as the commissioning . In the event of a future addition of a second head ( Multi-Zone Sharp configuration possible depending on the location), the existing horizontal duct facilitates the extension while maintaining the same aesthetic line.

And after installation: our service

AirGreen offers:

• maintenance contracts with deep cleaning;

• rapid diagnosis in the event of an anomaly;

• optimization of settings (sweeping, programming, set temperatures) to further reduce consumption.

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Technical assessment

• Building : plex/row house, pale brick, rendered base;

• Layout : clear side wall, condenser on brackets ;

• Estimated total length of connections: ~5.5 m (horizontal + vertical);

• Cover : white, sealed joints ;

• Electricity : external disconnection , calibration according to Sharp Eco Inverter plate;

• Customer objective : four-season comfort with cost reduction .

At AirGreen, we operate weekly in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore . Our strength lies in our precise methodology , careful installation and a clear relationship with occupants and condominium associations. This installation in Saint-Léonard illustrates our way of working: efficient, clean and designed to last .