A careful exterior installation on plaster: performance, silence and longevity in the heart of a residential area
In this project in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) , we are installing a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump – ZU1 range (R-32) for a pavilion surrounded by hedges and gravel driveways. The objective is clear: to guarantee four-season comfort while protecting the outdoor equipment from a leafy and sometimes windy environment. The photo clearly illustrates our approach: condenser on wall brackets , perfectly straight white capping , sealed passages and controlled drainage .
What this HVAC installation changes for the home
Stable thermal comfort, summer and winter
The Sharp ZU1 uses an inverter compressor and lower GWP R-32 refrigerant. The result: rapid power ramp-up during heat waves in Montreal , Laval , and Longueuil , and reliable heat maintenance during the cold weather on the North and South Shores . Continuous modulation prevents temperature fluctuations and reduces your electricity bill.
Silence and air quality
Sharp's Plasmacluster technology improves indoor air quality , while the outdoor unit operates at low speed most of the time. On the front, the unit is separated from the wall by anti-vibration pads to protect the acoustic comfort of occupants... and neighbors.
Visible technical details and choice of location
Bracket support: why here, and not on the ground?
The land has a strip of vegetation and leaves in season. We therefore opted for galvanized wall brackets :
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Raising the unit for snow and debris ;
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Rear and side clearance respected to promote heat exchange;
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Simplified maintenance : defrosting, cleaning of fins and access to disconnection .
The brackets are leveled using a laser to avoid any stress on the frame. The anchors are suitable for rendering on masonry : calibrated drilling, sealing, then waterproofing treatment to prevent water infiltration.
Refrigerant connections and white capping
The refrigerator-electric power supply passes through the facade through a white technical cover (capping) :
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Short, clean run from the inside head;
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Copper tube curvature radius respected to preserve the insulation;
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Stainless steel fasteners and UV tape at the joints.
Inside, the drilling is carried out with a controlled slope to allow a gravity drain . When the configuration requires it, we provide a silent condensate pump ; here, gravity is sufficient, which reduces maintenance and eliminates a point of noise.
Water and frost management
On the condenser, the defrost drain is oriented to avoid creating ice on the driveway. If necessary, we add a deflector or extension to direct water away from the traffic area. In wooded areas, we recommend seasonal cleaning to prevent leaf accumulation under the unit.
AirGreen Process: From Assessment to Commissioning
1) Accurate sizing
We evaluate:
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the area to be treated,
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orientation and sunshine,
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the envelope (insulation, windows),
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internal loads (appliances, occupants).
This work avoids oversizing (short cycles, discomfort, wear) and undersizing (lack of power at cold/hot peaks). For a house like this, the 12,000 to 18,000 BTU range is common, to be confirmed depending on the targeted rooms.
2) Electricity and compliance
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Dedicated circuit from the panel, sized according to nominal current;
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External disconnection within visual range;
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Checking wiring sections and grounding ;
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Clear identification of the circuit breaker for the owner.
3) Meticulous commissioning
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Deep vacuum , leak test ;
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Release of R-32 according to factory charge and line length;
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Calibration of probes, winds and instructions;
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Training : filter cleaning, eco/silent modes, seasonal best practices.
Site challenges and solutions adopted
Textured plaster and mechanical stability
The support is not just plaster: it is a textured plaster on a rigid structure. We use suitable anchors and spacers to obtain a flat base, avoiding any torsional tension on the condenser frame. The result: zero parasitic vibration .
Protection against vegetation
The unit is positioned outside the sprinkler jet and away from flowerbeds. We include in the maintenance plan a gentle blowing of the fins in late autumn and spring to maintain the nominal capacity .
Discreet path
The white capping follows a taut horizontal line without unnecessary breaks. It's a small thing to the eye... but major for durability: fewer seams, less potential infiltration , less aerodynamic noise .
Measurable results after installation
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Temperature drop time significantly reduced at the end of summer afternoon.
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Maintains a stable temperature in winter, without cold air currents.
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Low exterior noise level , no vibrations transmitted inside.
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Optimized electricity consumption thanks to the inverter and R-32 .
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Aesthetics : clean integration, capping aligned with the plaster, treated screws.
HVAC maintenance: our recommendations for longevity
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Internal filters : monthly cleaning in summer, bimonthly in winter.
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Condenser : Low pressure spring flush; minimum 30 cm clearance around the unit.
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Capping and joints : annual visual inspection to check for leaks .
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Drain : test in early summer to confirm gravity flow.
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Annual AirGreen visit : pressures, connections, probes, updating of parameters, checking of anti-vibration pads .
Financial aid and environmental compliance
The Sharp ZU1 (R-32) belongs to the generation of heat pumps targeted by energy transition programs, subject to eligibility criteria (efficiency, operating temperature, installation by an accredited professional). We support customers in Laval , Montreal , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore in the documentation and process when the project lends itself to it.
Pitfalls to avoid (AirGreen feedback)
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Unit too close to the ground → jammed by snow/leaves: prefer brackets or raised base .
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Poorly directed evacuation → ice and puddles: think deflector .
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Angles too tight on copper connections → whistling, losses: respect minimum radii.
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Drilling without slope → water stagnation and odors: gravity drain or pump, but never “flat”.
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Oversizing “to be safe” → short cycles, discomfort: load calculation required.
What if it was at your place?
Whether you are in Sainte-Dorothée , Chomedey , Vimont , Ville-Marie , Brossard or Repentigny , our team adapts the sizing , the layout (slab, roof, brackets), the connection route and the drainage strategy to your building. We deliver a clean, documented HVAC installation , ready for energy-efficient use on a daily basis.
Project sheet (summary)
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Type : Sharp wall-mounted heat pump – ZU1 range ( R-32 )
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Exterior installation : wall brackets on plaster, anti-vibration , white capping
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Power supply : dedicated circuit + external disconnection
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Drainage : gravity to the outside, defrosting management
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Maintenance : washable filters + annual inspection recommended
Owner's word
“Very clean installation. The unit is quiet and doesn't obstruct the driveway. You can feel the difference from the first warm days, and the heating is gentle in the off-season.”
Ready to modernize your comfort?
AirGreen intervenes quickly for a quote and a technical visit . We guide you on the model , possible subsidies and the most sustainable implementation , in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore .