Four-season comfort on the balcony: clean, silent and durable integration, designed for the reality of the river
At AirGreen , we installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump – ZU1 range (R-32, A2L, Eco Inverter) in a Verdun condo. The outdoor unit is located on the slab terrace, along a light-coated facade with blue joinery. The site is exposed to river winds and snow accumulations; the project therefore had to deliver reliable heating in very cold weather , pleasant cooling in summer , and silence to preserve the peace and quiet of the neighbors.
Context of use and objectives
The owner wanted:
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stabilize the temperature of the living room and the adjoining bedroom;
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reduce energy bills while gaining comfort;
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maintain free passage on the terrace and protect the waterproofing of the surfaces.
We recommended a Sharp ZU1 monosplit configuration : a wall-mounted indoor head targeting the main living area, controlled by inverter to precisely adjust the power and limit on/off cycles.
Why the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) range for Verdun
The Sharp ZU1 series is one of the recent models with R-32 refrigerant (class A2L , reduced charge, better GWP than R-410A). It meets the needs of a waterfront condo:
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efficient heating down to approx. −25/−30 °C , suitable for winter peaks in Greater Montreal;
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high air conditioning and heating efficiency thanks to the inverter compressor ;
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contained noise levels , essential in co-ownership;
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reliability and easy maintenance (optimized defrosting, clear service access);
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frequent eligibility for grant programs when efficiency thresholds are met.
Site survey and preparation
Before work, our team carried out:
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electrical reading at the panel and choice of the dedicated 240 V circuit breaker ;
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checking the route of the refrigerant connections for the shortest possible route;
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control of clearances around the condenser and blowing areas;
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examination of the slab terrace and the plastered facade to plan clean anchors, without risk to the waterproofing.
Supports, anti-vibration and installation
The outdoor unit is placed on a raised aluminum support , anchored and equipped with blue anti-vibration pads . This choice ensures:
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stability and reduction of sound transmission to the structure;
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ground clearance for the flow of defrosting water and residual snow;
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free air circulation on the facade and easy access for maintenance.
The positioning respects the recommended clearances at the rear and sides, taking into account the balcony railing and the patio door.
Refrigerant connections and holes: clean, short, tight
The visible external path is very short (≈ 0.6 to 1 m ), which limits pressure losses and optimizes efficiency :
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straight penetration through the facade with sleeve , fire-resistant foam and controlled slope;
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clean sheath/capping to the rear service box;
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gravity drain from the interior head, dedicated outlet protected against frost;
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continuous insulation of lines to prevent condensation in summer.
Electrical connection and A2L safety
In the immediate vicinity of the unit, we have installed an accessible outdoor disconnect box . The wiring follows a protected route to the panel. Since the equipment is labeled A2L (light flammability), we apply:
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natural ventilation respected around the condenser;
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careful sealing of the holes;
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compliant commissioning procedures (detectability, leak control).
Interior: placement, comfort and regulation
The wall-mounted fan head is positioned high up with front clearance, for even distribution in the open living room-kitchen area. Auto mode adjusts airflow; Night mode reduces speed and setpoint variations. The customer programs time slots to combine comfort and savings.
AirGreen Commissioning Procedure
Our quality standard includes:
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High pressure nitrogen test (leak check).
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Deep vacuum ≤ 500 microns , controlled vacuum maintenance.
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Factory R-32 charge opening; weight adjustment if non-standard total length.
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Measurement of currents , delta T , superheat/subcooling .
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Calibration of fan modes and defrost verification.
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Delivery of operating instructions and maintenance schedule .
Construction site challenges and solutions
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Snow and river wind : choice of a raised support , clear blowing orientation, and clearance around the unit to avoid redevelopment of frost.
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Rendered facade : drilling with sleeve and finishing with polyurethane joint to avoid micro-cracks and infiltrations.
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Narrow balcony : flush with the wall to keep the passage free, with technical access maintained on the service side.
Result: efficiency, silence and durable finishes
The system delivers rapid heating upon waking, discreet cooling in the afternoon, and setpoint stability thanks to the inverter. Vibrations are absorbed by the pads; the front panel remains simple and easy to clean. Access to the disconnect box and rear panel ensures rapid maintenance .
HVAC Maintenance: AirGreen Best Practices
To maintain the performance of your heat pump :
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clean filters every 4–6 weeks during use;
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in spring, gently rinse the outer fins (without high pressure);
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keep 30–45 cm clear around the condenser;
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schedule an annual visit : pressures, intensities, defrost control, parameter updates;
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In winter, clear the snow blown in front of the appliance to maintain air intake.
Grants and Compliance
Depending on the capacity chosen and the performance indices , the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) can meet the criteria for subsidies offered in Quebec. We support the customer in verifying eligibility and preparing the file . The installation is carried out according to RBQ/CSA standards , guaranteeing safety and longevity of the equipment.
What the owner retains
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Comfort controlled in all seasons in the living area;
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anticipated reduction in consumption compared to resistive electrical solutions;
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limited nuisance for the co-ownership, thanks to the raised supports and anti-vibration treatment ;
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clean finishes that blend in with the balcony architecture.
AirGreen: your local partner
Our teams operate weekly in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore . We deliver high-quality HVAC installations , manage deadlines , and provide attentive after-sales service . For a wall-mounted air conditioner , a wall- mounted heat pump , a multi-zone unit , or a central heat pump , we guide you from design to commissioning , then to HVAC maintenance .
Naturally integrated keywords: heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
