Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Villeray
AirGreen installs a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Villeray: back-to-back path, gravity-fed condensate, clean finishes, and four-season comfort. Serving Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
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 wall head that fits perfectly… and transforms the comfort of a family living space
At AirGreen , we love when an HVAC system combines technology and aesthetics. In this bright home in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension , our team installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump above an entryway cabinet and a chalkboard wall designed by the children. The goal: to provide four-season comfort in the busiest area of the house (entrance, hallway, adjacent rooms) while preserving circulation and the visual sobriety of the decor.
Why the Sharp ZU1 range for this project
The Sharp ZU1 series is a benchmark when looking for a compact, quiet , and efficient wall-mounted head in the Quebec climate. For this project:
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Capacity range : 9,000, 12,000 and 15,000 BTUs — precisely sized according to the thermal load of adjoining rooms, their solar gains and air infiltration.
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Efficiency and Nordic heating : high-efficiency inverter compressor to maintain temperature with little variation and ensure reliable heating down to -25°C .
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Air Quality : Sharp's proprietary Plasmacluster ionization, useful in an entry area where particles and allergens concentrate.
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Eligibility : Energy Star models promote access to local grant programs when criteria are met.
Reading the space and choosing the location
The heart of the challenge lies in the geometry of the wall : a door on the right, another on the left, a thermostat and switches, a low cabinet, and a central blackboard. We position the head:
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Highly positioned and centered to free up circulation and ensure efficient airflow to the hall, living room and side rooms.
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Optimized clearances (ceiling, sides, facade) to respect air return and avoid hot/cold recirculation.
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Long-throw damper : the angle of attack is adjusted to push the treated air out of the ceiling “thermal cushion” and redistribute it at occupant height.
Refrigeration path and condensate management
The partition wall configuration allows for a direct back-to-back pass-through behind the indoor unit—no visible trunking in the living area, which protects the decorative wall line. Outside:
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Reduced total length of refrigerant lines (< 5 m) to limit pressure losses and improve seasonal efficiency.
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Condensate drainage by gravity , controlled slope, with non-return valve and discreet outlet.
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Single core drilling , waterproof sleeve, vapor barrier and caulking to standards to prevent thermal bridges and water infiltration.
When the configuration requires it, we integrate a silent condensate pump ; here, the slope obtained allows a gravity solution — simpler and more reliable in the long term.
Outdoor condenser: reliability and durability
The associated condenser is fixed on anti-vibration wall brackets , raised to maintain snow clearance. We comply with:
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Service clearances for maintenance.
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A protected electrical path from the panel (dedicated circuit breaker), with compliant wiring section and external circuit breaker.
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Free drip and orientation that avoids frost directed towards the aisles.
What the customer feels on a daily basis
From the start of service, we observe:
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Temperature stability in the entrance and living room, without unpleasant drafts.
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Low noise level of the wall head, which is invisible even during high speed cycles.
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Improved filtration : ideal near an entrance door where outside particles enter more often.
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Controlled consumption thanks to inverter control which finely modulates power according to actual occupancy.
AirGreen Method: Sizing and Finishing
Our added value is in the pre-study and in the details:
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Room-by-room load calculation (volumes, insulation, infiltration, internal contributions) to select the correct BTU capacity and avoid over/undersizing.
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Line routing planned before drilling to minimize lengths, reduce losses and simplify maintenance.
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Testing and balancing : temperature/superheat/subcooling measurements, deep vacuum verification and refrigerant weighing if necessary.
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Finishes : straight plates, stainless steel screws, clean collars, watertight sealing, clear identification of circuit breakers and documentation given to the owner.
Grants and local compliance
Many Energy Star- certified, low-temperature wall-mounted heat pumps are eligible for financial assistance (depending on active programs). We support households in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore in:
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Eligibility verification according to model, seasonal efficiency and main use (heating).
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Collection of evidence (invoices, photos, AHRI numbers) and submission of files.
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Electrical requirements and installation standards specific to municipalities.
Tips for use for top performance
To get the most out of your heat pump :
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Leave the appliance in automatic/heating mode in winter, with a stable setpoint (frequent deviations = overconsumption).
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Keep filters clean (light vacuuming every 4 to 6 weeks).
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Keep some clearance in front of your head to avoid obstructing the air intake.
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Clear snow from the outdoor unit and check frost evacuation during defrosting.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : inspection of connections, refrigeration readings, cleaning of the evaporator and fan.
What we learned from this project in Villeray
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Discreet integration into a family living area, without visible interior trunking.
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A short and clean journey , a guarantee of efficiency, silence and sustainability.
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An immediate increase in comfort in the entrance and adjacent rooms, with a feeling of uniform air despite the traffic.
Are you considering installing a wall-mounted heat pump in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore ? Our team will guide you from choosing the model to commissioning , including route optimization, subsidies and maintenance . At AirGreen, each project is treated as a unique environment: yours.
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.
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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).