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:
-
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.
-
Efficiency and Nordic heating : high-efficiency inverter compressor to maintain temperature with little variation and ensure reliable heating down to -25°C .
-
Air Quality : Sharp's proprietary Plasmacluster ionization, useful in an entry area where particles and allergens concentrate.
-
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:
-
Highly positioned and centered to free up circulation and ensure efficient airflow to the hall, living room and side rooms.
-
Optimized clearances (ceiling, sides, facade) to respect air return and avoid hot/cold recirculation.
-
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:
-
Reduced total length of refrigerant lines (< 5 m) to limit pressure losses and improve seasonal efficiency.
-
Condensate drainage by gravity , controlled slope, with non-return valve and discreet outlet.
-
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:
-
Service clearances for maintenance.
-
A protected electrical path from the panel (dedicated circuit breaker), with compliant wiring section and external circuit breaker.
-
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:
-
Temperature stability in the entrance and living room, without unpleasant drafts.
-
Low noise level of the wall head, which is invisible even during high speed cycles.
-
Improved filtration : ideal near an entrance door where outside particles enter more often.
-
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:
-
Room-by-room load calculation (volumes, insulation, infiltration, internal contributions) to select the correct BTU capacity and avoid over/undersizing.
-
Line routing planned before drilling to minimize lengths, reduce losses and simplify maintenance.
-
Testing and balancing : temperature/superheat/subcooling measurements, deep vacuum verification and refrigerant weighing if necessary.
-
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:
-
Eligibility verification according to model, seasonal efficiency and main use (heating).
-
Collection of evidence (invoices, photos, AHRI numbers) and submission of files.
-
Electrical requirements and installation standards specific to municipalities.
Tips for use for top performance
To get the most out of your heat pump :
-
Leave the appliance in automatic/heating mode in winter, with a stable setpoint (frequent deviations = overconsumption).
-
Keep filters clean (light vacuuming every 4 to 6 weeks).
-
Keep some clearance in front of your head to avoid obstructing the air intake.
-
Clear snow from the outdoor unit and check frost evacuation during defrosting.
-
Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : inspection of connections, refrigeration readings, cleaning of the evaporator and fan.
What we learned from this project in Villeray
-
Discreet integration into a family living area, without visible interior trunking.
-
A short and clean journey , a guarantee of efficiency, silence and sustainability.
-
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.