An energy-efficient upgrade seamlessly integrated into a Montreal brick facade
In a typical Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension duplex, we are installing a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump to provide four-season comfort with optimized energy consumption. The brick home, surrounded by dense vegetation in the backyard, requires precise condenser placement and clean, durable, and discreet wiring—criteria we systematically apply at AirGreen .
Reading the building and choosing the exterior location
The solid brick back wall provides a solid and stable base for the wall-mounted condenser . We opted for installation on galvanized brackets at a clear height (above the snow and splash level), which:
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facilitates air circulation around the device,
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reduces structure-borne noise ,
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protects the unit from debris and runoff water.
The presence of foliage near the facade leads us to provide a free clearance of at least 30 to 45 cm on the sides and 60 cm at the front, with a seasonal maintenance plan (light pruning in spring and late summer). These good practices ensure the maintenance of the required air flow and extend the life of the machine.
Aesthetic integration: controlled capping and wall crossing
The refrigerant lines and communication cable run a short route from the indoor header to the condenser. They are encased in a beige sheath matching the brick, screwed onto dowels, and sealed at the ends.
The wall penetration is made to the exact diameter to avoid any loss: we install a vapor barrier and complete with elastomeric mastic to prevent air and water infiltration. The condensate drain is directed by gravity , with a continuous slope and an outlet protected from splashes on the masonry.
Inside: uniform diffusion and priority silence
The interior head is placed at a strategic height , away from obstacles, to ensure even diffusion throughout the living area. The Sharp ZU1 favors silent operation , a point particularly appreciated in Montreal plexes where the rooms communicate and where acoustics must remain controlled, day and night.
Sharp ZU1: Modern efficiency, low GWP refrigerant
Sharp 's ZU1 series is one of the new generation of wall-mounted heat pumps , operating with R-32 refrigerant , known for its reduced global warming potential and excellent efficiency . For a properly insulated Montreal home, the available capacity range (from 12,000 to 24,000 BTU ) covers the majority of residential needs:
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Reliable heating in very cold weather (down to -30°C depending on the configuration),
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Inverter modulation to precisely adapt power and stabilize temperature ,
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Seasonal efficiency which translates into savings on the electricity bill ,
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Dehumidification mode and automatic restart after failure.
These characteristics make the equipment eligible for grant programs generally offered in Quebec for energy-efficient systems — a component that our team supports, from the eligibility verification to the supporting file .
Execution details: safety, compliance and site cleanliness
To ensure a sustainable HVAC installation , we apply the following standards and best practices:
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Mechanical anchoring of wall brackets in brick with suitable anchors; checking of level and tightening torque .
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Bending of copper tubes without crushing and brazing under nitrogen to preserve the internal quality of the lines.
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Controlled high vacuum , then leak test to ensure a healthy refrigeration circuit .
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Dedicated wiring compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code , with appropriate circuit breaker and service disconnect positioned near the outdoor unit for safe disconnection .
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Gravity-driven condensate management with continuous slope , anti-vibration collars and outlet outside the passage area .
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Commissioning via probes and setting of modes (heating, cooling, dehumidification), verification of blown temperatures and user briefing .
The result: a clean , solid and easy-to-maintain ensemble, which fits in with the aesthetics of the facade without harming the masonry.
Site constraints and technical responses
Nearby vegetation : We adjust the height and depth of the brackets to clear the air intake/expulsion. A maintenance contract may include light pruning and cleaning of the coil during the summer.
Old brick facade : we avoid weakened joints and carry out the anchors in the healthy brick ; the holes are sealed to prevent any infiltration .
Noise and Neighborhood : The out-of-line installation of windows and the selected height limit sound transmission. Inverter modulation and anti-vibration pads complete the approach.
What the customer gains immediately
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4-season comfort : stable heating in Montreal winters, efficient air conditioning and dehumidification in summer.
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Better controlled bills thanks to the efficiency of the wall-mounted heat pump and R-32 .
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Discreet installation : harmonized capping , tidy cables, simple galvanized brackets.
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Simplified maintenance : direct access to the unit, washable internal filter, clear clearances.
Good HVAC Operation and Maintenance Practices
To maintain performance and extend equipment life, we recommend:
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Internal filters : clean every 4 to 8 weeks depending on use.
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Exterior clearances : maintain free space around the condenser; remove leaves and pollen as needed.
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Winter defrosting : Check that the space under the unit remains clear so that the defrost water drains properly.
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Annual inspection : a maintenance visit by our AirGreen technicians to check performance , residual vacuum , connections and software .
Sizing and advice for Montreal plexes
In the plexes of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, living areas are often linear . A 12,000 BTU heater covers a medium-sized, well-insulated open-plan room (living room/dining room/kitchen) well; an 18,000 BTU heater may be required for larger or less insulated spaces. We always evaluate:
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the surface area and volume to be served,
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insulation (windows, walls, roof),
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orientation and solar gains ,
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occupation habits .
This approach avoids oversizing , which causes short cycles and discomfort , and guarantees sufficient residence time for the treated air for effective dehumidification in summer.
Why Sharp ZU1 for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
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R-32 : better environmental performance than previous generation refrigerants.
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Extreme cold : effective at around -30°C , suitable for Quebec winters.
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Silence : low indoor/outdoor noise level, ideal in dense environments.
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Reliability : proven components, precise electronics, warranty backed by our local after-sales service .
AirGreen: local expertise and comprehensive support
From Montreal intramural to Laval , via the South Shore and the North Shore , we take care of:
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load analysis and BTU selection ,
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certified installation (refrigeration and electricity),
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instrumented commissioning ,
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support subsidies ,
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annual HVAC maintenance .
Project Quick Facts
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Location : Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (Montreal)
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump ( mini-split )
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Brand / Range : Sharp ZU1 (R-32)
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Installation : wall brackets on brick, standard clearances
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Route : short wall crossing , covered connections (beige), gravity drain
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Special features : nearby vegetation, clearance management, service disconnector and dedicated circuit
Are you planning a similar installation?
At AirGreen , we design tailor-made solutions that respect the architecture of Montreal plexes, facade constraints , and your energy saving objectives . Our team coordinates logistics, minimizes the impact on the construction site and delivers a clean, efficient and sustainable result .