Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Vimont (Laval)
In Vimont (Laval), AirGreen installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump : HVAC installation on brackets, short line, gravity flow and complete commissioning. Four-season comfort for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
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.
Careful HVAC intervention for four-season comfort, without compromising on aesthetics
At AirGreen , we have just installed a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in a house in Vimont (Laval) . The client's objective: to benefit from efficient heating and air conditioning while preserving the tranquility of a residential area and the neat appearance of the facade. Our mandate covered the load study , the interior/exterior installation , the dedicated power supply and the complete commissioning according to the rules of the HVAC art.
The context: immediate comfort, lasting savings
The homeowner was looking for an energy-efficient solution that could stabilize the temperature in a southwest-facing main living area—an area prone to solar gain in the summer and infiltration loss in the winter. Our recommendation: Sharp ZU1 (12,000 BTU, R-32 refrigerant) , a balanced choice for open rooms of 400 to 600 sq. ft., offering high seasonal efficiency , quiet operation , and excellent cold resistance down to −25°C .
Installation details: precision, safety and durability
Positioning the outdoor condenser
-
Mounting on galvanized wall brackets fixed in the concrete base, with anti-vibration spacers.
-
Raised ground clearance (~45 cm) to promote the flow of defrost water and limit snow accumulation—an essential point in Laval and on the North Shore .
-
Free discharge orientation : lateral clearance respected to avoid air recirculation and protect the exchanger.
Refrigeration path and integration
-
Short refrigeration line (≈ 2–3 m) : the interior wall head is located directly behind the wall, which reduces pressure losses and optimizes efficiency .
-
Black UV exterior capping for a clean and durable result, coordinated with the siding.
-
Continuous pipe insulation to limit summer condensation and maintain efficiency in heating mode.
Condensate management and defrosting
-
Gravity flow to a gravel bed at the base of the wall, avoiding splashing and ice near the foundation.
-
Option provided for heating cable if the customer wishes to maximize reliability during prolonged freezing episodes.
Power supply and protections
-
Dedicated circuit breaker for the panel, sealed disconnect box on the front (frost-proof circuit breaker) with waterproof cable glands.
-
Verified grounding, conduit wiring and clear circuit marking . This rigor meets RBQ and CSA requirements and facilitates maintenance.
Commissioning and controls
-
Nitrogen leak test , deep vacuum , stabilization < 500 microns before opening the valves.
-
Control of exchange surfaces , intensity under load , overheating/subcooling and testing of hot/cold modes .
-
Setting the air flow , sweeping and setpoint for uniform diffusion in the living area.
Why the Sharp ZU1 is a must-have for Vimont and Greater Montreal
Performance and comfort
-
Responsive Inverter Technology : The machine adapts its power to maintain the target temperature without sudden variations.
-
R-32 : modern refrigerant with lower GWP than R-410A, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.
-
Quiet operation : optimized exterior fan, minimal disturbance for terraces and neighbors.
Reliability in Quebec winter
-
Intelligent defrosting algorithms, fairing and exchanger designed to prevent ice build-up .
-
Stable heating down to −25°C : a real asset for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Air quality and useful features
-
Compatibility with multi-mode controls (eco, night, turbo), automatic restart after failure, and high-efficiency filtration.
-
In this series, the presence of Sharp's Plasmacluster technology contributes to air purification in ventilation/air conditioning mode.
What we optimized on this project
1) Actual energy performance
Shortening the refrigeration path and sheltering the condenser limit losses. The result: better COP for heating and fully exploited SEER for air conditioning.
2) Durability of the facade and structure
Properly dimensioned mechanical anchors, sealing of penetrations with elastomeric mastic and local vapor barrier to protect the wall. No unnecessary bleeding: the brick + fiber cement facade retains its integrity.
3) Easier HVAC maintenance
The installation height and external disconnect allow for quick HVAC maintenance : exchanger cleaning, electrical checks, seasonal inspections. We schedule annual maintenance with the client to maintain the warranty and performance.
Grants and eligibility (according to current programs)
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps like the Sharp ZU1 are generally eligible for incentives when performance and installation criteria are met (eligible residence, adequate power, cold weather performance, energy assessment visit when required). We support our clients in Greater Montreal in verifying eligibility , preparing documents and submitting to provincial or municipal programs.
AirGreen Tips for Homes in Laval and the North Shore
-
Snow clearance : aim for 40–50 cm of clearance under the condenser to avoid ice during defrosting.
-
Water management : provide a gravel bed or a point drain away from traffic areas.
-
Distance from boundaries : respect minimum distances from neighboring subdivisions; we always validate local rules.
-
Humidity control : In summer, use the dehumidification function to stabilize comfort without overcooling.
-
HVAC Maintenance : Clean indoor head filters every 4–8 weeks in season and schedule an annual inspection .
Result: discreet comfort, bills under control
In Vimont , the Sharp ZU1 installed by our teams delivers a uniform flow , exemplary responsiveness to load variations (sunset on the facade or frequently opened doors) and a low noise level both inside and outside. The customer now benefits from four-season comfort with controlled operating costs .
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
We manage each HVAC installation as a tailor-made project: sizing , choice of location , facade aesthetics , dedicated electricity , instrumented commissioning and grant support . Our team is proficient in the main brands distributed in Quebec (Sharp, Fujitsu, Gree, Midea, etc.) and is committed to responsive after-sales service .
Would you like to evaluate a wall-mounted heat pump for your home or condo? AirGreen advises, installs, and maintains your system for lasting comfort, throughout Greater Montreal .
How it goes, from the first call to the end
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 the unit delivers when it is cold
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.
And 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.
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.
Which type of equipment for your project?
Pick what looks like your need.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
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.
Useful pages for what comes next
More jobs to see, near you
By town, by equipment or by region: browse more than 4,700 published projects.
Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Tell us about your house. We come and see it for free.
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).