A condo construction site with a long interior crossing, executed cleanly and without compromising on performance
At AirGreen , we adapt each HVAC installation to the reality of Montreal buildings. In a condo in the Le Sud-Ouest district , we installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump – ZU1 series (R-32) . The apartment presented a major constraint: the interior head had to be installed on a load-bearing concrete wall near the ceiling, while the outlet to the outside was located at the end of the living room, several meters away. Our team designed a neat trunking route (white capping) along the entire length of the wall to route the refrigeration connections, the communication cable and the condensate drain without opening the structure – a common requirement in co-ownership.
Project context and comfort objectives
The owner wanted:
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Precise and quiet cooling for the south-facing living room, prone to overheating in summer;
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An efficient heating supplement for the off-seasons, to reduce the electricity bill ;
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An aesthetic integration compatible with the regulations of the co-ownership syndicate, prohibiting any bleeding in the common walls and limiting drilling to standardized outlets.
The Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (ZU1 series) meets these challenges with its inverter technology , its R-32 refrigerant with low GWP compared to R-410A, and its fine temperature regulation. It is a rational choice for an urban condo that aims for four-season comfort and energy efficiency .
Technical constraints and solutions chosen
Ceiling height and type. The exposed concrete slab, segmented by joints, requires the interior head to be mounted high for optimal diffusion and to free up furniture space. We used anchors suitable for concrete to ensure stability and limit vibrations.
Lengths and routes. On the inside, the white chute runs for about 6 to 8 meters along the wall to the exit point. This solution:
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Protects thermally insulated copper connections;
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Visually harmonizes the passage, keeping a linear and discreet style;
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Facilitates HVAC maintenance , as each section remains accessible for inspection and tightening.
Condensate management. A miniaturized condensate pump integrated into the chute allows water to be evacuated without a natural slope over the entire horizontal distance. The discharge pipe is acoustically decoupled to avoid the lapping noises heard in the evening.
Drilling and sealing. A single through-drilling was made at the final point, on the exterior access side. We systematically apply:
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Outward slope ,
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Vapor barrier sleeve ,
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Polyurethane sealant for air and water tightness,
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Collars and edge protectors to prevent wear of the insulation on the edge of the wall.
Power supply. The indoor unit is connected via a communication and power cable from the outdoor unit (dedicated circuit). The circuit breaker and disconnect box are sized according to the ZU1 series current ratings and installed in accordance with CSA standards and the requirements of the Quebec Electrical Code .
Why the Sharp ZU1 (R-32) series in a Southwest condo?
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Modulating performance : the inverter compressor continuously adjusts power, providing stable comfort and significant energy savings compared to all-or-nothing systems.
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R-32 : better thermodynamic efficiency and reduced climate impact compared to older fluids, in line with new environmental directives.
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Silence : the design of the volute and the management of the speed of the interior fan ensure a low noise level , essential in dense housing.
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Filtration : Easy-access filters simplify regular HVAC maintenance by the occupant (vacuum/laundry), improving indoor air quality.
Key steps of installation (AirGreen methodology)
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Taking measurements and co-ownership validation. Identifying the route in the chute, checking the blowing clearances, choosing the color and sections for the most discreet result possible .
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Site preparation. Furniture protection (plastic canvases), installation of ladders and levels ; laser tracing of the route to obtain a perfectly straight line to the millimeter.
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Fixing the inner head plate in the concrete, with suitable dowels and multiple support zones to absorb mechanical stress.
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Refrigeration assembly. Calibrated flares, tightening torques respected, deep vacuum and nitrogen leak test before opening the valves.
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Condensate management. Installation of the pump with non-return valve and purge line, load tests to check the flow rate and the absence of parasitic noise.
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Power-up and configuration. Setting of modes, checking of blowing intensities and temperatures, operating instructions given to the customer.
Result: comfort, discretion and easy access to maintenance
Visually, the flush- to-ceiling interior head frees up circulation in the room. The white chute aligns with the upper molding for a clean and consistent look; the junctions are sanded and dressed to avoid shadows and alignment breaks. On the practical side, access to the washable filters and the condensate tray is tool-free , which facilitates routine HVAC maintenance .
Best practices and usage advice for the owner
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Seasonal maintenance. Wash filters every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of heavy use; schedule annual professional maintenance (pressure check, evaporator cleaning, electrical inspection).
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Operating instructions. In summer, use Auto mode with a stable setting (22–24°C). Frequent changes in setting increase consumption.
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Doors open. To cool an adjacent space, leave the doors open and maintain a medium fan speed, which is more effective than short bursts at high speed.
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Winter and shoulder seasons. For heating, keep units clear and avoid obstructions near the supply air for limited stratification and better comfort.
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps like the Sharp (ZU1 series, R-32) are in line with the assistance programs available in Quebec. Depending on the energy profile of the home and the system being replaced, it is possible to obtain financial incentives . Our team supports each client in pre-verification and file preparation , for Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , as well as the North Shore and the South Shore .
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
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Mastery of Montreal buildings : recent condos with concrete ceilings , century-old brick plexes, suburban houses – we adapt the sizing and installation engineering to each case.
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Careful finishing : chutes adjusted to the millimeter, colors coordinated with the carpentry , watertight and reversible drillings when required by the unions.
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Complete service : from thermal study to commissioning, then HVAC maintenance and performance monitoring.
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Transparency : precise quotes, schedule respected, clear advice on optimal use and energy savings.
What this installation proves
Even with a long interior crossing , a load-bearing wall and co-ownership constraints , a well-chosen and well-installed wall-mounted heat pump delivers comfort , silence and savings . The Sharp (ZU1 series) + AirGreen installation combination offers the owner a reliable, scalable system that respects the aesthetics of the condo – a solution perfectly adapted to apartments in the Southwest and, more broadly, to the urban realities of Greater Montreal .
Frequently Asked Questions (Technical Summary)
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Device type: single-zone wall-mounted heat pump , R-32 fluid
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Brand / range: Sharp – ZU1 series
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Interior installation: high head under concrete ceiling, white trunking over ~6–8 m
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Condensates: silent miniaturized pump , discharge at the outlet point
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Electricity: dedicated circuit, compliant external disconnection
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Advantages: modulating comfort, simple maintenance, reversible and aesthetic HVAC installation