For this project, our AirGreen team traveled to Pointe-Claire , in the west end of Montreal, to bring year-round comfort to a magnificent , fully glazed solarium . The client wanted to enjoy this bright room in the height of summer as well as on cool spring and fall evenings, without overheating the rest of the house or skyrocketing their electricity bill.
We recommended and installed aSharp wall-mounted heat pump , ideal for this type of thermally complex space: lots of glazing, strong sun exposure and rapid temperature variations.
A solarium bathed in light… and thermal challenges
The solarium is a warm room, with:
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large windows with wooden panes along almost the entire perimeter of the room;
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a direct view of a wooded garden , typical of the houses in Pointe-Claire;
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a wooden ceiling and a textured arch, giving a rustic and welcoming feel;
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a few houseplants that benefit from natural light.
This type of room is magnificent, but it presents several challenges:
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Overheating in summer when the sun shines directly on the windows;
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Rapid cooling in the evening or mid-season, when the outside temperature drops;
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We need a responsive, quiet and precise system to track these variations.
The Sharp wall-mounted heat pump emerged as the perfect solution to stabilize this microclimate while maintaining very reasonable energy consumption.
Choosing the Sharp wall-mounted heat pump
We opted for a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump from the ZU1 series , a series using R-32 refrigerant, known for:
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its high energy efficiency in air conditioning and heating;
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an extended operating range , adapted to Quebec winters;
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a very low noise level , essential for a space for relaxation, reading or reception;
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a minimalist white design that blends well with the woodwork and decor.
The selected capacity (approximately 12,000 BTU ) is sized for this medium-sized solarium, taking into account:
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large glazed surface area;
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orientation and sunlight;
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because the room is partially open to the rest of the house.
An interior installation designed for air circulation and aesthetics
The photo shows the Sharp indoor unit:
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installed at the top of the wall, directly under the wooden ceiling ;
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positioned above the top row of windows, in the solid section of the wall;
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perfectly aligned with the existing framework and moldings.
This configuration offers several advantages:
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Ideal air distribution
Positioned high up, the heat pump projects cooled or heated air along the entire length of the solarium. The air then circulates naturally along the windows before returning to the unit, creating a consistent comfort loop. -
Preservation of the view and light
By occupying a full section of wall just below the ceiling, we avoid obscuring the windows or cutting off the view to the garden. All the glazing remains fully usable. -
Successful visual integration
The white of the device contrasts slightly with the wood, but remains discreet. Once the ladder and tools are removed, the unit integrates as a fixed and natural element of the room.
During the installation, our technicians:
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fixed the wall bracket to solid studs behind the wood paneling;
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drilled through the wall at a carefully calculated angle to ensure gravity drainage of the condensate to the outside;
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runs the refrigerant lines , communication cable and drain through a section of the wall to limit the length of piping and keep a clean finish.
Outdoor unit and connection management
Although it is not visible in the photo, the Sharp outdoor unit has been positioned in such a way as to:
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respect the required clearances around the condenser for good air circulation;
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facilitate access for maintenance and future interventions;
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protect the device from snow accumulation in winter.
The refrigerant connections and the condensate drain are:
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insulated along their entire length to limit energy loss;
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protected by aesthetically pleasing gutters on the outside, following the lines of the building.
The electrical connection was made on a dedicated circuit with a disconnect box, in accordance with standards, in coordination with a qualified electrician when necessary.
Four-season comfort in the solarium
Thanks to this Sharp wall-mounted heat pump, the Pointe-Claire solarium is now:
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cool and pleasant in summer , even in full sun, thanks to a high-performance and quiet air conditioning mode;
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cozy in spring and autumn , when the customer wishes to extend the use of the room without turning on the central heating;
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better protected from condensation on the windows , because the air conditioning mode and the dehumidification mode reduce ambient humidity;
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usable as a multi-purpose space : reading corner, office, games room or small winter garden.
Sharp's inverter technology allows the heat pump to continuously adjust its power, which provides:
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fewer temperature variations;
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optimized electricity consumption ;
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a very low noise level , particularly appreciated in a glass-walled room where every noise is more noticeable.
Comprehensive support from AirGreen
As with all our projects, we supported the client at every stage:
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Needs analysis
Assessment of the surface area, sunlight exposure, use of the solarium and the existing heating system. -
Sharp solution recommendation
Presentation of the advantages of the Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump for this type of glazed room, in terms of performance, comfort and consumption. -
Installation and commissioning
Work carried out with care, protection of the premises, functional tests, verification of operating pressures and temperatures. -
Customer training
Explanation of remote control modes: air conditioning, heating, dehumidification, auto, timer, night mode, etc.
Advice on:-
periodic cleaning of the filters ;
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scheduling to take advantage of hours of lower demand ;
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the importance of regular professional maintenance to maintain the performance and longevity of the machine.
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Do you have a solarium or a room with lots of windows in Greater Montreal?
If, like this client from Pointe-Claire, you have a solarium, a conservatory, or a room with many windows that becomes:
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stifling in summer
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too cold or unusable in mid-season,
A Sharp wall-mounted heat pump can transform this space into a true living space, comfortable twelve months a year.
At AirGreen, we serve all of Greater Montreal : Montreal proper, Laval, the North Shore and the South Shore. We analyze your situation, propose the appropriate model, carry out the installation and provide after-sales service.