In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, residential buildings often face constraints due to limited floor space and very close proximity to neighboring properties. For this project, we opted for a different approach than traditional wall-mounted installations: a Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump installed directly on the roof, on raised supports, to provide year-round comfort while preserving the aesthetics of the yard and building facades.
Context: a typical Plateau building with little outdoor space
The client occupies an apartment in a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment building: brick facade facing the street, alley or courtyard at the rear, and, most importantly, very little ground space to install an outdoor unit. The main challenges were:
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Free up ground space for circulation and outdoor landscaping.
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Minimize the visual impact of the equipment from the street or courtyard.
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Ensuring reliable operation in all seasons, despite the sun, wind and harsh Montreal winters.
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Ensure an installation that is perfectly compatible with the existing roof membrane.
We recommended the installation of a Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump from the wall range (type Sharp ZU1), with the outdoor unit placed on the roof, connected to an indoor wall head occupying the living areas of the dwelling.
Choosing a Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump
The Sharp brand is well known for its high-performance and durable wall-mounted systems. The Eco Inverter model selected here offers several advantages for a residential project in the Plateau area:
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High energy efficiency inverter technology, ideal for reducing electricity consumption.
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Stable operation with little temperature variation, therefore more comfort on a daily basis.
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Reduced noise levels, an essential point in a dense environment where neighbors are close.
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Compact design of the outdoor unit, easy to integrate on a roof or on a wall.
In addition, the Sharp range is compatible with Ion Plasmacluster air treatment technology, an advantage for healthier indoor air quality when living in an urban environment.
Site analysis: a rooftop as an ideal solution
Given the limited ground space and the density of the neighborhood, we chose to install the outdoor unit on the flat roof . This choice offers several advantages:
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No encroachment into the courtyard or alley , which leaves more freedom for layout and traffic.
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Reduction of noise perceived by occupants and their neighbors, as the equipment is located away from the main windows.
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Better protection against accidental impacts (garbage cans, snow removal, bicycles, etc.).
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A more open position for air circulation around the unit, essential for its performance.
Before installation, we checked the structure and configuration of the roof, as well as the position of the parapets and other equipment (vents, outlets, etc.) in order to define the optimal location.
Installation on raised supports: stability and protection of the membrane
The photo clearly shows the Sharp Eco Inverter outdoor unit mounted on a raised metal structure. Key features of this installation:
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Galvanized aluminum support , sized to support the weight of the unit and withstand wind loads.
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It rests on treated wooden blocks or dedicated bases, in order to distribute the load and protect the roof membrane.
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The unit is fixed using bolts and nuts, for maximum stability in case of high winds .
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Sufficient height to allow drainage of rainwater and snowmelt, without stagnation around the feet of the support.
This approach protects both the equipment and the roof, while also facilitating access for technicians during future maintenance.
Technical details: connections, drainage and maintenance
Even if the unit is located on the roof, the same good installation practices apply:
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Refrigerant lines and electrical cables are guided in suitable conduits and covers to protect the tubes from UV, snow and mechanical shocks.
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The routing to the internal wall head is designed to minimize line length , which optimizes the overall system efficiency.
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The drainage pipe is installed in such a way as to properly evacuate condensation water, without it running down the facade or onto the entrances of neighbors.
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Access to the unit is secured to allow for regular maintenance : cleaning of the condenser, checking of connections and performance tests.
We also plan, depending on the situation, the possible addition of extra protections (deflectors, windbreaks, etc.) if the roof is particularly exposed.
Four-season comfort for accommodation on the Plateau
Thanks to this installation, the customer now enjoys complete comfort in their home:
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In air conditioning mode :
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Pleasant temperature even during heat waves.
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Soft start and power modulation thanks to inverter technology, which avoids jolts and limits noise.
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In auxiliary heating mode :
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Significant contribution to heating during the off-season, allowing the use of the main source to be delayed.
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Better heat distribution in the main room thanks to the wall-mounted head.
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Combined with good insulation, a Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump is an effective solution for reducing energy bills, while gaining comfort and temperature control.
Aesthetics and integration into the neighborhood
Installing the unit on the roof also allows you to:
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Preserving the appearance of the street-facing or courtyard-facing facade is an important element on the Plateau where buildings are very visible and sometimes heritage buildings.
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Reduce visual clutter in the alley or backyard, which are often narrow.
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To limit the risk of neighborhood conflicts related to noise or the location of the equipment.
The installation remains visible to technicians, but almost invisible to passersby. It's an ideal compromise between technical performance, architectural integration, and quality of life.
Why have a Sharp heat pump installed by AirGreen?
As residential HVAC specialists in Greater Montreal , we:
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We advise our clients to choose the right Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (power, series, configuration).
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Let's study each building in order to propose the best siting strategy : wall, courtyard, balcony or roof.
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We create installations that comply with standards , with particular attention to durability, safety and aesthetics.
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We offer a complete after-sales service : preventive maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and performance optimization.
Whether you live in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie, Rosemont, Verdun, Laval or the South Shore , we can design a solution tailored to your reality, your building and your budget.
Conclusion
This Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump installation on a rooftop in Plateau-Mont-Royal demonstrates how it's possible to combine energy efficiency, year-round comfort, and respect for the urban environment. By choosing an installation on raised supports, we protect the roof, ensure good air circulation, and offer the client a discreet, durable, and high-performing solution.
If you too would like to benefit from a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump optimally installed in Greater Montreal, our team will be happy to assist you from the choice of equipment to commissioning.