Job sheet · Project

Installation of a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump on a rooftop in Plateau-Mont-Royal

In Plateau-Mont-Royal, AirGreen installed a Sharp Eco Inverter wall-mounted heat pump on the roof of a residential building, thanks to an elevated structure that protects the membrane, reduces noise and offers 4-season comfort perfectly adapted to the Montreal climate.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin7 min read
City
Region
Equipment
Brand
Challenges
Published
–chapters, to open one by one
7 minto read the whole story
–type of installation
2025year published
At a glance

The job on one screen

Installation of a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump on a rooftop in Plateau-Mont-Royal
Installation of a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump on a rooftop in Plateau-Mont-Royal
The full story

The article, chapter by chapter

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:

  • Free up ground space for circulation and outdoor landscaping.

  • Minimize the visual impact of the equipment from the street or courtyard.

  • Ensuring reliable operation in all seasons, despite the sun, wind and harsh Montreal winters.

  • 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:

  • High energy efficiency inverter technology, ideal for reducing electricity consumption.

  • Stable operation with little temperature variation, therefore more comfort on a daily basis.

  • Reduced noise levels, an essential point in a dense environment where neighbors are close.

  • 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:

  • No encroachment into the courtyard or alley , which leaves more freedom for layout and traffic.

  • Reduction of noise perceived by occupants and their neighbors, as the equipment is located away from the main windows.

  • Better protection against accidental impacts (garbage cans, snow removal, bicycles, etc.).

  • 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:

  • Galvanized aluminum support , sized to support the weight of the unit and withstand wind loads.

  • It rests on treated wooden blocks or dedicated bases, in order to distribute the load and protect the roof membrane.

  • The unit is fixed using bolts and nuts, for maximum stability in case of high winds .

  • 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:

  • Refrigerant lines and electrical cables are guided in suitable conduits and covers to protect the tubes from UV, snow and mechanical shocks.

  • The routing to the internal wall head is designed to minimize line length , which optimizes the overall system efficiency.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • In air conditioning mode :

    • Pleasant temperature even during heat waves.

    • Soft start and power modulation thanks to inverter technology, which avoids jolts and limits noise.

  • In auxiliary heating mode :

    • Significant contribution to heating during the off-season, allowing the use of the main source to be delayed.

    • Better heat distribution in the main room thanks to the wall-mounted head.

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:

  • 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.

  • Reduce visual clutter in the alley or backyard, which are often narrow.

  • 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:

  • We advise our clients to choose the right Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (power, series, configuration).

  • Let's study each building in order to propose the best siting strategy : wall, courtyard, balcony or roof.

  • We create installations that comply with standards , with particular attention to durability, safety and aesthetics.

  • 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.

Your numbers

The job tools

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour baseboards, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    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.

    The steps

    How the job unfolds

    The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

    Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

    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.

    1. 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.
    2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
    3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
    4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
    5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
    6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
    7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
    8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
    9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
    The tour

    What we check on a job like this one

    Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.

    Generic diagram: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

    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.

    1. 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.

    2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

    3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

    4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

    5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

    6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

    7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

    At your place

    Is your home ready?

    Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.

    0 / 6 checked
    Maintenance

    Good habits, once the unit is in place

    Six simple habits that keep the unit going. Your list stays on this device.

    0 / 6 checked
    Through the seasons

    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.
    For your project

    The right pages, at the right time

    True or false

    Four statements: true or false?

    It all comes down to details you have just seen.

    1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.

    2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.

    3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.

    4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.

    Could this job help a neighbour?

    Share
    Similar projects

    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.

    All our projects

    Your project

    An on-site estimate, the right capacity, the right equipment.

    The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.

    • RBQ licence5645-9605-01 · 15.8, 15.10, 16
    • EstimateOn site, free
    • QuoteWithin 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).

    Leave a comment