Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Old Port, Montreal
Discover how we installed a Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU heat pump in a historic Old Port home. Efficient, stylish, and eligible for grants—this system delivers year-round comfort.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
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.
Bringing Energy Efficiency and Comfort to Historic Montreal Homes
We recently completed the installation of a Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in the picturesque neighborhood of Old Port, Montreal. Known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic architecture, Old Port is an area where modern amenities need to blend seamlessly with the classic character of the homes. For this project, our team at AirGreen was tasked with installing an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution without disturbing the aesthetic integrity of the home.
Why the Sharp ZU1?
The Sharp ZU1 is not your average wall-mounted heat pump. This system is equipped with R-32 refrigerant, making it an environmentally friendly choice for homeowners. It’s perfect for Montreal’s fluctuating weather, capable of heating even during outdoor temperatures as low as -27°C. The 18,000 BTU capacity ensures that it can efficiently cool and heat medium-sized spaces, providing year-round comfort.
Key Features of the Sharp ZU1:
- Cooling Capacity: 18,000 BTU
- Heating Capacity: Operational up to -27°C
- Energy Efficiency: 24.0 SEER rating
- Dimensions: Interior Unit (41.42 x 9.80 x 12.44), Exterior Unit (33.47 x 13 x 27.94)
- WiFi: Built-in, offering seamless control via smartphone
- Sound Levels: Whisper-quiet operation with an indoor sound pressure level of 25-49 dB(A)
- Refrigerant: Environmentally friendly R-32 gas, reducing greenhouse emissions and improving energy efficiency
Installation Challenges and Solutions
Every installation comes with its own set of unique challenges, and this project was no exception. The home’s layout and the narrow entryway near the front door required a strategic approach. We wanted to install the interior unit above the front door to maximize space while ensuring optimal airflow. Our team skillfully routed the necessary piping and electrical wiring without compromising the home’s historical aesthetic. By carefully planning the installation, we were able to ensure that the Sharp ZU1’s sleek, modern design fit perfectly into the traditional home.
This model's quiet operation was a key selling point for the homeowners. With sound pressure levels as low as 25 dB(A) indoors, they can enjoy comfortable temperatures without the hum of a typical HVAC system interrupting their quiet evenings at home.
Plasmacluster Technology: Healthier Air, Cleaner Home
One of the standout features of the Sharp ZU1 is its Plasmacluster technology, which works to purify the air by neutralizing harmful particles like airborne bacteria, viruses, and allergens. This technology offers superior air quality compared to traditional systems, making it a perfect choice for urban homes in bustling areas like Old Port, where outdoor pollutants can often make their way indoors.
Coanda Airflow Control: A Smart Approach to Even Temperature Distribution
The Sharp ZU1 also features Coanda airflow control, an innovation that helps direct air along the walls and ceilings for more uniform temperature distribution. In a space like this Old Port home, which has an open layout, this feature ensures that the temperature remains consistent across rooms without creating uncomfortable drafts. Whether it’s the height of summer or the depths of winter, the Sharp ZU1 guarantees comfort at all times.
Grants and Rebates for Energy-Efficient Solutions
The Sharp ZU1 is eligible for several government grants, including:
- Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Grant: Up to $2,640 with an additional 25% bonus when paired with Hilo Thermostats.
- Federal Grant: Between $2,500 and $5,000 in federal rebates for energy-efficient installations.
These rebates significantly reduce the upfront cost of the installation, making it an affordable option for homeowners who want to make eco-friendly upgrades.
Why AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional HVAC services across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore. This project in Old Port showcases our ability to combine technical expertise with a respect for the unique architectural features of historic homes.
Our team ensures that every installation is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, taking care to preserve the beauty of each home we work in. We understand that comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of style, which is why we work closely with homeowners to meet both their design preferences and their climate control needs.
The Installation Process
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Assessment: We performed a thorough inspection of the home to determine the optimal placement for the Sharp ZU1. Given the layout, we decided that mounting the unit above the front door would provide the best airflow while maintaining the room’s design integrity.
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Piping and Wiring: Our experienced technicians routed the piping and electrical wiring through discrete channels to minimize their visibility. The connection to the exterior unit was made through the narrow space between the doorframe and the wall, a delicate process that required precision and care.
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Mounting the Units: The interior unit, with its dimensions of 41.42 x 9.80 x 12.44, fit perfectly above the door, blending into the home’s existing décor. The exterior unit, installed in a side alley, was placed strategically to ensure optimal airflow and easy access for future maintenance.
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Testing: After installation, we thoroughly tested the system to ensure that it was operating at peak efficiency. The Sharp ZU1 exceeded all expectations, providing both cooling and heating as intended, even as temperatures outside fluctuated.
Conclusion: Efficiency Meets Elegance
The installation of the Sharp ZU1 in this beautiful Old Port home was a resounding success. By combining state-of-the-art technology with thoughtful installation, we were able to provide the homeowners with a system that not only offers superior heating and cooling but also blends seamlessly with their historic home.
The Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU heat pump is a powerful, energy-efficient solution that is perfect for Montreal's demanding climate. Its Plasmacluster technology, Coanda airflow control, and extreme cold capabilities make it one of the most advanced systems available today. And with its eligibility for significant government grants, it’s an affordable choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
At AirGreen, we are committed to providing solutions that combine comfort, efficiency, and style. Whether you live in a historic home like this one or a more modern space, we have the expertise to install the perfect heating and cooling system for your needs.
The unit on this job, in figures
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.
The big day, step by step
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 would it look like 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.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
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.
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.
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.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
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.
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Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
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).