Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Mini Split in North Shore
Discover how AirGreen transformed a North Shore home with two Sharp ZU1 units, offering cutting-edge heating, cooling, and air purification technology, all while qualifying for generous government grants.
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.
Experience the Cutting-Edge Sharp ZU1 Installation for Ultimate Comfort
When it comes to reliable HVAC installations, AirGreen takes pride in delivering top-notch services throughout the Greater Montreal area, including Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore. Recently, we completed an installation of two Sharp ZU1 15,000 BTU mini split units in a North Shore residence, and it’s a prime example of the quality craftsmanship we bring to every project.
The Sharp ZU1: A Game Changer in HVAC Systems
The Sharp ZU1 is not just any mini-split system; it’s one of the most efficient and innovative models in the market today. Offering heating capabilities down to -27°C and a cooling capacity of 15,000 BTU, this unit is perfectly suited for the fluctuating temperatures we experience in Quebec. The system comes equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as Plasmacluster air purification and Coanda airflow control, ensuring that homeowners enjoy not only efficient temperature control but also cleaner, healthier air.
With a 24.0 SEER efficiency rating, it ranks among the highest in its class, making it eligible for several government grants, including a $2,172 LogisVert grant from Hydro-Québec.
The Challenge: Meeting the Customer’s Specific Needs
For this particular project on the North Shore, the homeowner wanted a system that could handle the extreme Quebec winters while also providing powerful cooling during the hot summer months. They needed two units installed—one to manage the main living space and another for the upstairs bedrooms. The customer had heard about the Sharp ZU1's ability to heat even at temperatures as low as -27°C and was especially attracted to its Plasmacluster technology, which neutralizes airborne bacteria and viruses—a crucial feature for families with children or elderly members.
Why We Chose the Sharp ZU1 for This Installation
The Sharp ZU1 mini-split was the perfect match for this job because it excels in three key areas:
- Energy Efficiency: With a 24.0 SEER rating, this unit ensures maximum efficiency, meaning the customer will enjoy lower electricity bills year-round.
- All-Weather Performance: Its heating function works seamlessly even in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring the house stays warm and cozy, no matter how harsh the winter gets.
- Air Quality Control: The Plasmacluster technology guarantees superior air purification, removing up to 99% of mold, viruses, and airborne allergens, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy home environment.
Installation Details: A Seamless Setup with Precision
For this project, we installed two Sharp ZU1 units, ensuring full coverage across all living areas. These units were mounted with precision to ensure optimal airflow, maximizing the Coanda airflow control feature, which directs the air in a way that avoids direct drafts on the occupants while maintaining uniform temperatures throughout the home.
One of the challenges we faced during the installation was accommodating the unique layout of the house. However, thanks to the flexibility of the ZU1's design, we were able to strategically position the units in such a way that both floors received equal cooling and heating.
We also used high-quality piping and efficient insulation materials to ensure that the system runs smoothly for years to come. The exterior unit was installed on a secure wall-mounted bracket, ensuring stability and protection from snow and other elements, while the interior units were mounted in spots that ensured even air distribution without disrupting the room's aesthetics.
Key Features of the Sharp ZU1 That Make a Difference
Plasmacluster Technology: Keeping Your Air Clean
The Sharp ZU1 is equipped with Plasmacluster technology, a unique feature that mimics natural air purification by diffusing positive and negative ions into the air. This technology attacks airborne pollutants such as mold, viruses, and allergens, breaking them down into harmless water molecules. For this family, this feature was a game-changer, ensuring that the air inside their home remained clean and fresh year-round.
Coanda Airflow: Precision Comfort
The Coanda airflow control ensures that the cool or warm air from the system is distributed evenly across the room, without creating uncomfortable drafts. By directing the air along walls and ceilings, the system ensures a more natural and pleasant flow, keeping every corner of the house at just the right temperature.
Superior Efficiency with R-32 Refrigerant
The R-32 refrigerant used in this system is another key advantage. It is more efficient and environmentally friendly than older refrigerants, reducing the system’s overall energy consumption and minimizing its impact on the environment.
Results: A Happy Customer with an Efficient System
After the installation, the customer immediately noticed a significant improvement in both temperature control and air quality. The Sharp ZU1 mini-split performed excellently, cooling the entire home evenly and, most importantly, quietly—thanks to its low noise levels of 23 to 46 dB(A) for the interior unit.
The customer also expressed great satisfaction with the LogisVert grant, which helped reduce the cost of installation by a significant margin. At AirGreen, we always ensure our customers are informed about all available grants, making their HVAC installations as cost-effective as possible.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Next HVAC Installation?
At AirGreen, we believe in offering the best products paired with unmatched service. Whether you're looking for a mini-split system, a central heat pump, or any other HVAC solution, we tailor our installations to meet your specific needs. Our expertise spans across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, and we pride ourselves on providing energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and long-lasting systems.
Our recent installation on the North Shore showcases just one example of how we can transform your home into a more comfortable and healthier living space. We always use the latest technology and best practices to ensure that your HVAC system not only works efficiently but also stands the test of time.
How it goes, from the first call to the end
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 the unit delivers when it is cold
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.
And 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.
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.
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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?
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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).