Project

Installation of a Sharp ZHU Heat Pump in Westmount

See how AirGreen’s installation of the Sharp ZHU 12,000 BTU heat pump in Westmount provides ultimate comfort with top-tier energy efficiency, air purification, and smart features!

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin5 min read
Installation of a Sharp ZHU Heat Pump in Westmount
Installation of a Sharp ZHU Heat Pump in Westmount
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.

Efficient and Reliable HVAC Solution for a Westmount Home

In Westmount, we recently completed a sophisticated installation of a Sharp ZHU Mini Split Heat Pump, a high-performance HVAC system that provides year-round comfort. This unit was specifically chosen for its remarkable efficiency in Montreal’s extreme climate, offering both cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU and heating capacity down to a staggering -27°C.

Why the Sharp ZHU 12,000 BTU Heat Pump?

The Sharp ZHU series stands out as one of the most reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient heat pumps in its class. With a 25.0 SEER rating, it’s designed to consume less energy, translating to significant savings on energy bills. Moreover, the R-32 refrigerant used in this model helps reduce the product's carbon footprint by around 10% compared to older refrigerants like R-22. This not only makes it environmentally friendly but also aligns with Quebec’s sustainability goals.

The Installation Process

In this Westmount home, the installation was seamlessly integrated into the existing structure without compromising aesthetics. Our skilled technicians installed the exterior unit on a sturdy bracket to ensure it remains stable, even during Quebec's harsh winters. The indoor unit was mounted with precision, ensuring optimal airflow and Plasmacluster™ air purification benefits.

One of the challenges we overcame during this installation was space management. The home’s architecture required us to find a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With careful planning, we placed the exterior compressor in an unobtrusive area on the balcony, minimizing visual impact while ensuring easy access for future maintenance.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Plasmacluster™ Air Purification

What makes the Sharp ZHU truly unique is its Plasmacluster™ air purification system. This advanced technology generates ions identical to those found in nature, which are then diffused into the air. These ions help neutralize airborne viruses, bacteria, and allergens, making it an ideal solution for homeowners concerned about indoor air quality. In this Westmount installation, the air quality of the home was significantly improved, much to the delight of the homeowner.

Installation of a Sharp ZHU Heat Pump in Westmount

Benefits of the LogisVert Grant

One of the highlights of this project is that the Sharp ZHU 12,000 BTU model is eligible for the LogisVert Grant by Hydro-Québec, which provides a $2,268 rebate—the highest amount awarded for any 12,000 BTU mini split. With this grant, the customer was able to offset a substantial portion of the installation cost, making this high-efficiency system even more affordable.

Enhanced Comfort with Coanda Airflow Technology

Thanks to Coanda Airflow Technology, this unit ensures consistent and even temperature distribution throughout the home. This technology mimics natural air movements by directing air to specific surfaces and then circulating it gently throughout the room. This helps maintain a uniform temperature in every corner of the home, eliminating hot or cold spots.

The long diffuser flap on the indoor unit allows air to be directed up to 15 meters, ensuring that even large rooms are evenly cooled or heated. This feature has been particularly appreciated by homeowners who need to heat or cool larger spaces without sacrificing comfort.

Additional Features: Smart Connectivity and Real-Time Monitoring

The Sharp ZHU isn’t just energy-efficient; it’s also incredibly smart. Equipped with WiFi connectivity, the homeowners can monitor and control the heat pump remotely via their smartphones. With real-time data on energy consumption and room temperature, they have full control of their home’s climate, even when they’re away.

Furthermore, the motion sensor technology detects when someone is in the room, optimizing energy usage by adjusting the settings automatically. This not only ensures comfort but also maximizes efficiency, especially in a family home like this one.

Installation of a Sharp ZHU Heat Pump in Westmount

Built for Quebec’s Harsh Winters

Montreal winters can be brutal, but the Sharp ZHU 12,000 BTU heat pump is up to the challenge. Unlike other models that shut down at temperatures below -15°C, the ZHU continues to provide heat even at -27°C, ensuring that the home remains warm and comfortable regardless of outdoor conditions.

The Hot Gas Pipe technology in this model further protects the outdoor compressor from freezing, reducing the risk of downtime during defrost cycles and extending the lifespan of the unit. This feature is especially valuable in regions like Quebec, where winter conditions are extreme.

A Quiet, Comfortable Home

Despite its powerful performance, the Sharp ZHU operates at a whisper-quiet level. The sound pressure level of the exterior unit is just 49 dB(A), and the interior unit operates as low as 22 dB(A)—quieter than a normal conversation. This means that the unit works efficiently without disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the home, which was a key requirement for this Westmount family.

The Result: Happy Customers, Year-Round Comfort

At AirGreen, we take pride in our work, and this Westmount installation is a perfect example of our dedication to providing efficient, reliable, and environmentally-friendly HVAC solutions. The Sharp ZHU 12,000 BTU heat pump not only met but exceeded the customer’s expectations in terms of both performance and aesthetics. Thanks to the LogisVert grant, they also benefited from a significant rebate, making this high-quality installation even more affordable.

By choosing AirGreen, this family now enjoys a comfortable, quiet home with cleaner air, all while saving on energy costs.

The steps

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.

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.
Your numbers

And at your place?

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.

    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.
    And at your place?

    Which type of equipment for your project?

    Pick what looks like your need.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    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.
    Going further

    Useful pages for what comes next

    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

    Tell us about your house. We come and see it for free.

    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