Project

Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Oka

See how our expert team at AirGreen installed a Sharp ZU1 heat pump in Oka, providing year-round comfort and energy savings. Eligible for a $2,172 grant, this system is eco-friendly and efficient.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin6 min read
Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Oka
Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Oka
–chapters in this story
6 minreading time
–type of installation
2024year published
The tour

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.

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.

The job

Superior Comfort in Oka: Sharp ZU1 Heat Pump Installation by AirGreen

At AirGreen, we pride ourselves on providing efficient, modern, and environmentally conscious HVAC solutions for the greater Montréal area, including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. One of our recent installations in Oka demonstrates this commitment to excellence, as we fitted a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump with 15,000 BTU capacity for a homeowner seeking year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

The Perfect Choice for Harsh Québec Winters

This particular installation was in Oka, where winter can be unforgiving. The homeowner needed a system that not only cools during the humid summer months but also heats effectively in extreme cold. The Sharp ZU1 heat pump was the perfect solution, offering reliable heating even in temperatures as low as -27°C, ensuring comfort throughout Québec's harsh winters.

The Sharp ZU1 heat pump stands out as the first in its series to use R-32 refrigerant, a cutting-edge and eco-friendly alternative that is far more efficient and has a lower global warming potential than its predecessors. With Québec's Hydro-Québec LogisVert Grant providing a $2,172 subsidy—the highest available for a 15,000 BTU unit—this installation not only provided comfort but also significant financial savings for the homeowner.

A Seamless Installation with Immediate Benefits

This installation in Oka was as smooth as it was efficient. We strategically mounted the interior unit in the living room, ensuring optimal airflow while avoiding any direct drafts on the occupants. With the Sharp ZU1's ability to operate quietly (interior sound levels as low as 23 dB(A)), the family can enjoy a peaceful environment without the constant hum or noise that can accompany other units.

Our expert technicians installed the exterior compressor unit in a sheltered area, minimizing exposure to snow and ice accumulation during the winter months. With the Sharp's patented Hot Gas Pipe system, the unit prevents freezing, ensuring consistent heating throughout the cold season.

A System That Goes Beyond Temperature Control

Beyond its incredible heating and cooling capabilities, the Sharp ZU1 heat pump also offers advanced features that elevate indoor air quality and overall home comfort. Thanks to Plasmacluster technology, the air in the home is purified, eliminating airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and even odors. This ensures that the indoor environment remains not just comfortable but also healthy.

With the unique Coanda airflow control technology, the unit directs air smoothly across the ceiling or walls, preventing harsh direct airflow. This feature also ensures that every corner of the room receives even temperature distribution, maintaining a pleasant indoor environment no matter where you are in the room.

A Modern HVAC System for Eco-Conscious Homeowners

In today's world, energy efficiency is more important than ever. The Sharp ZU1 heat pump is a game-changer in terms of environmental impact and cost savings. By using R-32 refrigerant, which reduces electricity consumption by around 10%, this heat pump not only helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint but also lowers monthly energy bills.

The Sharp ZU1 also comes with Energy Star certification, which ensures that it meets or exceeds high standards for energy efficiency, particularly in cold climates like Oka's. The unit's inverter technology allows it to adjust to varying temperature needs without constantly cycling on and off, further enhancing its efficiency.

Why the Sharp ZU1 Heat Pump is a Smart Investment

The Sharp ZU1 series offers homeowners a 10-10-10 warranty (10 years for the compressor, parts, and labor), providing peace of mind that their investment is protected for the long term. With its robust design and innovative technology, this unit is built to withstand Québec’s diverse and sometimes harsh climate, making it a dependable choice for homeowners in Oka and beyond.

One of the most exciting features for the modern homeowner is the WiFi-enabled control. The Sharp ZU1 allows the homeowner to control the system remotely through a smartphone app. Whether adjusting the temperature before arriving home or setting schedules to optimize energy use, this functionality adds convenience and energy savings to the package.

Installation Tailored for Maximum Performance

Every AirGreen installation is done with meticulous attention to detail. In this Oka project, our team ensured that the piping and electrical connections were installed with precision, optimizing the system for maximum performance and longevity. We used durable materials and adhered to best practices to ensure the system runs efficiently for years to come.

Our technicians also took the time to walk the homeowner through the system’s functions, ensuring they knew how to use the Coanda airflow, Plasmacluster technology, and smart controls. At AirGreen, we believe that customer education is just as important as the installation itself.

A Look at the Sharp ZU1 Heat Pump Specs

For those interested in the technical details, here’s a closer look at what the Sharp ZU1 offers:

  • Cooling Capacity: 15,000 BTU
  • Heating Capacity: -27°C
  • Interior Unit Dimensions: 41.42 x 9.80 x 12.44 inches
  • Exterior Unit Dimensions: 30.72 x 10.59 x 21.25 inches
  • Energy Efficiency: 24.0 SEER
  • Sound Pressure Level (Interior): 23-46 dB(A)
  • Sound Pressure Level (Exterior): 49 dB(A)
  • Refrigerant: R-32

With these impressive specifications, the Sharp ZU1 heat pump is clearly one of the best-performing units available on the market today. Its advanced features and energy efficiency make it the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a sustainable, long-term solution for their heating and cooling needs.

Conclusion

At AirGreen, we’re passionate about providing our customers with the best HVAC solutions available. The Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump installed in Oka is a testament to our commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With its state-of-the-art technology, eco-friendly refrigerant, and powerful heating and cooling capabilities, the Sharp ZU1 is the ideal solution for homes in Oka, Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North and South Shores.

If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system or installing a new heat pump, give us a call. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect system for your home.

The unit

The unit on this job, in figures

The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.

The range, size by size
SizeHeating at −8 °CHeating at −15 °CColdest certified pointCOP at −15 °CSEERHSPFIndicative LogisVert aid
Sharp ZU1 12 00014,50012,000−27 °C: 7,2002.1122.011.0$1,740
Sharp ZU1 15 00018,10015,300−27 °C: 10,1002.124.011.0$2,172
Sharp ZU1 18 00022,00018,000−27 °C: 11,5002.224.011.0$2,640
Sharp ZU1 24 00022,40019,000−27 °C: 12,3002.222.011.0$2,688
14,500Its full nominal heating at −8 °C

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.

7,200Still 7,200 BTU/h at −27 °C

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.

17,100A 17,100 BTU/h reserve in mild weather

At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 17,100 BTU/h, 42% more than its nominal 12,000 BTU size.

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 steps

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.

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

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.

Before / afterThe cost of the same heat

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):

Before · baseboards11.142¢/kWh
After · heat pump–

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.

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.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Going further

    Your own project, step by step

    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.
    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
    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.

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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).

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