A discreet and efficient HVAC installation project on a residential balcony
At AirGreen, we recently completed the installation of a SHARP ZU1 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in the charming municipality of St-Bruno-de-Montarville, located on the South Shore of Montréal. This particular job took place in a multi-unit residential building, specifically on the balcony of an upper-floor apartment, which required careful planning and precise technical expertise to ensure performance, aesthetics, and compliance.
A compact heat pump, ideal for balconies
The choice of the SHARP ZU1 12,000 BTU model, equipped with R-32 refrigerant and SHARP’s exclusive Plasmacluster technology, proved to be perfectly suited for the site’s configuration. Compact and quiet, this heat pump delivers optimal performance in tight residential spaces such as balconies, while maintaining a clean look thanks to its sleek white finish and modern design.
The outdoor unit was installed on an elevated metal wall bracket, ensuring proper airflow and protecting the unit from snow buildup. While this type of installation is less common, it’s ideal for multi-family buildings where floor space is limited and municipal regulations require specific clearance.
Why choose the SHARP ZU1 12,000 BTU model?
Technology designed for Québec winters
The AY-XPC12ZU / AE-X12ZU model from the ZU1 series is certified to operate efficiently in heating mode down to -27°C, making it a robust option for the harsh winters of the South Shore. It still delivers 7,200 BTU/h at -27°C, guaranteeing thermal comfort even in extreme cold.
Outstanding energy performance
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SEER: 21 (cooling season)
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HSPF: 12.5 / 11 (seasonal heating)
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Eco-friendly refrigerant: R-32, low GWP
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Inverter mode: reduces energy consumption
Plasmacluster Technology: cleaner air
SHARP’s patented Plasmacluster technology actively purifies indoor air by neutralizing viruses, bacteria, allergens, odors, and mold, while also preventing mold buildup inside the unit.
Challenges and solutions for the installation in St-Bruno-de-Montarville
Tight environment
The available balcony space was limited. We opted for a wall-mounted elevated bracket installation with anti-vibration supports, meeting both safety standards and visual discretion. The key challenges were to:
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Minimize visual clutter
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Ensure proper airflow
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Guarantee easy future maintenance access
Access to piping
The refrigerant and electrical lines were installed through a discreet surface-mounted duct running along the exterior wall, leading directly to the indoor unit installed in the apartment’s living room. We used premium-grade insulation materials to maintain the system’s energy efficiency.
Regulatory compliance
We made sure to respect municipal regulations regarding noise limits and the minimum clearance between the outdoor unit and the balcony railing. Thanks to its exterior noise level of just 49 dB, the ZU1 model integrates perfectly into urban residential settings.
An installation eligible for government rebates
Thanks to its high energy efficiency, the SHARP ZU1 12,000 BTU model qualifies for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grant program, allowing the customer to receive a rebate of up to $1,587. At AirGreen, we assist our clients throughout the full grant application process for HVAC installations across St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Longueuil, Brossard, and the broader South Shore.
Tangible benefits for the client
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Reliable auxiliary heating during cold days
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Efficient summer cooling
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Notable improvement in indoor air quality
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Lower energy bills
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Peace of mind with a full 10-year warranty (parts, compressor, labor*)
Why trust AirGreen with your HVAC installation?
With hundreds of wall-mounted heat pump installations completed across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, AirGreen is known for its professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized customer support. In this specific St-Bruno-de-Montarville project, our team demonstrated its ability to deliver a high-performance HVAC solution in a tight urban environment, while adhering to the highest installation and safety standards.
AirGreen’s practical tips for urban installations
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Choose compact and quiet models like the ZU1 series
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Use elevated wall brackets to free up floor space
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Plan ahead for future maintenance (accessibility, cleaning)
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Always confirm rebate eligibility BEFORE purchasing
Conclusion
The installation of this SHARP ZU1 12,000 BTU heat pump in St-Bruno-de-Montarville perfectly showcases AirGreen’s ability to deliver smart, energy-efficient HVAC solutions tailored to all types of environments. With our know-how, technical expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction, we continue to make year-round comfort a real and sustainable reality for homeowners across Québec.