A unit frozen by snow and cold: a crucial service call in the heart of winter
In Charlemagne, at the height of winter, we received an urgent call from a homeowner facing a common but critical issue in our Quebec climate: their Mitsubishi wall-mounted heat pump was no longer functioning properly. The outdoor unit, mounted on a brick wall, was covered in a thick layer of snow and fully exposed to the prevailing winds. This type of situation can lead to compressor overheating, reduced energy efficiency, or complete system failure.
The AirGreen team, specialized in wall-mounted heat pump repairs in Charlemagne, quickly headed to the site to perform a thorough diagnosis and a targeted repair, keeping in mind the extreme winter conditions that can affect outdoor unit performance.
Full inspection of the Mitsubishi outdoor unit
Upon arrival, our certified technician immediately noted several issues related to winter maintenance:
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Snow and ice accumulation on top of the unit, restricting hot air discharge.
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Partial blockage of the fan fins by dead leaves and debris, visible through the grille.
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Suboptimal placement: too close to the ground and surrounding vegetation (conifer tree nearby), increasing the risk of obstruction and freezing.
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No protective cover or additional active defrost system, which are recommended in areas like Charlemagne.
These combined factors not only restricted airflow but also created a risk of ineffective defrost cycles, which can eventually force the machine to shut down to protect itself.
Steps of the repair performed by AirGreen
We quickly implemented a repair protocol tailored to Quebec winters:
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Safely cut power to avoid any risk during the intervention.
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Manually cleared the snow using plastic, scratch-proof tools, without damaging the fins or exterior components.
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Fully cleaned the ventilation grille and fan to remove debris blocking airflow.
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Checked all visible electrical connections and the Mitsubishi unit’s control panel.
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Ran a full performance test after restarting: activated heating mode, observed fan behavior, measured input and output temperatures.
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Provided recommendations to the client: raise the unit with taller supports, trim nearby vegetation, and consider adding a snow guard cover.
Result: full heating performance restored and a reassured client
After the thorough cleaning and reboot, the Mitsubishi wall-mounted heat pump regained its full heating capacity. The fan ran freely, defrost cycles functioned normally, and temperature readings showed excellent thermal output. The client was impressed by our fast response time, the depth of our technical analysis, and our personalized practical advice to prevent future winter breakdowns.
Why these service calls are essential in winter
In winter, especially in Charlemagne and across the North Shore, outdoor units are often neglected. Yet, preventive or responsive repair can help avoid:
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A complete system breakdown during intense cold.
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Compressor overload, which shortens the unit’s lifespan.
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Excessive energy consumption due to frequent or ineffective defrost cycles.
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Unusual noises and vibrations caused by a blocked fan.
At AirGreen, we do everything we can to deliver elite HVAC repair and maintenance services, specifically designed to tackle the realities of Quebec’s climate. Our technicians are highly experienced with Mitsubishi wall-mounted heat pumps, and they know how to detect the early warning signs of cold-related malfunctions.
Our recommendations for owners of Mitsubishi wall-mounted heat pumps
Regular winter maintenance
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Clear snow at least twice a week around the unit.
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Avoid ice buildup on the ground that could block air intake.
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Ensure the unit is mounted at least 30 cm off the ground to prevent backflow of cold air.
Add protective features
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Install a snow guard cover made of aluminum or hard plastic.
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Avoid planting conifers or shrubs too close to the unit.
Seasonal technical checks
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Have a preventive inspection in the fall by our specialists.
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Regularly check the drain pipes to ensure they’re not frozen.
AirGreen expertise: the reference for HVAC repairs on the North Shore
This intervention in Charlemagne perfectly illustrates our commitment: to provide professional, fast HVAC service tailored to Quebec's harsh winters. Thanks to our expertise, even a snow-covered outdoor unit can be restored to full operation in under an hour.
At AirGreen, we believe every service call is an opportunity to restore comfort to your home while also maximizing the durability of your heating and air conditioning system. Our team operates in Charlemagne, Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, and throughout the North and South Shores, with concrete, efficient, and long-lasting solutions.
