A quick and efficient intervention by AirGreen in the heart of Montréal’s winter
In early March, our team was called for a repair of a Nordik wall-mounted heat pump in Ville-Marie, in a typical residential sector of downtown Montréal. The customer reached out after noticing a significant drop in performance, especially during cold nights when heating was crucial. Thanks to our experience and our meticulous approach to HVAC repair, we were able to quickly diagnose and resolve the issue, restoring comfort to the home despite harsh winter conditions.
Context: an outdoor unit exposed to harsh weather conditions
Installed on the side wall of a brick duplex, the outdoor Nordik unit was mounted on wall brackets at a proper height, but partially exposed to snow and ice accumulation. The previous installation showed no structural issues, but the immediate environment around the unit played a role in the malfunction observed.
By closely examining the photo taken onsite, we noted:
-
Snow accumulation on top of the heat pump casing, partially blocking heat discharge.
-
An air intake obstructed by layers of frost, affecting the fan's performance.
-
Poorly insulated electrical connections, exposed to moisture and freezing.
Steps of our technical intervention
1. Full inspection and unit safety check
Our technicians first secured the working area by carefully clearing snow around the unit. Then, a complete visual and functional inspection was carried out to assess the overall condition of the compressor, fan, and integrated defrost system.
2. Diagnosis of intermittent heating issue
The customer had reported intermittent warm air, especially during cold peaks. After connecting our diagnostic tools, we quickly identified a faulty outdoor temperature sensor, which prevented the heat pump from properly switching between defrost and heating modes.
3. Replacement of the defective sensor
We replaced the sensor with a high-precision compatible Nordik model, fully calibrated for Montréal’s climate conditions. The replacement was completed without uninstalling the unit, thus minimizing service interruption for the client.
4. Re-adjustment and recalibration of the unit
After the replacement, we:
-
Recalibrated the outdoor temperature parameters.
-
Checked the R410A refrigerant pressure used by this specific Nordik model.
-
Cleared the unit of all obstructions (frost, debris, etc.).
-
Applied a protective layer to the connectors to improve moisture resistance.
Result: a restored system, fully functional and better protected against winter
The Nordik wall-mounted heat pump resumed proper operation immediately after the repair. The warm airflow was restored, and the unit completed a full heating cycle without any error, even at -12°C. The client also received our recommendations on how to protect the outdoor unit in winter, including:
-
Installing a snow guard above the unit.
-
Scheduling preventive maintenance at the start of each winter to prevent frost buildup.
-
Performing annual checks of the automatic defrost cycle.
Why call AirGreen for your wall-mounted heat pump repair in Montréal
At AirGreen, we understand that every HVAC service call is unique. Our approach is personalized, thorough, and efficient, with a team trained to work on all major brands, including Nordik, Gree, Fujitsu, Tosot, and Lennox. We use only certified parts and professional diagnostic tools to ensure repairs that are long-lasting and meet safety standards.
Expertise tailored to Quebec’s climate realities
Systems installed in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore must operate efficiently even in extreme conditions. Our interventions always take into account:
-
Local architectural specificities (tight spaces, wind exposure, ground clearance, etc.).
-
The impact of frost and moisture on outdoor circuits.
-
Municipal regulations regarding wall-mounted or elevated HVAC installations.
Practical tips for homeowners with wall-mounted heat pumps
Avoid frequent breakdowns by following these simple practices:
-
Keep the area around the outdoor unit free of snow after each snowfall.
-
Call AirGreen for annual preventive maintenance, including coil cleaning and defrost testing.
-
Avoid installing units in areas exposed to runoff or with poor air circulation.
