At AirGreen, we understand that even a properly installed heat pump isn’t immune to the harshness of Québec winters. Our recent HVAC service call in Sainte-Catherine, right in the middle of February, perfectly illustrates how our team responds quickly and accurately to the challenges extreme cold can pose to residential heating systems.
A Typical Scenario in a Residential Winter Setting
We were contacted by the owner of a single-family home in Sainte-Catherine, on Montréal’s South Shore, whose Polarbear wall-mounted heat pump appeared to be underperforming in very cold weather. The client had noticed that the outdoor unit was operating intermittently and the interior of the home was no longer maintaining a stable temperature.
Upon arrival, our team found a harsh winter climate: several centimeters of snow on the ground, temperatures hovering around -18°C, and direct exposure to the northern wind. The system in question — a Polarbear wall-mounted heat pump — was installed low on the home’s brick wall, near ground level, with limited clearance due to snow accumulation.
Technical Inspection and Diagnosis of the Polarbear Heat Pump
Our technicians began with a comprehensive inspection of the HVAC system, both the outdoor and indoor units. Here’s what we discovered:
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Outdoor fan obstructed by windblown snow under the unit.
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Ice buildup on the coil fins, drastically reducing heat transfer.
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Blocked drainage due to frost forming beneath the unit, causing condensation to back up into the system.
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Error code E2 on the wall-mounted controller, indicating compressor overload from excessive pressure.
These issues are typical of installations that are too close to the ground, combined with a lack of seasonal maintenance.
A Targeted, Thorough Approach to Restore the System
Once the diagnosis was complete, our team took the following steps:
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Safe manual defrosting of the outdoor unit using specialized tools to avoid damaging the coil fins.
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Complete fan cleaning and motor inspection.
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Unblocking the drainage system by warming the drain pan with blown hot air.
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Full system reset of the Polarbear unit after verifying sensors and control board.
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Recommendation to elevate the unit on higher wall brackets to prevent winter burial.
Thanks to this intervention, the heat pump returned to optimal performance. The client immediately noticed a significant improvement in indoor thermal comfort.
Winter Maintenance Tips Tailored to the South Shore Reality
Our service call in Sainte-Catherine highlights the importance of preventive winter HVAC maintenance. While wall-mounted heat pumps are highly effective in our climate, they require specific care:
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Regular snow clearing around the outdoor unit.
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Periodic checks of the automatic defrost system.
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Installation of elevated wall brackets to ensure proper clearance.
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Professional maintenance before each winter to avoid breakdowns during peak season.
We encourage all our clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore to schedule an HVAC inspection before the cold sets in.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Service Calls?
At AirGreen, every service call is an opportunity to demonstrate our technical expertise in HVAC repair. Here’s what sets our work apart:
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Certified technicians trained on all brands, including Polarbear, Gree, Fujitsu, Bosch, and many more.
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On-site diagnosis that’s fast and accurate, even in extreme conditions.
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Emergency availability, including weekends and freezing days.
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Personalized service with recommendations tailored to each home.
In this Sainte-Catherine case, our fast response spared the client from resorting to costly and inefficient backup heating solutions.
Final Result: Comfort Restored, Energy Efficiency Optimized
Thanks to our prompt and effective HVAC repair, the client regained consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures, even during the coldest nights. Additionally, the system is now running at peak efficiency, extending its lifespan and reducing energy consumption.
One of Many South Shore Interventions
This case represents many of the service calls we handle each winter. Each situation is unique, but our approach remains consistent: precise diagnosis, effective intervention, and long-term guidance.
Whether you’re in Sainte-Catherine, Brossard, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, or elsewhere on the South Shore, AirGreen is your trusted partner for any wall-mounted heat pump repair, even in the heart of a snowstorm.
