An urgent service call in the heart of winter in Lachine
In the middle of February in Lachine, with outdoor temperatures well below freezing, we received a HVAC service call from a family experiencing heating problems. Their central heat pump by York had completely shut down, leaving the home without adequate heat. Situations like this require a fast and effective intervention – and that’s exactly what we delivered.
Background and initial on-site assessment
Upon arrival, the outdoor unit of the York central heat pump was completely covered with a light layer of snow. The metal protective grille showed signs of winter wear, but more importantly, ice buildup was partially blocking airflow around the coil.
Our team immediately began a full inspection:
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Complete compressor shutdown, possibly triggered by safety mode.
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Snow and ice buildup around the base of the outdoor unit, posing a risk of short-circuiting or premature wear.
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Clogged drainage, preventing proper evacuation of condensation.
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No error code visible on the indoor thermostat, indicating an issue outside the home.
We then safely powered down the unit and began internal diagnostics.
Troubleshooting steps and system restoration
The unit in question, a York central heat pump of approximately 5 tons, is a durable model, but it’s sensitive to frost buildup when poorly maintained or obstructed. Here’s what we did:
1. Defrosting and clearing the outdoor unit
We used warm, non-abrasive air to melt the accumulated ice without damaging the fins. This step is essential to ensure a safe restart.
2. Cleaning the protective grille
The metal protection grille, although still intact, was holding dirt, debris, and dust. We carried out a deep cleaning of the coil and grille to maximize airflow.
3. Checking electrical connections and system reboot
We inspected the electrical terminals and found oxidation on the low-voltage connectors, which we cleaned and tightened. Once voltage was restored, we conducted a full compressor startup test.
4. Verifying the defrost cycle
The system appeared stuck in an extended defrost mode, preventing normal heating. We recalibrated the outdoor temperature sensor and validated the control board’s performance.
5. Full performance test
Once the system was restarted, we checked:
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Refrigerant pressures (R410A) in cooling and heating modes.
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Indoor supply temperature.
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Airflow balance through the ductwork.
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Electrical consumption, ensuring normal compressor behavior.
Result: the heat pump resumed normal operation with warm air blowing at over 35°C indoors, much to the relief of the occupants.
Tips to avoid this type of failure
This service call in Lachine is a classic example of issues that central HVAC systems can face during Quebec winters. Here are our recommendations to avoid such discomfort:
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Annual full maintenance, including grille cleaning, electrical checks, and performance testing.
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Regular snow clearing around the outdoor unit, especially after snowstorms.
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Installation of a protective roof over the heat pump, ensuring proper airflow clearance.
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Monitor the defrost cycle – a defrost mode that’s too long or non-functional should be addressed quickly.
A satisfied customer and a revitalized system
Thanks to our quick and thorough intervention, the client regained comfort in their home without needing to replace their system. The York central heat pump was optimized for the rest of the winter, and an annual maintenance agreement was established to ensure its longevity.
This kind of tailor-made service is part of our commitment at AirGreen: delivering reliable, prompt HVAC solutions adapted to the climate conditions of Greater Montreal, including Lachine, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore.