A service call to bring an old wall system back to life
At AirGreen , we regularly receive calls for window air conditioners that, after several years of service, are showing signs of running out of steam. This was precisely the case in an apartment in the Villeray district of Montreal, where a customer contacted us following a lack of cooling and a heavy accumulation of dust on their GoldStar unit.
The unit, although robust, exhibited significantly reduced efficiency and constant noise, two clear indicators that maintenance or repair was required.
Diagnosis: A combination of dirt, degradation, and worn parts
When we arrived on site, our technician immediately noticed several things:
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The air vents were clogged with dust and traces of moisture.
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The mechanical controls (rotary knobs) were still functional, but difficult to operate.
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The air filter had obviously not been cleaned for several seasons.
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An internal vibrating noise was coming from the fan motor.
A quick disassembly of the front panel revealed:
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An evaporator coil covered in fine dust.
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Bent condenser fins , reducing airflow.
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Traces of oil at the base of the compressor, suggesting a micro-leak of refrigerant .
Intervention: deep cleaning and restoration
1. Complete cleaning
We thoroughly cleaned the evaporator, condenser, and crankcase using a biodegradable HVAC cleaner. The filters were removed, pressure-rinsed, and then air-dried.
2. Straightening the fins
Using a fin comb, our technician straightened the condenser fins , restoring optimal airflow through the unit.
3. Compressor Test
A continuity and electrical resistance test of the compressor confirmed that it was still functional. However, the slight leak detected required refrigerant topping up to bring the pressure back to the correct level.
4. Checking the fan motor
The slightly dirty engine was lubricated and realigned to reduce vibration and noise .
Result: a quieter device and better performance
After reassembly, the GoldStar unit regained its cooling capacity. The measured outlet temperature was 8°C lower than ambient temperature after only a few minutes of operation.
The customer, surprised to see such a difference, decided to schedule an annual preventive maintenance with us to extend the life of the device.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of a Window Air Conditioner
For any window air conditioner owner in Montreal, here are some best practices recommended by AirGreen :
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Clean the air filter every 4 to 6 weeks during the warm season.
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Avoid blocking the air outlet with curtains or furniture.
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Do a complete maintenance before each summer to prevent breakdowns.
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Inspect seals and fins once a year.
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Turn off the appliance during prolonged absences to prevent the compressor from overheating.
Why call AirGreen for your HVAC repairs in Montreal?
At AirGreen, we specialize in repair, maintenance, and replacement of HVAC units of all brands: Gree, Fujitsu, Midea, GoldStar, Sharp, Lennox, Goodman, Trane , and many others.
Our interventions cover all of Greater Montreal — Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore — and are carried out by certified technicians who are passionate about their work.
Each repair is carried out with transparency, rigor and personalized advice , in order to ensure the durability and performance of your system.
Fast, local and reliable service
Whether it's an old window air conditioner or a state-of-the-art heat pump, our teams respond quickly in all boroughs: Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Saint-Laurent, Brossard, Terrebonne , and more.
AirGreen — Your HVAC partner in Montreal.
We bring your air conditioning and heating systems back to life, one device at a time.