When a breakdown occurs in the middle of summer on the West Bank
At AirGreen , our technicians regularly work in the West Island, where many homeowners enjoy their balconies and terraces during the summer months. In Pointe-Claire , a customer recently contacted us about a Kenville wall-mounted air conditioner installed on a balcony. The unit, compact and quiet, was unable to cool the room even when turned on normally.
The owner had noticed that the outdoor fan was spinning slowly and that a slight metallic fluttering sound could be heard at regular intervals—a sign that a mechanical or electrical problem was behind the reduced performance.
Complete on-site diagnosis: a fan motor at the end of its life
Upon arrival, we undertook a series of tests to identify the exact cause. This type of Kenville air conditioner typically uses an inverter compressor and a variable-speed fan motor, both of which are susceptible to heat and corrosion when installed outdoors, as seen here on an exposed balcony.
Our checks revealed:
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A stable supply voltage of 240 V — so no electrical problems on the power supply side.
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An external fan that started late and whose rotation speed remained insufficient, resulting in poor heat dissipation.
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A control board that was correctly sending the PWM signal, confirming that the problem was not with the control logic.
The diagnosis was clear: the outdoor fan motor was worn , its bearings seized by time and humidity. An abnormal internal resistance indicated a partially burnt winding.
Intervention: motor replacement and complete maintenance of the outdoor unit
Our team carried out a complete replacement of the fan motor , an operation that requires precision to maintain the dynamic balance of the propeller.
Here are the steps followed:
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Safe electrical disconnection and removal of the rear protective grille.
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Removing the old motor and cleaning the metal support, which is often rusty due to thermal cycles.
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Installation of the new original compatible Kenville motor , with the addition of a dielectric insulator and new anti-vibration mountings.
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Checking the direction of rotation of the fan and checking the balance.
We also cleaned the heat exchanger and straightened some warped fins using a special comb to optimize airflow.
Performance testing and calibration
After reassembly, we restarted the unit and observed the following parameters:
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Indoor blowing temperature: 12.8°C after 10 minutes of operation.
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Outside condensation temperature: 46°C , a perfectly normal value for a summer day.
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Power consumption: 1.2 kW , in accordance with model specifications.
The engine noise was completely gone, replaced by a smooth, even flow . The customer immediately noticed the difference: the room cooled much faster, with no variation in airflow.
Maintenance tips for balcony air conditioners
When we left, we took the time to explain some practical advice to the customer:
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Clean the fins of the outdoor unit twice a season to prevent clogging due to dust or pollen.
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Clear the space around the compressor : avoid placing chairs or objects too close to the fan (as we saw before our intervention).
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Schedule annual preventative maintenance , which is particularly important for wall-mounted air conditioners installed high up or on balconies exposed to salty winds.
These simple precautions extend engine life and reduce energy consumption.
AirGreen: HVAC expertise at your service in Montreal and on the West Shore
This Kenville air conditioner repair in Pointe-Claire perfectly illustrates our philosophy: rigorous, precise and transparent service .
Our certified technicians operate throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore , for all types of residential or commercial HVAC systems.
Whether it's a faulty motor, an R-410A refrigerant leak, an electronic board problem or an inactive compressor , AirGreen guarantees reliable diagnosis and lasting repair.
Thanks to our intervention, the owner now benefits from a perfectly functional and quiet air conditioner, ready to face the heat waves of Greater Montreal.