A typical service call turned into a success
At AirGreen , we regularly receive calls for older wall-mounted air conditioners , often from historic brands like Fedders , known for their robustness but now requiring specialized maintenance. This is exactly the case with this Fedders wall-mounted air conditioner , installed in a small apartment in Brossard , on the South Shore of Montreal .
The unit, over ten years old, was showing signs of weakness: inefficient cooling , excessive noise , and unscheduled shutdowns . The owner was concerned about having to replace it, but our team quickly identified a sustainable repair solution , avoiding a costly replacement.
Diagnosis: a tired but recoverable device
Upon our arrival, we carried out a complete inspection of the Fedders wall-mounted air conditioner . This model, typical of the 2000s, has an integrated ventilation system and a simplified electronic control board , housed on the right side of the front.
Our initial observations:
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Air filters completely clogged , reducing airflow.
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Worn start capacitor , causing hesitant compressor starts.
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Abnormal fan noise , caused by a dirty and slightly unbalanced motor .
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Traces of dust and mold in the evaporator.
This type of failure is common in older wall-mounted air conditioners: dust accumulation prevents heat dissipation, causing the compressor to overheat and compromising overall performance.
Repair Steps
Our technicians have undertaken a complete overhaul :
1. Thorough cleaning
The front panel and filters were removed, pressure washed with a biodegradable cleaner, and then dried. The evaporator was disinfected and degreased using a chlorine-free antibacterial product suitable for residential appliances.
2. Replacing the starting capacitor
We replaced the original 35 µF capacitor with an equivalent CSA certified model, ensuring better compressor start-up and greater electrical stability.
3. Fan lubrication and balancing
The blower motor was disassembled, cleaned and lubricated with high temperature dielectric oil . We also balanced the blades to eliminate vibration.
4. Electrical check and final test
A complete test of the electrical circuit confirmed a stable 120V power supply . After reassembly, the unit was restarted:
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Outlet air temperature: 12°C (excellent performance).
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Power consumption reduced by 15% .
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Noise level lowered by 6 dB .
Result: restored performance and satisfied customer
After the intervention, the Fedders wall-mounted air conditioner returned to almost original efficiency . The customer, who thought he would have to replace his unit, was pleasantly surprised to see an immediate improvement in thermal comfort and a significant reduction in noise .
We also recommended annual maintenance , including cleaning the filters and checking the capacitor, to extend the life of the unit.
Maintenance tips for old wall-mounted air conditioners
To avoid recurring breakdowns on this type of model:
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Clean the filters every 4 to 6 weeks during the summer.
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Never block the ventilation front .
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Have the capacitor checked every 2 years.
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Schedule a professional interview in the spring , before the warm season.
Fedders wall-mounted air conditioners, although older, can continue to operate efficiently with careful maintenance and targeted repairs .
AirGreen: your HVAC expert in Brossard and throughout the South Shore
At AirGreen, we don't just replace appliances; we evaluate each situation thoroughly and honestly to offer the most cost-effective and sustainable solution. Our HVAC repair expertise covers all brands, including older models such as Fedders, Goodman, Sharp, and Midea .
Our goal: to bring your existing systems back to life , optimize their energy performance and ensure your comfort all year round.
Warning: Each HVAC installation is unique. Before any repair or electrical work, entrust your device to a qualified professional holding RBQ and CCQ licenses.