An AirGreen intervention for an old wall-mounted air conditioner losing power
At AirGreen , we are often called upon to diagnose older wall-mounted air conditioning systems that have served faithfully for over a decade. This is precisely what happened in Ville Saint-Laurent , where a customer contacted us about a loss of performance on their Friedrich wall-mounted air conditioner . The unit, well-maintained over the years, was however beginning to show signs of wear: less cold air, increased noise, and slow response from the remote control.
Diagnosis: a system that is still solid, but slowed down by fouling
Upon arrival, our technician noticed that the Friedrich wall-mounted unit—a model with approximately 12,000 BTUs —was blowing lukewarm air even in maximum cooling mode. The unit, located in a dining room open to the living room , showed dust buildup on the front grille and slight yellowing typical of plastics exposed to heat.
Initial checks revealed:
-
Saturated air filters , preventing proper airflow.
-
A dirty evaporator coil , reducing heat transfer.
-
A tired fan motor , whose bearing produced a whistling noise.
-
A stable supply voltage , excluding an electrical problem.
This diagnosis confirmed that the compressor was still functioning properly, but that airflow and thermal performance were severely compromised .
Steps of repair
1. Disassembly and complete cleaning
The technician carefully removed the front panel and filters. These were washed and disinfected. The evaporator was then cleaned using a biodegradable HVAC coil cleaner and then rinsed at low pressure to preserve the metal fins.
2. Maintenance of the ventilation motor
The fan motor had slight play in its shaft. After disassembly, it was lubricated with an oil suitable for closed-bearing motors. The sound imbalance disappeared, returning the noise level to normal.
3. Checking the refrigeration circuit
An external refrigerant gas pressure measurement was performed, confirming proper charging and no leaks. The compressor responded well to the command and shut down according to normal cycles.
4. Disinfection and reassembly
A final cleaning of the condensate tray and tangential fan removed any dust and stagnant moisture. The unit was then resealed and a full performance test was performed.
Results: return to comfort and performance
Upon restart, the outlet air temperature dropped rapidly from 25°C to 13°C , confirming the system's return to full efficiency . The noise level stabilized, and the air was once again circulating evenly throughout the room.
The customer was able to regain immediate comfort, without replacing major parts. This type of intervention perfectly illustrates that rigorous maintenance can give several years of service to a well-designed wall-mounted appliance like a Friedrich .
AirGreen Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Our technicians took advantage of the visit to remind the customer of the importance of:
-
Clean the filters every two months during the air conditioning season.
-
Schedule an annual professional maintenance , including cleaning of the evaporator and outdoor condenser.
-
Avoid obstructions around the unit to ensure good air circulation.
Regular maintenance not only helps prevent breakdowns, but also reduces energy consumption by up to 15%.
AirGreen: the benchmark in HVAC repairs in Montreal and Laval
At AirGreen, every service call is handled with rigor and transparency. Our RBQ and CCQ certified technicians work on all types of systems:
-
Wall-mounted air conditioners and wall-mounted heat pumps ,
-
MultiZone and central systems ,
-
Electric furnaces and HVAC accessories ,
-
And all the recognized brands : Friedrich, Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Midea, Goodman, Bosch, Lennox, Zephyr, Trane, Hitachi , etc.
We serve all of Greater Montreal , including Ville Saint-Laurent, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore .
Every AirGreen intervention has a clear objective: to restore your HVAC system to its original performance , while minimizing costs and maximizing durability.
Conclusion
The service call in Ville Saint-Laurent demonstrates that a Friedrich wall-mounted air conditioner , even after several years of service, can regain its full efficiency thanks to targeted and professional maintenance .
At AirGreen, we believe every customer deserves a sustainable, clean, and energy-efficient solution. For any HVAC repair or maintenance in Montreal, Laval, and the surrounding areas , our team is ready to respond quickly and efficiently.
AirGreen – Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning & Heating: your trusted HVAC partner in Greater Montreal.