When an old wall system decides to give up the ghost in the middle of a Montreal summer
At AirGreen , we often receive emergency calls from older wall-mounted air conditioning systems that are struggling to keep up with the increasingly hot summers. This was the case for MR , the owner of a duplex located in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood of Montreal. His Hitachi wall-mounted air conditioner , installed nearly fifteen years ago, had stopped blowing cool air when the mercury exceeded 30°C.
Initial diagnosis: a dirty device and a tired electronic card
Upon arrival, our technicians noted that the wall unit, although still mechanically functional, showed several signs of aging:
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the slightly yellowed hood , typical of older Hitachi models;
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dirty condenser fins ;
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clogged air filtration ;
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and above all, a delay in the ignition of the compressor , a common symptom of a faulty control card.
We performed a continuity test and voltage measurement on the electronic board. It showed irregularities, including unstable voltage spikes to the compressor.
Intervention: refurbishment of the electronic system and complete cleaning
Rather than immediately recommending replacement of the system, we proposed a targeted repair , perfectly suited to this type of old but robust wall installation.
Our steps:
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Main control board replacement (compatible with Hitachi model).
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Complete cleaning of the heat exchanger using a specialized biodegradable product.
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Vacuum filters and drains to prevent mold buildup.
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Light recharge of R-410A refrigerant after checking the static pressure.
Result: restored comfort and a satisfied customer
Once the repair was completed, the air conditioner restarted without delay. The cold air flow was again constant , the interior temperature quickly dropped from 29°C to 22°C in less than thirty minutes.
MR was impressed to see his old system return to full efficiency without having to replace it entirely.
The importance of preventive maintenance
This case illustrates the importance of regular maintenance of wall-mounted HVAC systems :
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Annual cleaning of filters and coils prevents overheating and extends motor life.
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Checking the condensate drain prevents water leaks on the walls.
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Comprehensive electronic monitoring allows board failures to be detected before they cause a complete system shutdown.
Why call AirGreen for your HVAC repairs in Montreal?
At AirGreen, we leverage our technical expertise across all brands : Hitachi, Fujitsu, Sharp, Gree, Midea, Goodman, Lennox and many more.
Our certified technicians perform:
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accurate diagnostics using specialized electronic tools;
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rapid interventions throughout Montreal, Laval, the South Shore and the North Shore ;
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and lasting repairs , accompanied by personalized advice to avoid future breakdowns.
Our commitment: to restore comfort without unnecessary additional cost .
One last piece of expert advice
If your wall-mounted air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it can often be effectively refurbished , especially if it's a Japanese brand like Hitachi or Fujitsu , which are known for their longevity. However, when energy consumption becomes too high or parts become scarce, it's a good idea to consider replacing it with a newer, R-32-compatible, energy-efficient model.
At AirGreen, we support you from the initial diagnosis to the selection of the right system , whether for a repair , an upgrade , or a new installation .