When a hotel system shows signs of fatigue
In a residential building in downtown Montreal , in the Ville-Marie district, a client contacted us about an intermittent heating and cooling problem with his Ayerkel brand PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) integrated wall unit. This type of equipment, often used in hotels, condos and multi-unit residences, combines electric heating and direct cooling in a single unit that passes through the wall.
Symptoms and first observation
The customer reported that his unit was no longer producing hot or cold air, even though the control panel lights appeared to be working.
Upon arrival, our technicians found that:
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The indoor fan was spinning weakly.
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No response from compressor when calling for cooling.
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A slight burning smell was coming from the front grille.
These clues pointed to an internal electrical problem – typical of a faulty control module or a stuck relay inside the PTAC.
Technical diagnosis
Once the front hood was removed, we carried out a complete electrical inspection :
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Checking the supply voltages : 240 V present, correct continuity.
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Inspection of internal wiring : presence of blackening around the compressor relay , sign of overheating.
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Starting capacitor measurement : reading at 0 μF — a completely dead capacitor .
The verdict:
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The compressor start capacitor needed to be replaced.
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The main relay was showing signs of critical wear and also needed to be replaced.
On-site intervention
Our technicians carried out a complete repair of the power module , including:
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Replacing the 35/5 μF capacitor with a universal Ayerkel compatible model.
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Installation of a new compressor relay , UL certified for HVAC use.
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Complete cleaning of the evaporator coil and fan, often clogged with dust in this type of built-in appliance.
Once everything was reconnected, we performed a full performance test :
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The compressor restarted without delay.
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Cold air was coming out of the grille at 11°C after only 4 minutes of operation.
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Resistive heating has also been validated for the winter season.
Final result
The Ayerkel PTAC system was returned to full service , without major replacement, for a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
The relieved client regained stable comfort in his unit within an hour of intervention.
This type of repair perfectly illustrates the versatility of the AirGreen team , capable of working on both classic residential wall systems and PTAC and VTAC units , which are very common in multi-unit buildings in central Montreal.
AirGreen Maintenance Tips for PTAC Units
To avoid this type of breakdown happening again, we recommend:
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A complete cleaning of the coils at each change of season.
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An annual electrical inspection to check the relay and capacitor are in good condition.
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Dust the fan at least twice a year.
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And above all, avoid blocking the air inlets of the housing with curtains or furniture — a common mistake in urban condos.
Local expertise, fast service
Our technicians respond quickly in all central districts of Montreal — from Plateau-Mont-Royal to Ville-Marie , including Outremont and Griffintown .
At AirGreen, we provide repair, maintenance and replacement of PTAC and VTAC systems of all brands: Ayerkel, Amana, Friedrich, Gree, Goodman, LG , and many others.
Thanks to our rigorous approach and our commitment to sustainability , we extend the life of your equipment while improving its energy performance.
AirGreen — HVAC experts in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
Fast, reliable and guaranteed service on all your wall heating and cooling systems.