Repair of a PTAC system in Côte-Saint-Luc

Comfort interrupted in a residential building in Côte-Saint-Luc

At AirGreen , we frequently receive service calls for PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) systems , which are very common in residential buildings and condos in the Montreal area, particularly in Côte-Saint-Luc . These compact units, installed directly through the wall, provide both heating and cooling for an individual room.

That day, our team was contacted by a co-owner of a condo in the Mackle Road area of ​​Côte-Saint-Luc. Her PTAC system was producing a continuous vibrating noise and was no longer blowing hot air, despite a functional control display.

On-site inspection and initial findings

Our technician arrived on site the same day to carry out a complete inspection of the interior module . After removing the front cover, several observations were made:

• Accumulation of dust and debris on the filter and evaporator;

• Partially frosted evaporator coil , indicating an airflow problem;

• Main fan unbalanced , probably due to dirt buildup on the blades;

• Noise coming from the blower motor , showing the beginning of wear.

Before any repair, we took care to unplug the unit and test the circuits using a multimeter to rule out the risk of a short circuit.

In-depth diagnosis: faulty engine and sensor

Electrical measurements revealed excessively high current at blower motor startup , confirming the suspicion of a partially damaged winding . We also identified a faulty evaporator temperature sensor , causing an erroneous reading and an improper defrost cycle.

This double problem explained:

1. Premature icing of the coil, preventing proper air circulation;

2. Vibration noise , a direct consequence of fan imbalance and motor overheating.

Repair and performance optimization

Our team carried out a series of specific interventions:

• Replacement of the blower motor with an equivalent model certified for PTAC systems of the same power (1/15 HP, 115 V);

• Installation of a new thermistor sensor calibrated according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

• Complete cleaning of the evaporator coil and fan with a biodegradable product;

• Suction and rinsing of the condensate drain to prevent water backflow.

Once the system was reassembled and tested, the noise had completely disappeared and the blown air temperature reached 22°C in heating mode, proof of optimal operation.

Prevention: AirGreen's advice

PTAC systems , often neglected in maintenance, require special care to ensure their longevity. Here are our recommendations:

• Clean the air filter every two months, especially in dusty urban environments;

• Have the sensors and engine checked once a year;

• Clear the exterior grille to ensure sufficient ventilation;

• Schedule professional maintenance before each heating or cooling season.

These simple actions help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of the compressor , which is the most expensive component of a PTAC system.

Expertise tailored to buildings in Montreal and the surrounding area

This project in Côte-Saint-Luc perfectly illustrates the expertise of our teams in the repair of integrated HVAC devices , such as PTAC and VTAC, found in condos, hotels and multi-unit buildings.
We operate throughout Greater Montreal , including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore , to diagnose and maintain units from brands such as Friedrich, Amana, Goodman, LG and Zephyr .

Our technicians have a stock of multi-brand compatible PTAC parts and can therefore restart most systems during the first visit , limiting interruptions to comfort for occupants.

Result: comfort restored and efficiency restored

After our intervention, the customer noticed quiet operation and consistent blowing without vibrations. We also scheduled annual maintenance to ensure the system's long-lasting performance.

Once again, the AirGreen approach made it possible to combine speed, precision and technical expertise , confirming our position as a benchmark in HVAC repair in Montreal and on the South Shore .