A service call to a downtown Montreal condo
In the heart of Ville-Marie , in a modern condo building in downtown Montreal , our AirGreen team was called in to repair a Trane PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) system . These compact units, often installed in rental and hotel buildings, provide both independent heating and cooling for each unit.
The client, the owner of a short-term rental condo, contacted us after receiving several complaints from tenants: the system was no longer heating properly, and an unpleasant odor was released when it was turned on.
Initial inspection: a dirty and underperforming device
Upon our arrival, our AirGreen certified technician performed a complete inspection of the Trane PTAC . The unit, although installed for less than five years, showed several signs of deterioration:
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Air filters saturated with dust , restricting air circulation.
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Dirty evaporator , covered with a greasy film and black dust.
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Blocked drain , causing stagnant water to accumulate in the condensate tray.
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Partially defective heating coil , causing a noticeable drop in temperature.
The finding was clear: a lack of preventive maintenance combined with intensive use had led to a premature degradation of the system's performance.
Technical diagnosis: precision above all
Our team carried out a series of electrical and thermal tests to confirm the exact causes of the failure:
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Checking the supply voltages : stable supply at 240 V.
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Resistance test on the heating coil : abnormal value, indicating a partially broken resistance.
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Control relay check : slight oxidation on the terminals, causing intermittent cuts.
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Fan inspection : Dust buildup on blades, reducing airflow.
This comprehensive diagnosis allowed us to develop a targeted intervention plan to restore the system's efficiency.
Complete repair of the Trane PTAC
The intervention took place in several stages:
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Complete removal of the front and casing for thorough cleaning.
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Degreasing the evaporator and condenser using a certified biodegradable HVAC cleaner.
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Replacement of the heating coil with a genuine Trane part.
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Restoration of the drain and addition of a small backflow preventer to prevent stagnant water.
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Fan motor lubrication and blade balancing.
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Recommissioning and verification of hot/cold cycles to confirm performance.
Results: restored performance and healthier air
After restarting, the results were immediate:
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The heating reached 36°C at the air outlet, compared to 22°C before repair.
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The air circulated freely , without excessive noise or vibration.
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The unpleasant smell has completely disappeared thanks to internal cleaning and disinfection.
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Power consumption decreased by 12%, according to current reading.
We also advised the owner to schedule biannual maintenance to avoid fouling, particularly in a rental context.
AirGreen Expertise: the benchmark for PTAC and VTAC systems in Montreal
Trane PTAC systems are very popular in apartment buildings and student residences in downtown Montreal, particularly for their compactness and autonomy. However, their performance depends heavily on regular maintenance and installation that complies with the manufacturer's specifications.
At AirGreen , we have:
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Specific expertise on Trane, LG, Friedrich and Midea units .
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Technicians trained for multi-family and hotel environments .
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Guaranteed original parts for all types of PTAC and VTAC units.
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Fast service covering Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.
AirGreen Prevention Tips
To extend the life of a PTAC and avoid costly repairs:
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Clean the filters every two months.
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Vacuum the condenser fins at each change of season.
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Have the heating coil inspected before winter.
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Avoid blocking air intake grilles with furniture or curtains.
Thanks to our intervention, this Trane system is now ready to offer optimal comfort to occupants, while reducing its energy consumption. At AirGreen , we put our know-how to work towards a simple goal: ensuring the reliability, performance, and durability of every HVAC system we maintain.
