A revealing service call: loss of performance in the heat of summer
On a hot day in Sainte-Dorothée , a customer contacted us about a sudden loss of performance in their Comfortmaker central heat pump , a system using Puron refrigerant (R-410A) . The owner had noticed that the air blowing through the vents was lukewarm, despite the thermostat being set at 21°C. At AirGreen , we know how a faulty HVAC system can compromise the comfort of an entire home, especially during a heatwave.
Complete on-site diagnosis
Our certified technician arrived on site the same day. The outdoor unit, securely mounted on a sturdy wall bracket, appeared intact at first glance. However, several visual clues quickly caught our attention:
-
Moisture buildup around refrigeration fittings
-
Deteriorated suction pipe insulation , partially exposing copper
-
Abnormal compressor sound, possible sign of excessive effort
Before any intervention, a series of precise tests were carried out:
-
Indoor Airflow Check – No blockages or clogged filters.
-
Refrigerant Pressure Test – Pressure below normal.
-
Control Board Check – Main Relay Response Correct.
The verdict: a micro-leak of refrigerant at the Schrader fitting . This type of leak, although minimal, can drastically reduce the system's efficiency and cause the compressor to overheat.
Leak repair and system upgrade
Once the leak was located, our technician performed a complete purge of the circuit and professional brazing to replace the faulty fitting. The entire circuit was then tested under nitrogen at 300 psi for 30 minutes to ensure it was leak-proof.
After the test was successful, the system was recharged with Puron (R-410A) according to the manufacturer's Comfortmaker specifications. After restarting, the pressures returned to the optimal range:
-
Suction pressure: 125 psi
-
Discharge pressure: 390 psi
-
Blown air temperature: 14°C at the duct outlet
Result: 100% restored efficiency and stable room temperature in less than an hour.
Maintenance advice provided to the customer
At AirGreen, we always take advantage of a service call to educate our customers on breakdown prevention. Here are the recommendations we've shared:
-
Check filters every 4 to 6 weeks.
-
Clean the outdoor unit every spring to prevent debris buildup.
-
Have the refrigerant level inspected every 2 years.
-
Replace any deteriorated refrigeration line insulation to prevent condensation.
These simple actions extend the life of the compressor and maintain the energy efficiency of the system.
AirGreen Expertise: When Precision and Rigor Make the Difference
This case in Sainte-Dorothée perfectly illustrates our approach: a rapid, methodical and lasting intervention . Our technician took care to:
-
Document each step of the diagnosis.
-
Check the compressor's power consumption after repair.
-
Ensure the wiring is secure and the wall circuit breaker is working properly.
Every repair carried out by AirGreen is guaranteed: we use original parts and scrupulously follow the pressurization and recharging procedures recommended by the manufacturers.
A reassured customer and a heat pump ready for summer
At the end of the procedure, the client was feeling optimally comfortable and expressed satisfaction with the quality of the service. As a bonus, we scheduled an annual preventive maintenance program to prevent any recurrence.
Thanks to this repair, the customer's Comfortmaker heat pump now operates smoothly and quietly, ensuring stable and energy-efficient cooling , even during the hottest summer days in Laval and the greater Montreal area.
In short , this intervention demonstrates the importance of accurate diagnosis and regular maintenance . A simple leak, if neglected, can compromise the entire system. At AirGreen, we make reliability and performance our priorities—to keep every home comfortable, no matter the season.