A harsh winter and a heat pump blocked by snow
At AirGreen , we regularly respond to HVAC emergencies related to snow and frost during periods of extreme cold. This is exactly what happened in Blainville , on the North Shore of Montreal , when a customer called us about a Goodman central heat pump that was no longer producing heat, in the middle of February.
When we arrived, the scene was typical of Quebec winter conditions: the outdoor unit was covered in a thick layer of snow and ice , with an additional fan cobbled together at the front in an attempt to defrost it. A temporary solution, certainly, but far from ideal for a heat pump designed to operate autonomously, even in winter.
Diagnosis: A system at a complete standstill due to airflow blockage
After inspection, our technician quickly identified several critical issues:
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Accumulation of snow and ice on the condenser, blocking airflow.
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Condenser fan frozen due to frost.
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Automatic defrost (defrost mode) faulty , possibly due to a frozen probe.
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Improper DIY (adding a domestic fan attached to the unit) could damage the electrical circuits.
We immediately disconnected the heat pump for safety reasons before carrying out a controlled defrost and a complete diagnosis.
Steps of the AirGreen intervention
1. Defrosting and stripping the unit
Using a low-pressure hot air gun, our technician melted the ice around the coil without damaging the fins. Once freed, the heat pump was partially disassembled to check the sensors and defrost relay.
2. Checking electrical components
We tested the defrost sensor and the electronic card controller . The sensor showed abnormal resistance, confirming a sensor failure . This was replaced with a genuine Goodman part.
3. Restart and Calibrate
After replacement, we performed a full defrost cycle , followed by a test in heating mode. The compressor restarted normally, the pressure returned to the recommended ranges, and the automatic defrost was working again .
4. Prevention and recommendations
We recommended the client install an approved heat pump shelter , designed to prevent direct snow accumulation without blocking ventilation. The added domestic fan was removed because it risked damaging the motor or introducing moisture into the housing.
Results: restored comfort and secure heat pump
Within minutes of the repair, the home's interior temperature gradually returned to normal. The customer was able to enjoy comfortable heating without any risk to their unit. The Goodman heat pump returned to its nominal performance, and the system successfully passed our pressure, amperage, and defrost cycle tests.
This intervention demonstrates the importance of preventive winter maintenance . Many homeowners are unaware that even a small accumulation of snow can block airflow and cause the heating to stop completely .
AirGreen tips for protecting a heat pump in winter
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Never completely cover the outdoor unit : it must breathe to function.
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Clear the snow around regularly (at least 60 cm all around).
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Avoid any DIY installations (fans, unventilated tarpaulins, etc.).
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Schedule a fall inspection before the freeze to ensure the defrost mode is working properly.
Our maintenance teams check in particular:
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the defrost card ,
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thermal sensors ,
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the compressor and refrigerant levels ,
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as well as electrical fixtures and conduits .
Why North Shore Homeowners Choose AirGreen
At AirGreen , we specialize in repairing and maintaining central heat pumps for all major manufacturers: Goodman, Lennox, Trane, Gree, Bosch, Fujitsu, Midea , and many others. Our certified technicians respond quickly in Blainville, Boisbriand, Terrebonne, Laval, Montreal, and Longueuil , even in the middle of winter, to restore the comfort and safety of our customers.
Thanks to our advanced diagnostic tools and our experience with Quebec conditions, we are able to extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment while optimizing its energy efficiency.
In conclusion , this repair in Blainville perfectly illustrates our approach:
✔ Rapid intervention even in difficult conditions,
✔ Accurate diagnosis and replacement of original parts,
✔ Personalized advice to avoid recurrences,
✔ And above all, a satisfied customer who finds optimal comfort despite the storm.