An outdoor unit blocked and broken down at the start of the warm season
In Boisbriand , on Montreal's North Shore, a client contacted us about a Goodman central heat pump failure . The system, installed near the back deck, wouldn't start despite the owner's repeated attempts. With rising spring temperatures and increasing humidity, the emergency was clear: restore indoor comfort before the first summer heat.
On-site diagnosis: compressor does not start
Upon our arrival, our AirGreen technicians carried out a complete visual inspection:
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The Goodman outdoor unit was clean and well ventilated , but slightly obstructed by ground vegetation.
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The condensation fan remained motionless.
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The system's circuit breaker had been tripped, a sign of a recent electrical overload .
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When I turned it back on, there was no compressor sound—not even a hum.
These observations led our diagnosis towards a failure of the starting capacitor or a mechanical blockage of the compressor .
Steps for in-depth diagnosis
1. Checking the capacitor
Using a calibrated multimeter, we tested the capacitance of the 45/5 µF dual capacitor : the reading indicated 12 µF on the compressor side, well below the nominal values.
This explained the inability of the compressor and fan to start.
2. Inspection of the contact relay
We then checked the starter relay (contactor) , a point often overlooked during maintenance. The terminals had a slight carbon deposit, which could interrupt the flow of high-intensity current.
3. Mechanical check of the fan
Before restarting, the fan was manually rotated to ensure that no mechanical blockage was slowing its rotation. The result: free and smooth rotation.
Intervention and repair
Replacing the capacitor
We replaced the defective capacitor with a genuine Goodman compatible part.
The installation was carried out in compliance with all safety standards:
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Complete power outage.
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Discharge old capacitors before disassembly.
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Careful connection and controlled tightening of the new terminals.
Cleaning and tightening the relay
The control relay has been cleaned, reconditioned and tightened , ensuring good electrical continuity.
Restart and testing
On restart:
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The compressor kicked in immediately.
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The outdoor fan has resumed full speed.
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The operating pressures (R410A) stabilized quickly.
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The indoor blowing temperature dropped to 12.3°C in less than 10 minutes.
Result: comfort regained and efficiency restored
After the repair, the Goodman central heat pump operated continuously during extended testing.
The customer noticed an immediate improvement in cooling and a reduction in switching noise .
We also cleared the area around the unit of plants and weeds to optimize air circulation and prevent future overheating.
AirGreen Tips to Extend the Life of a Central Heat Pump
Our technicians left several recommendations to the customer:
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Check the clearance around the unit : at least 60 cm free on each side.
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Have the capacitor tested every 3 to 4 years , especially before the hot season.
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Clean the coils with a gentle stream of water to prevent the compressor from overheating.
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Schedule preventative maintenance in spring and fall to maintain performance season after season.
AirGreen expertise: rigor and reliability in the service of comfort
At AirGreen , every service call is taken seriously, whether it's a capacitor, compressor, or control board issue.
Our certified technicians operate throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore , with the same objective: to quickly restore the performance of your HVAC system, safely and sustainably .
Conclusion
This Goodman central heat pump repair in Boisbriand illustrates the importance of preventative maintenance and precise technical expertise.
Within hours, our team brought a completely shut-down system back to life, ensuring the return of comfort and peace of mind to the home served.