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Réparation d’une thermopompe centrale Goodman à Côte-des-Neiges
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Repair of a Goodman central heat pump in Côte-des-Neiges

A service call reveals an installation problem

At AirGreen , we were recently called about a performance issue with a Goodman central heat pump installed on the balcony of an apartment building in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood of Montreal. The client complained of a notable lack of efficiency : the heat pump was no longer able to adequately heat the home, and was producing an abnormal noise each time it started up.

Upon arriving on site, our technician immediately noticed something unusual: the outdoor unit was installed on a small, enclosed balcony, along with a barbecue and a propane tank . This configuration, although common in some older buildings in Montreal, poses a risk to both equipment performance and safety .

Diagnosis: lack of air circulation and fouling

After a complete inspection of the system , our team found that:

  • The Goodman brand outdoor unit was heavily clogged with accumulated dust and debris .

  • The airflow was limited by the proximity of the wall, the metal balcony grill and the barbecue.

  • The refrigerant gas pressure was slightly lower than the recommended values.

  • The condenser fan was constantly straining, causing the motor to overheat and cycle too frequently.

This type of configuration is typical of buildings in downtown Montreal, where outdoor space is often limited. However, poor positioning of the heat pump can reduce its energy efficiency by up to 30% , while accelerating component wear .

Intervention: complete cleaning and partial repositioning

Our technicians carried out a complete upgrade :

  1. Thorough cleaning of the condenser coils using a professional biodegradable detergent.

  2. Measurement and partial recharge of R-410A refrigerant , in order to restore optimal pressure.

  3. Lubrication of the fan motor , thus reducing mechanical noise.

  4. Repositioned the unit an additional 20 cm from the wall to improve air circulation .

  5. Recommendation to the customer to move the propane tank for safety reasons.

This last step, although not technical, was essential. A propane tank placed near an active condenser poses a risk of explosion or flammable gas emissions, especially during a winter defrost cycle.

Results: restored performance and improved safety

Once the work was completed, the heat pump found:

  • Stable pressure that meets Goodman standards.

  • Adequate airflow , ensuring better heat dissipation.

  • A 40% noise reduction measured at 1 meter.

  • Restored energy efficiency , confirmed by temperature readings on the interior ducts.

The customer quickly noticed the difference: the indoor temperature returned to a comfortable level, and electricity consumption decreased noticeably in the following days.

The importance of a compliant installation in an urban environment

This case perfectly illustrates a common problem in Montreal: the lack of space on balconies and terraces , which sometimes leads to improvised installations. However, even a small discrepancy can have a big impact on the lifespan of an HVAC system.

Our experts always recommend:

  • Maintain a minimum clearance of 60 cm around the outdoor unit.

  • Avoid any obstructions , particularly solid railings or masonry walls.

  • Check for adequate drainage slope to prevent water and ice buildup.

  • Separate any gas appliance (propane or natural) from an HVAC unit.

A central heat pump, such as the Goodman brand, offers excellent performance under the right conditions. But improper placement can lead to premature failures , increased consumption , and even electrical damage due to overheating.

Our expertise at the service of Montrealers

At AirGreen , we work on similar cases every week in dense neighborhoods like Côte-des-Neiges, Le Plateau, and Verdun. Our technicians are fully familiar with the architectural constraints of urban buildings: narrow balconies, limited access, and old installations that need to be modernized.

Thanks to our rigorous technical approach, we:

  • Let's accurately diagnose the causes of underperformance.

  • Let's correct installation errors while preserving the integrity of the building.

  • Let’s optimize performance to reduce occupants’ energy bills.

Our goal: to guarantee each customer lasting comfort and an efficient HVAC system all year round — winter and summer.

Conclusion

This Goodman central heat pump repair in Côte-des-Neiges demonstrates the importance of a complete on-site analysis , even for seemingly minor problems. A simple clog or poor clearance can affect the entire system.

At AirGreen, we make every service call an opportunity for lasting improvement for our customers—by combining safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.