A winter breakdown that required rapid intervention
In the middle of February, as the outside temperature dropped to -15°C, a Sainte-Thérèse resident contacted AirGreen about a major problem with his Goodman central heat pump . His system, normally efficient for winter heating, had suddenly shut down during the night. The house had cooled down quickly, despite the presence of an electric backup system.
When we arrived, the outdoor unit was partially buried under snow , and the customer reported that the heat pump was no longer defrosting automatically. This situation is typical when the sensors or defrost cycle are faulty—a problem our technicians frequently encounter during Quebec's harsh winters.
On-site inspection: identify the causes of the blockage
Our technicians began with a complete visual inspection . The first observation: the Goodman outdoor unit was surrounded by a snow accumulation of more than 30 cm. This obstruction compromised the air circulation essential to the proper functioning of the condenser.
Checks carried out:
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Automatic Defrost Status : The coil temperature sensor (thermistor) was not responding correctly to changes.
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Defrost cycle : the defrost mode was no longer activating, causing ice to build up on the exchanger.
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R-410A refrigerant pressure : slightly below nominal values, indicating a possible microleak.
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Wiring and control board integrity : slight oxidation due to winter humidity.
Goodman Heat Pump Repair Steps
Our AirGreen experts safely and thoroughly defrosted the unit manually , followed by cleaning the outdoor coil with hot steam. Several actions were then taken:
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Replacement of the defrost sensor (thermistor) with a genuine Goodman part;
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Cleaning and drying the electrical compartment to remove all traces of moisture;
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Partial recharge with R-410A after an extended 60-minute leak test;
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Checking the correct operation of the defrost relay and recalibrating the cycle via the control board.
Once these interventions were completed, the defrost cycle started normally. After a complete restart, the heat pump displayed discharge temperatures in line with the manufacturer's specifications.
Results: restored performance and comfort regained
Within minutes of restarting, the temperature of the air being blown through the ducts reached 43°C , an excellent sign of thermal efficiency. The customer immediately noticed a rapid increase in ambient temperature and a decrease in operating noise.
The AirGreen team also advised the client to install a protective outdoor unit shelter , specifically designed for year-round heat pumps, to reduce the risk of snow blockage and ensure better energy efficiency.
Preventive tips to avoid this type of breakdown
At AirGreen , we emphasize the importance of preventative maintenance, especially for central HVAC systems used in heating mode during the winter:
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Clear snow around the condenser after each storm (minimum 60 cm radius);
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Visually check that there is no ice on the fins;
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Schedule seasonal maintenance before winter to test the defrost sensor;
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Avoid completely covering the unit during the cold season — this blocks air and prevents natural defrosting.
AirGreen: Your Trusted HVAC Expert in Greater Montreal
The Goodman central heat pump is known for its robustness, but like any HVAC unit, it requires professional monitoring. Thanks to our experience and advanced diagnostic equipment, we guarantee long-lasting repairs that comply with RBQ standards .
We operate throughout Greater Montreal — Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore — with a constant commitment:
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accurate diagnoses ;
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quick repairs ;
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and transparent service geared towards customer satisfaction.
Thanks to this intervention, the client's home in Sainte-Thérèse regained stable comfort, even in the middle of a Quebec winter. Another successful repair by AirGreen —where performance, reliability, and expertise meet.