An urgent service call in the middle of winter
In February, our AirGreen team was called to Saint-Laurent , a residential neighborhood in Montreal, for a critical situation: a Midea central heat pump completely stuck in snow and ice. The customer, worried about his system stopping heating in the middle of a storm, immediately contacted our technicians specialized in HVAC system repair .
The outdoor conditions were extreme: strong winds, sub-zero temperatures, and snow accumulation around the outdoor unit. Upon arrival, we noticed that the Midea condenser was partially blocked by a wall of compacted snow. This type of situation, unfortunately common during Quebec winters, prevents the heat pump from defrosting properly and can cause a complete breakdown.
Diagnosis: compromised defrosting
Our technician first carefully cleared the area of snow to ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Upon removing the protective grille, we noticed several warning signs:
-
Ice buildup on the outdoor evaporator , preventing heat exchange.
-
Defrost sensor covered in ice , distorting temperature reading.
-
Blocked condensation drain , causing frozen water to back up at the base of the unit.
Using a multimeter and a thermocouple, we confirmed that the defrost board was working properly, but the automatic defrost cycle could not initiate due to lack of airflow.
Intervention: unblocking, defrosting and prevention
Once the area was safe, we performed a controlled defrosting of the coil using a heat gun designed for HVAC operations. The meltwater was then properly removed using a portable pump.
Then we have:
-
Cleaned the exchanger fins with low pressure steam.
-
Checked the outdoor temperature sensor and recalibrated the sensor.
-
Inspected the R-410A refrigerant charge to confirm there were no leaks.
-
Tested the heating and full defrost mode , ensuring a return to optimal performance.
Before leaving the premises, we installed a galvanized aluminum snow deflector above the unit — an essential preventative measure that we recommend to all our customers on the North Shore and Greater Montreal .
Result: restored comfort and optimized performance
After restarting, the Midea heat pump resumed its normal cycle. Automatic defrosting began at the set temperature, and the indoor temperature rose from 17°C to 22°C in less than an hour.
The customer was reassured and appreciated the speed of the intervention and the technical explanations provided on site. We also scheduled preventive spring maintenance to prevent snow or ice from damaging the device again.
Some winter maintenance tips for Midea heat pumps
At AirGreen, we remind you that the proper functioning of a central heat pump in winter depends largely on its maintenance and the management of the surrounding snow . Here are our recommendations:
-
Clear a perimeter of at least 60 cm around the condenser .
-
Avoid snow from the roof or trees falling directly onto the unit.
-
Check the base of the stand regularly to prevent ice buildup.
-
Schedule a biannual professional interview (fall and spring).
These simple actions extend the life of your system, ensure optimal energy efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.
AirGreen expertise at the service of your comfort
For several years, AirGreen has established itself as a specialist in HVAC system service and repair in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil and on both shores . Our certified technicians work on all major brands— Midea, Fujitsu, Gree, Lennox, Zephyr, Goodman, Trane, Sharp , and more—with the same attention to detail and performance.
Whether your system is a central, wall-mounted, multi-zone heat pump or an air conditioner , our team will move quickly, even in very cold weather, to restore your comfort and protect your investment.
At AirGreen , we believe that every service call is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and commitment to quality.