When a winter breakdown puts a York heat pump to the test
In the middle of December, as temperatures plunged well below zero, a Saint-Bruno resident contacted us about a complete breakdown of his York central heat pump . The system, installed several years ago, was no longer producing heat or blown air. This is a typical case of winter shutdowns on high-efficiency systems that are poorly maintained or subject to frost overload.
Inspection and in-depth diagnosis
At AirGreen , every service call begins with a complete HVAC system assessment . When our technician arrived, the York central heat pump was covered in a thin layer of ice, especially on the lower section of the outdoor evaporator. This first clue suggested a defrosting problem .
Our team carried out several methodical checks:
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Reading fault codes via the internal control board.
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Measurement of refrigerant circuit pressures to detect any imbalance.
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Continuity test of the outdoor temperature sensor and the defrost sensor.
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Visual inspection of wiring, relay and defrost board.
The verdict was in: a faulty defrost card was preventing the automatic cycle from starting, causing progressive fouling of the external battery and overloading the compressor .
Repair and recommissioning
Once the cause was confirmed, the AirGreen technician began the repair:
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Replacement of the defroster board with a genuine York part, conforming to the model specifications.
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Complete cleaning of the external coils with a non-corrosive product suitable for fine metals.
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Checking the operation of the fan and thermal sensors .
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Tested the defrost cycle to ensure that switching between heating and defrosting was smooth.
After powering up, the heat pump resumed its normal heating cycle , with stable performance and balanced pressures . The indoor blowing temperature again reached over 42°C, a clear sign that the system was regaining its full thermal capacity.
Winter Care Tips
Our technician took the time to explain to the owner the essential preventive measures to adopt to avoid future breakdowns:
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Clear snow and frost around the outdoor unit after each storm.
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Avoid blocking ventilation with objects or plants.
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Have electronic boards and sensors checked before each winter, as humidity and frost are common enemies of electronic components.
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Schedule annual AirGreen maintenance to maintain energy efficiency and extend system life.
A successful repair and a reassured customer
In less than two hours, our team restored the full power of this York central heat pump . The owner, impressed by the speed of the diagnosis and the precision of the work, opted for an annual AirGreen maintenance contract to avoid any further service interruptions during the cold season.
Thanks to this intervention, the system now operates silently, without overconsumption , and the customer once again benefits from stable comfort even in very cold weather.
AirGreen: Your Trusted HVAC Partner
At AirGreen , we combine technical expertise and reliability for every HVAC system repair, whether it's York, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Fujitsu or Midea heat pumps . Our team responds quickly throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore to restore your equipment to its original performance.
Are you experiencing an incomplete defrost cycle, ice buildup, or a sudden shutdown of your heat pump? Our specialists are here to diagnose, repair, and optimize your systems, even in freezing weather.
AirGreen – Heating, ventilation and air conditioning experts serving Greater Montreal.