Intervention on a double Friedrich unit installed on gravel
At AirGreen , we maintain and repair all brands of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems throughout Greater Montreal. Recently, our team worked in Pierrefonds-Roxboro to repair a Friedrich heat pump installed on a flat gravel roof, typical of modern residential buildings in the West Island.
Background to the call
The client, a property manager, contacted us after noticing that one of the two Friedrich units installed in tandem was no longer cooling the second-floor apartments. The other unit was working perfectly, indicating a localized fault on a single circuit rather than a general power issue.
The model in question, a 24,000 BTU Friedrich MultiZone Inverter heat pump , powers two independent indoor wall-mounted heads. This type of installation, common in small buildings or duplexes, allows for excellent comfort while optimizing energy consumption.
Initial diagnosis
Upon arrival, we checked the status lights on the control panel. The unit was flashing, indicating a locked compressor error (code E5) . Initial hypotheses included:
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A supply voltage problem.
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An overheated compressor.
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A damaged control board.
We then connected our digital pressure gauges and a multimeter to measure the pressures and voltages:
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Abnormal static pressure (210 psi instead of 135 psi at 22°C).
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Stable supply voltage at 240V.
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No compressor start.
These results pointed the diagnosis towards a relay or starting capacitor problem .
Step 1: Internal inspection and continuity measurements
After turning off the power via the service breaker , we removed the condenser side panel. Using a multimeter, we checked the continuity of the compressor , the main contactor , and the capacitor . The latter had a capacitance value reduced by half (20 µF instead of 40 µF).
The faulty capacitor prevented the compressor from starting, causing the circuit to overheat and automatically shut down.
Step 2: Replacing the capacitor and restarting
We replaced the capacitor with an original Friedrich part , suitable for the compressor power. Before closing the unit, we took advantage of the intervention to:
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Clean the condenser fins.
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Check the grounding.
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Tighten the electrical connections.
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Measure pressures after restart.
The new measurements confirmed the proper functioning:
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Low pressure: 118 psi
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High pressure: 375 psi
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Nominal consumption: 7.9 A
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Blowing temperature: 11.2°C
Step 3: Checking the second device
Since both heat pumps were operating in the same environment, we also performed a preventive check on the second unit. No defects were detected, but we recommended a complete maintenance before the warm season .
Step 4: Results and Recommendations
After the repair, the heat pump restarted normally and quickly brought the indoor temperature back to 22°C. The customer regained optimal comfort in both units served.
We recommended:
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Annual preventive maintenance , including checking electrical components.
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Seasonal checking of capacitors (often neglected elements).
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The possible installation of an intelligent monitoring system to detect anomalies before they affect comfort.
Conclusion
This intervention demonstrates the reliability of Friedrich heat pumps , but also the importance of rigorous maintenance . At AirGreen , we make it a point of honor to intervene quickly, to diagnose accurately and to ensure the durability of each HVAC system that we maintain in Montreal, Laval, on the North Shore and the South Shore .
The AirGreen advantages in Pierrefonds-Roxboro
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Certified and equipped technicians for all brands.
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Original Friedrich parts available in stock.
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Fast service 7 days a week.
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Guarantees on all repairs and maintenance.
Whether you are a homeowner, building manager or co-owner, AirGreen is your trusted partner for all your HVAC repair, installation or maintenance needs throughout Greater Montreal.