An unusual service call: a heat pump on an urban balcony
At AirGreen , we work in a wide variety of settings—from single-family homes on the North Shore to residential buildings in the heart of Montreal. Recently, our team was called to the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood to diagnose a problem with a wall-mounted heat pump installed on a balcony on the second floor of a triplex.
An unusual setup, with the outdoor compressor placed on the balcony floor , wedged between the metal railing and the red brick facade. Adding to the scene, a longboard was apparently serving as an improvised cover to protect the unit. A situation that, while original, presented several technical risks.
Symptoms reported: decreased performance and abnormal noise
The customer had complained of a noticeable loss of heating power , accompanied by a metallic vibrating noise every time the compressor started. In addition, the heat pump seemed to produce less hot air than before, even at full power.
We quickly suspected an obstruction of the airflow and poor positioning of the outdoor unit , common problems in balcony installations where space is limited.
Diagnosis: structural vibrations and coil fouling
After inspection, our technicians identified several elements contributing to the breakdown:
-
The outdoor unit rested directly on a concrete slab without anti-vibration support , which amplified operating noise.
-
The condenser coil was clogged with dust and urban debris , reducing heat exchange.
-
The refrigeration fittings were showing signs of oxidation due to constant exposure to the elements.
-
The longboard sitting on top, while creative, limited vertical ventilation , causing the compressor to partially overheat.
AirGreen intervention: restoration and sustainable prevention
Our HVAC experts carried out a complete rehabilitation of the system:
-
Temporary relocation of the outdoor unit for cleaning and complete inspection.
-
High pressure cleaning of the coil and outdoor fan.
-
Added anti-vibration mounts to stabilize the unit and eliminate noise.
-
Anti-rust treatment on copper connections.
-
Check the R-410A refrigerant level and adjust to return to nominal pressure.
-
Customer Advice : Avoid any obstructions above or around the unit.
After these operations, we carried out a complete performance test : the heat pump regained its original performance, providing stable and silent heating.
The particularities of balcony installations in Montreal
Balcony installations, common in typical Montreal buildings (Rosemont, Plateau, Villeray, etc.), require special attention:
-
The reduced space can cause ventilation problems.
-
Vibrations propagate in metal structures.
-
Urban climatic conditions (dust, wind, pollution) accelerate wear.
At AirGreen, we always adapt our interventions to these constraints by offering:
-
wall or raised supports ,
-
protections adapted to the Quebec climate ,
-
and an annual preventive maintenance plan to ensure the longevity of the system.
A reassured customer and a system ready for winter
Once the heat pump was reconditioned, the customer immediately noticed the difference:
-
quieter operation ,
-
improved heat production ,
-
and stabilized energy consumption .
We concluded the intervention with an annual maintenance contract , in order to prevent future inconveniences and to guarantee optimal performance, even in the middle of the Montreal winter.
In summary
-
Machine type : Wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)
-
Brand : Unidentifiable (Standard Residential Type)
-
Location : Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie (Montreal)
-
Problem : Excessive noise, poor performance, fouling
-
Solution : Complete cleaning, anti-vibration mounts, R-410A gas adjustment
-
Result : comfort restored, noise level reduced, efficiency restored
At AirGreen , we combine technical expertise, rigor, and respect for Montreal's urban realities. Whether your HVAC system is on a roof, balcony, or basement, our technicians ensure it operates optimally, safely, and sustainably —in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and South Shore .