In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, we frequently service wall-mounted heat pumps installed on the rear or side facades of brick buildings. This time, the client contacted us about a Goldstar outdoor unit that had become noisy and less stable in heating, especially during defrost cycles.
Context of the installation and observed symptoms
Upon arrival, the Goldstar outdoor unit was installed on wall brackets , directly attached to a brick facade —a common installation in urban areas to keep the equipment clear of snow and facilitate maintenance. Visually, one detail stood out: the fan's protective grille was slightly deformed , which can be enough to cause vibrations, intermittent friction, or air turbulence that makes the unit "humming."
The client described three typical symptoms:
-
Vibration/clicking noises when the fan speeds up.
-
Less consistent yield , especially during large temperature variations.
-
“Harder” starts , sometimes accompanied by a more pronounced humming noise.
AirGreen diagnosis: finding the real cause (not just the noise)
Our approach is to never limit ourselves to the symptom. A bent grille can be the consequence (impact, ice, transport, chronic vibration) or the main cause (imbalance, contact, air restriction).
We therefore carried out a complete check:
-
Mechanical inspection : grid alignment, clearance between blades and guard, condition of wall supports, bolt tightness, presence of contact points.
-
Fan check : play, bearing noise, balance, propeller attachment.
-
Airflow and exchange : general condition of the fins/coil, accumulation of dust or debris.
-
Electrical control : connections, start-up behavior, operational stability.
-
Validation in heating mode : observation of the cycle, listening under load, test after intervention.
Diagnostic result: the deformation of the grille combined with a slight loosening of its attachment to the structure created an amplified vibration effect . At certain times, the fan was too close to the grille, hence the noise and the feeling of instability.
Repair performed on the Goldstar wall-mounted heat pump
We carried out a clean, lasting intervention, designed to prevent recurrence:
-
Straightening and realigning the protective grille
Objective: to restore uniform clearance around the fan and eliminate any possibility of contact. -
Recentering and checking the fan
We checked the fixing and rotation to confirm that there was no abnormal friction or play. -
Tightening of wall brackets and anchor points
On a brick facade, a slightly loose support can transform a small vibration into a major noise nuisance. We reinforced the entire assembly and reduced vibration transmission. -
Light cleaning of critical areas
Without unnecessarily “over-cleaning”, we removed anything that could disrupt the airflow and contribute to the noise. -
Full functional test
Start-up, ramp-up, observation under load: the unit has become stable, silent, and regular again.
Results: restored comfort and peace of mind
After the repair, the change is immediate:
-
Noise greatly reduced (end of metallic vibrations and abnormal buzzing).
-
Smoother operation , particularly during transitions and cycles.
-
Customer confidence restored , with a Goldstar unit that is starting again on a good mechanical footing.
In many cases, this type of problem seems "small" on paper (a grille, a support, a vibration), but it has significant daily consequences : disrupted sleep, discomfort, and the fear of a more costly breakdown. Prompt intervention often prevents damage to a fan motor, fasteners, or further wear and tear.
Key takeaways (and when to call AirGreen)
If your outdoor unit is suddenly making more noise, especially when wall-mounted:
-
a distorted grid ,
-
a loose support ,
-
or a gradual vibration
can quickly deteriorate.
At AirGreen, we operate throughout Greater Montreal with a clear method: precise diagnosis, durable repair, then validation in real-world conditions.