In the Chomedey sector of Laval , we serviced a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) installed high on a brick facade, directly under a balcony. This type of installation is common in residential buildings (condos, plexes, co-ownerships): the outdoor unit is mounted on wall brackets to free up floor space, protect the unit from snow accumulation, and keep a yard or parking area clear.
This visit was for a repair (not an installation): the client contacted us because the system was no longer delivering the expected comfort, with performance becoming erratic over the weeks.
Context: reported symptoms and initial observations
Upon our arrival, the client described typical signs of a problem that is gradually “taking hold”:
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Insufficient cooling in air conditioning mode (interior temperature drops very slowly).
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Short cycles : the unit would start, then stop quickly.
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Noise is more noticeable outside during start-up attempts.
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The heat pump feels like it's "working hard", without a proportional result.
Visually, the installation presented several elements useful for diagnosis:
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Goodman outdoor unit mounted on metal brackets on the wall.
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Electrical disconnect box installed nearby.
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Refrigerant lines running inwards (consistent layout, but exposed to temperature variations and vibrations, which can affect the fittings over time).
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Position under balcony: partial protection, but be careful of clearance and air circulation.
AirGreen diagnosis: method, measurements and validation
At AirGreen, we don't "guess." A drop in performance on a wall-mounted heat pump can stem from several causes: fouling, ventilation, electronics, sensors, drainage, or even the refrigerant circuit. Our diagnosis therefore followed a logical sequence.
1) Verification of operating parameters
We first confirmed:
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Requested mode (air conditioning/heating) and setpoint.
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Response of the indoor unit (airflow, louver behavior, stability).
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Anomalies were present at startup.
2) Mechanical inspection and ventilation (exterior)
On the outdoor unit:
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General condition check, fixing of supports, vibrations.
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Fan propeller and motor check (no blockage, correct rotation).
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Coil inspection (cleanliness, debris, partial obstruction).
A clogged coil can be enough to cause a drop in performance, but in this particular case, dirt alone did not explain the symptoms.
3) Electrical measurements and protections
We then checked:
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Power supply to the disconnect switch.
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Voltage stability.
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Connections and signs of overheating.
Everything was in order, which led us to a more thorough diagnosis of the refrigeration circuit .
4) Most likely hypothesis: pressure drop / slight leak
The symptoms (gradually decreasing performance, unstable cycles, lack of “cooling power”) are often consistent with an insufficient refrigerant charge , usually caused by a micro-leak (often on flare fitting, especially when the unit is high up and subject to more vibration and expansion).
We therefore carried out confirmation tests.
Repair: Steps taken on the Goodman wall-mounted heat pump
Step 1 — Locating the leak (rigorous approach)
We inspected the sensitive areas:
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Flare fittings and accessible connections.
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Tracing of connections, friction zones.
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Signs of oil (a common indicator of a slow leak).
After checks, the analysis converged on a fitting with insufficient sealing (typical: slight play, micro-irregularity, or tightening that has changed over time).
Step 2 — Reconnecting the joint: re-flare and adjustment
We dismantled the relevant section, then:
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Resumed the preparation of the tube (clean cut, deburring).
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Created a high-quality flare (uniform geometry).
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Replace the fitting with controlled tightening to avoid:
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under-tightening (leak),
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overtightening (flare crack).
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Step 3 — Leak test and pressurization
Before putting the system back into service, we carried out the following:
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A leak test (pressure testing procedure).
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Confirmation that there was no further loss at the connection point.
This is an essential step: recharging a system without ensuring it is airtight guarantees the problem will return.
Step 4 — Vacuuming and recharging
Once the seal is confirmed:
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Complete vacuuming with a stable vacuum objective (proof of absence of moisture and residual leaks).
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Recharging according to system parameters and link length (methodical and measured approach).
Step 5 — Performance testing under real-world conditions
After restarting, we confirmed:
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Stability of pressures and temperatures.
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Heat transfer quality (clear improvement in cooling).
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Absence of a short cycle.
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Normalized noise level.
Result: the Goodman heat pump has returned to stable operation, with a noticeable performance recovery almost immediately.
Installation details observed: what this photo tells us (and what we are monitoring)
This installation, typical of condominiums, has a few key points:
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Outdoor unit on wall brackets : excellent for avoiding snow and clearing space, but it increases the importance of anti-vibration and the quality of the connections.
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Installation at height : makes access more technical (safety, ladder, handling), and can complicate maintenance if periodic inspections are not planned.
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Proximity to a balcony : good clearance must be maintained for the unit to breathe. Reduced air circulation can degrade efficiency and put strain on the compressor.
Our recommendation, after repair, therefore included a simple reminder: an annual check (or every two years depending on usage) limits surprises, especially when the unit is exposed to freeze/thaw cycles and vibrations.
Results: restored comfort and peace of mind
After the procedure:
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The customer has regained efficient and consistent cooling .
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The system has stopped "straining" unnecessarily, which helps to protect the compressor.
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The cycles have returned to normal, with better temperature stability.
Beyond repair, the objective is always the same: to restore comfort , reduce the risk of recurrence and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
Why entrust a Goodman repair to AirGreen in Laval?
Because on a wall-mounted heat pump, the quality of a repair depends on:
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the accuracy of the diagnosis (avoiding unnecessary replacements),
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the rigor of the leak tests,
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the recharging procedure,
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and the final validation under real-world conditions.
In Chomedey as elsewhere in Greater Montreal, we intervene with the same approach: methodical, documented, results-oriented .