For this residential intervention in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , we were called in to recommission a Goodman brand wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) whose efficiency had dropped significantly. The outdoor unit, mounted on a brick wall (a common configuration in Montreal condos and plexes), was showing typical signs of a system under strain: irregular cycling, inconsistent comfort, and louder than usual operating noise.
Our goal: to diagnose quickly , correct the real cause (not just the symptom), then stabilize performance to ensure reliable heating/cooling, especially during periods of large temperature variations.
What we observed on site
Even before plugging in our instruments, the installation context already gave us useful clues:
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Goodman outdoor unit mounted on wall brackets (good practice to avoid snow accumulation and protect the coil).
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Passage of the connections (refrigerant + electrical) on the right side, exposed to weather variations.
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Urban environment: dust, particles, pollen and fine dirt that can clog the exchanger and cause pressures to rise.
These elements are not “bad” in themselves, but they require rigorous checking of ventilation , pressures and coil condition.
Symptoms reported by the customer
The client described a very typical situation to us:
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Air conditioning provides less cold air (or heating is less stable depending on the season).
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Longer operating time, a feeling that "it can't keep up"
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At times, more frequent stop/restart
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Increased external noise level
This type of display can come from several causes: fouling, tired electrical component, problematic drainage, or even suboptimal refrigerant charge (micro-leak / undercharge).
AirGreen diagnostic: our method (and why it avoids unpleasant surprises)
We always proceed in stages, because a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump can “work” while being outside its efficiency zone .
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Complete visual inspection
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Outer coil: level of fouling, bent fins, partial obstruction
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Wall mounts: stability, vibration, mechanical play
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Wiring and connections: signs of oxidation, tightness, electrical protection
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Operating measures
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Air temperatures at inlet/outlet (indoor)
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Line pressures and temperatures (if accessible)
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Electrical current / compressor (inverter) behavior
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Validation of probable causes
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When a unit loses capacity, we must confirm whether it is a heat exchange problem (airflow/coil) or a refrigeration problem (charge/leak) or an electrical problem (power supply/control).
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Repairs and fixes carried out
For this intervention, we focused the repair on what most often penalizes outdoor units in urban environments, especially when they are located at a height:
1) Restoration of the heat exchanger (outdoor unit)
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Controlled cleaning of the outer coil (without damaging the fins)
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Clearing of air restriction zones
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Checking the fan's rotation and condition
2) Mechanical stabilization and vibration reduction
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Wall mount check and fixing points
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Adjustments as needed to limit resonance (very important on a brick wall)
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Validation of clearances to prevent air recirculation
3) Electrical safety checks
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Connection and protection control
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Checking cable routing/conduit/entry sealing
(Depending on the case, if our measurements confirm under-charging or a micro-leak, we then proceed with the complete leak detection, correction, evacuation, and recharging procedure according to specifications. Here, the main objective was to restore optimal heat exchange and stable operation.)
Result: restored comfort and more efficient operation
Once the fixes are applied, the following is usually immediately noticeable:
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More constant air temperature inside (fewer fluctuations)
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Cleaner cycles (fewer unnecessary stops/restarts)
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Reduction in noise related to vibrations
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Improved efficiency: the machine exerts less force to reach the setpoint
The customer finds a Goodman heat pump that does what it should do: ensure comfort , without stress, and with more consistent consumption.
Why this configuration (wall mount on brick) deserves serious attention in Montreal
Exterior wall installations are excellent for winter, but in Montreal they are subject to:
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Urban dust + pollen + fine particles
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freeze/thaw cycles
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winds and rain that carry debris into the serpentine
Preventive maintenance (and timely adjustments) often avoids the spiral: “less performance → more wear → more costs”.
Need a Goodman heat pump repair in Montreal?
At AirGreen , we service Goodman wall-mounted heat pumps and other residential HVAC systems throughout Greater Montreal. Our approach is simple: clear diagnosis, justified repair, measurable results — and above all, no "quick fixes" that end up costing more later.