A condensation problem in an apartment building
At AirGreen , we regularly work in apartment buildings where wall-mounted HVAC systems are installed compactly and at height. This is the case with this Goodman wall-mounted heat pump located in Verdun , in southwest Montreal , mounted on an exterior galvanized steel wall bracket, just below a ground-floor window.
The client, a duplex owner, contacted us after noticing an intermittent water leak along the exterior wall, accompanied by a decrease in air conditioning performance . These symptoms, while subtle at first, may indicate a more serious problem related to condensate management or a pressure imbalance in the refrigeration circuit.
Inspection and diagnosis: the cause lies behind corrosion
Upon our arrival, our technician performed a complete inspection of the wall-mounted Goodman condenser . We noted:
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Slight corrosion on the metal base of the support, a sign of poorly directed condensate dripping .
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Traces of rust on the mountings and the lower compressor plate.
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Degraded pipe insulation , exposing the suction line to contact with moisture.
Thermal and pressure analysis then revealed a drop in low-side pressure , accompanied by irregular flow from the condensate drain . As a result, condensate water temporarily accumulated before flowing through the compressor frame, accelerating corrosion and causing slight vibrations.
AirGreen Repair Steps
1. Cleaning and clearing the compressor
We started by disconnecting and securing the power supply before cleaning the base of the compressor. The interior of the unit had a buildup of dust, moisture, and fine rust particles . After blowing it out with compressed air, we cleaned the drain pan and drain line.
2. Repair and insulation of the condensate circuit
The clogged drain pipe was purged with pressurized air to clear the passage. We then replaced the worn section of foam insulation with a high-density, UV-resistant insulation sleeve , ensuring better protection against condensation and heat loss.
3. Checking the refrigerant and the refrigeration cycle
Using our digital diagnostic instruments, we checked the pressures of the R-410A circuit, the model being of previous generation. The observed values confirmed an undercharge operation, due to a microleak at the flare connection. We tightened the connections , carried out a leak test , then adjusted the refrigerant level to restore the nominal pressure.
4. Anti-corrosion protection
Finally, a coat of galvanized paint was applied to the metal support and base of the condenser to prevent future rust. A small slope was also fitted under the unit to allow natural drainage of the condensate to the outside .
Result: restored performance and long-lasting installation
Once the repairs were completed, the Goodman heat pump returned to full capacity. The compressor operated at a stable load, cooling cycles were consistent, and the indoor discharge temperature dropped to 10.6°C .
The owner immediately noticed the difference:
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Total absence of vibration noise ,
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No water flow on the exterior wall ,
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More uniform interior temperature ,
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And above all, reduced electricity consumption thanks to restored pressure.
We took the time to explain to the customer that, despite the robustness of Goodman compressors, localized corrosion or poor condensate management can compromise the long-term durability of the system.
AirGreen advice for this type of installation
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Visually inspect the wall bracket every season: rust or warping are early signs of trouble.
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Clean the condenser twice a year to prevent clogging of the fins and allow optimal airflow.
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Protect refrigeration lines with adequate insulation, especially when the unit is exposed to sunlight and humidity.
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Raise or tilt the support slightly to promote natural drainage of condensate.
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Schedule annual preventative maintenance with AirGreen to measure refrigerant pressure and overall thermal performance.
AirGreen expertise in Verdun and throughout Greater Montreal
This intervention illustrates AirGreen 's philosophy: not just to repair, but to optimize each HVAC system so that it works longer and more efficiently.
Whether in Verdun, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore , our certified technicians respond quickly to all service calls for Goodman, Fujitsu, Gree, Midea, Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps, and many others .
With our methodical approach and advanced diagnostic equipment, we bring broken HVAC systems back to life while extending their lifespan.