A compressor stifled under the balcony: the AirGreen diagnosis
In Boisbriand , on Montreal's North Shore , a customer contacted us after noticing that his Gree wall-mounted heat pump had stopped producing effective cooling for several days. His outdoor unit, installed under a wooden balcony, appeared to be in good condition. In reality, the compressor's layout hid a much more serious problem: a chronic lack of ventilation and maintenance .
At AirGreen , we know that even the best wall-mounted heat pumps , like the Gree R32 models, can see their performance drop drastically when installed in confined spaces. The customer complained of a drop in performance, abnormal noise, and a dusty smell when using the heating mode.
Inspection and findings: a saturated exchanger and restricted air flow
Once on site, our technician carried out a series of visual and mechanical checks. The outdoor unit was mounted on a securely anchored galvanized wall bracket , but positioned under a wooden deck , severely limiting air circulation around the condenser.
Upon closer inspection of the heat exchanger fins, we noticed a thick buildup of dust, pollen, and plant debris stuck to the grille. This layer acted as a thermal barrier, preventing hot air from properly escaping during the cooling cycle.
Symptoms identified:
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Indoor blowing temperature too high (18°C instead of 12°C)
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Compressor overload and extended cycles
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Noise level above normal
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Abnormal power consumption
Lack of condenser maintenance combined with poor structural ventilation was the primary cause of the malfunction.
Repair steps: Refreshing the heat pump
1. Clearing the space and external cleaning
We started by temporarily removing the balcony's side planks to improve ventilation around the unit. This step allowed for a minimum clearance of 30 cm at the rear and 60 cm at the front, in accordance with Gree recommendations.
2. Complete cleaning of the condenser
The condenser was thoroughly cleaned using a low-pressure jet and a biodegradable HVAC coil degreaser . This procedure cleared the fins without bending them and restored optimal airflow through the coil.
3. Checking the R-32 refrigerant gas
A pressure and temperature measurement was taken. The gas level was stable, indicating that the compressor had not suffered any leaks despite the previous thermal overloads.
4. Full performance test
After reassembly and power up, the indoor blowing temperature dropped from 18°C to 10.4°C , a return to normal. The compressor was operating at a stable load, and the operating noise returned to normal.
Customer advice and prevention
We explained to the client that the initial installation, although aesthetically discreet, was stifling the heat pump . We recommended that he:
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Maintain sufficient clearance around the compressor to allow good air circulation;
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Clean the condenser at least twice a year (spring and fall);
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Avoid storing objects or construction materials under the deck near the unit;
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Schedule annual preventative maintenance with AirGreen to avoid any loss of efficiency.
Result: a high-performance heat pump and a reassured customer
An hour after our intervention, the Gree heat pump was back to full cooling capacity. The client was impressed by how much a simple cleaning and installation adjustment could transform indoor comfort.
The result: fresher air, a reduced energy bill , and above all, a longer lifespan for your system.
This type of intervention demonstrates the importance of calling on qualified HVAC technicians capable of diagnosing not only mechanical failures, but also installation or location errors.
AirGreen expertise at your service
Whether you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore , our AirGreen teams intervene quickly to restore the performance of your wall-mounted heat pumps . We provide:
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Complete cleaning of indoor and outdoor units ;
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Checking refrigerant and condensate pressures ;
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Adjusting supports and clearances to maximize efficiency;
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Advice on energy subsidies available in Quebec .