When winter cold puts heat pumps to the test: a successful AirGreen intervention
At AirGreen , we know how hard Quebec winters can be on heating and cooling systems . This service call in Boucherville , on Montreal's South Shore , involved a Gree wall-mounted heat pump that refused to defrost properly after several days of sub-zero temperatures.
Context of the intervention
The customer, a newer homeowner, noticed that the outdoor unit of his Gree heat pump —a Lomo+ R32 series model—had become completely covered in ice . The fan stopped spinning, and the unit alternated between trying to start and abruptly shutting down. As a result, the indoor heating barely worked, leaving the house at 17°C despite the thermostat being set at 22°C.
A common situation in the middle of winter, but one which requires precise diagnosis and technical know-how.
Diagnosis carried out on site
Upon our arrival, we carried out a complete diagnosis , an essential step before any intervention on a HVAC system. Here are the checks carried out:
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Electrical voltage : Check continuity between the outdoor junction box and the indoor unit.
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Defrost sensor : test the thermistor responsible for triggering the defrost mode.
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R-32 refrigerant pressure : Measured using a pressure gauge to confirm abnormally low pressure.
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Outdoor fan : inspection of motor blocked by ice buildup.
The main problem was a faulty outdoor temperature sensor , combined with a slight refrigerant leak . This combined factor prevented the defrost cycle from initiating, resulting in the unit gradually icing up.
Repair Steps
Our technicians have undertaken a complete restoration procedure , adapted to winter conditions:
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Safe defrosting of the unit using forced hot air, without direct contact to avoid damaging the fins.
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Replacement of the temperature sensor with an original Gree part, guaranteeing calibration compatibility.
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Leakage check on flare fittings and service valves. A micro-leak was located at the high-pressure fitting.
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Complete vacuum to eliminate all traces of humidity.
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Recharge with R-32 according to manufacturer's specifications.
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Performance test in heating and defrost mode , confirming the return of a normal cycle.
Results and performance restored
After the final tests, the Gree heat pump returned to optimal operation:
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The defrost cycle started automatically at -8°C.
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The temperature of the air blown inside reached 47°C in less than 10 minutes .
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Power consumption has decreased, indicating stable pressure and a fully functioning compressor.
The relieved customer found comfort and warmth in his home without having to consider a complete replacement of the system.
AirGreen Lessons and Advice
This intervention highlights the importance of:
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Check defrost sensors and refrigerant pressure regularly before the cold season.
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Clear snow around the outdoor unit to ensure good air circulation.
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Install the heat pump on raised supports to avoid ice accumulation on the ground, as we recommend for every AirGreen installation.
Our technicians also point out that modern Gree heat pumps are efficient down to -25°C, but their efficiency depends largely on the good condition of the sensors and the refrigerant level.
AirGreen commitment on the South Shore
Whether in Boucherville, Longueuil, Sainte-Julie or Saint-Bruno , our team responds quickly to diagnose, repair and maintain all types of residential and commercial HVAC systems. Thanks to our experience with major brands like Gree, Midea, Fujitsu, Sharp and Lennox , we guarantee long-lasting repairs that comply with environmental standards.
Conclusion
This Gree heat pump repair in Boucherville demonstrates our commitment to providing comprehensive, accurate, and personalized technical service. At AirGreen , we don't just get a system back up and running: we ensure it's operating at peak performance to comfortably weather Quebec's harsh winters.