A high-rise intervention on a brick building in the heart of Montreal
At AirGreen , we recently received a service call for a Gree wall-mounted heat pump installed at the rear of a typical residential building in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. The owner reported that the outdoor unit was no longer starting and that no heat was being felt inside, despite several attempts to restart it.
Installation context
The unit in question, a 12,000 BTU Gree wall-mounted model , was mounted approximately three meters above the ground on a red brick wall. This type of installation, common in Montreal's multi-unit buildings, frees up floor space while reducing the risk of vandalism or snow obstruction.
Our technicians used secure ladder access to reach the condenser and perform a complete inspection of the system.
Initial diagnosis
After the usual checks, several anomalies were observed:
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Outdoor fan blocked by a buildup of dust and leaves.
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Defective start capacitor , preventing the compressor from starting.
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Traces of oxidation on the electrical connectors, probably caused by water infiltration during the spring melt.
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Slightly low refrigerant level , indicating a microleak at a flare fitting.
Repair Steps
Our team carried out a complete overhaul :
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Mechanical and chemical cleaning of the fan and condenser using a biodegradable product.
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Replacement of the starting capacitor with an original Gree model of the same capacity (45 µF).
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Reseal the flare connection and tighten the refrigeration circuit with a torque wrench.
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R410A refrigerant recharge with precise pressure measurement and subcooling.
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Complete operational test in heating and air conditioning mode.
Result
Once the repair was completed, the heat pump resumed smooth and quiet operation. Final measurements indicated:
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Discharge pressure in accordance with Gree specifications.
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Indoor blowing temperature: 42°C in heating mode .
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Energy consumption stabilized thanks to the compressor upgrade.
The client immediately noticed a rapid rise in temperature in his home and a return to thermal comfort, essential during the still cool days of Montreal's spring.
AirGreen Recommendations
To ensure the longevity of the system, our technicians have recommended:
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A complete annual cleaning before each heating season.
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Inspection of the fittings at each maintenance to prevent any micro-leaks.
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Installing a rain deflector above the compressor, limiting direct exposure to water infiltration.
Our expertise in urban intervention
This type of intervention perfectly reflects the reality of HVAC systems in Montreal's urban environment : restricted access, significant height and old load-bearing brick walls. Thanks to our team trained to RBQ and CNESST safety standards , we carry out this type of repair without compromising safety or the quality of the work.
At AirGreen , every repair is treated as a precision mission: from diagnosis to restart, we ensure that each Gree heat pump regains its optimal performance, even in the most demanding environments.
