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Réparation d’une thermopompe murale Gree à Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
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Repair of a Gree wall-mounted heat pump in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

When nature takes up too much space: a heat pump buried under ivy

One morning in May, our AirGreen team received an emergency call from a homeowner in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood of Montreal. His Gree wall-mounted heat pump , installed on the back of the building, had stopped producing cold. On the surface, nothing seemed amiss… until our technician discovered an outdoor condenser completely overgrown with ivy .

This type of situation is more common than you might think in Montreal's leafy residential areas. Climbing plants, however aesthetically pleasing they may be, can become real enemies for air conditioning and heat pump systems.

First observation: a total obstruction of the air flow

As soon as we arrived on site, the visual diagnosis was unequivocal:

  • The condenser fan struggled to turn, blocked by the thick stems of the ivy.

  • The coil fins were covered with dust and plant debris.

  • The outdoor unit was vibrating heavily, a sign of an imbalance in the fan motor .

The lack of adequate airflow caused the compressor to overheat and trigger a safety shutdown of the system—a protective mechanism that prevents compressor destruction in the event of overtemperature.

Repair steps: clearing, cleaning and complete inspection

Our technician proceeded methodically to bring this Gree heat pump back to life:

  1. Disconnect the power supply and secure the work area.

  2. Complete clearance of ivy around and behind the unit using hand tools, without damaging the coil.

  3. High-pressure cleaning with a gentle jet of water from the outdoor condenser with a biodegradable detergent to dissolve grease and vegetable particles.

  4. Checking the integrity of the wiring : some fine roots had started to creep into the protective sheath of the wires.

  5. Fan motor test : after cleaning, a slight noise remained. We replaced the motor bearing , which is responsible for internal friction.

  6. Complete system restart and R-32 refrigerant pressure measurement to confirm return to original settings.

Results: performance restored and customer awareness raised

Within an hour of being put back into service, the indoor temperature of the house had already dropped by 3°C.
The heat pump, freed from its plant-based shackles, operated silently and efficiently.

We took the time to explain to the customer the importance of maintaining a minimum clearance of 30 to 40 cm around the outdoor unit and of scheduling annual maintenance before the warm season.

The risks of invasive vegetation on an HVAC system

This case perfectly illustrates a recurring phenomenon in Greater Montreal:
The outdoor environment directly influences the performance of HVAC systems.

Here are the main risks associated with climbing plants:

  • Blockage of airflow , causing loss of energy efficiency.

  • Premature corrosion of the condenser fins due to moisture retained by the foliage.

  • Compressor overheating , leading to frequent shutdowns or total failure.

  • Moisture infiltration into electrical boxes.

The AirGreen approach: prevention, precision and sustainability

At AirGreen , we always go beyond simple repairs. Every intervention becomes an opportunity to optimize the longevity and performance of the system.
In this case, our technician also:

  • Applied a protective anti-corrosion treatment to the condenser fins.

  • Checked the wall bracket attachment , slightly weakened by humidity.

  • Regular pruning of ivy is recommended to prevent any recurrence.

These preventative measures will ensure consistent performance and stable energy efficiency of the Gree heat pump, while extending the life of the compressor.

Why choose AirGreen for your wall-mounted heat pump repairs?

  • Fast and localized service : Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.

  • RBQ certified and insured technicians .

  • In-depth expertise on all brands — Gree, Fujitsu, Sharp, Midea, Bosch, Goodman, and more.

  • Personalized preventive advice after each intervention.

We combine accurate diagnosis , professional tools , and adherence to manufacturer standards to ensure the reliability of every residential HVAC system.

Conclusion: A Gree system saved by targeted maintenance

This intervention in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie demonstrates that simple external negligence can lead to a costly breakdown. Thanks to AirGreen 's rapid intervention, this Gree heat pump was restored to perfect condition, avoiding premature replacement.

Once freed from the ivy, it functions today as well as on the first day - proof that regular maintenance is the best ally for lasting comfort.