In a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal condo, our AirGreen team was called in to repair a Gree wall-mounted heat pump installed high above a large patio door (a very common configuration in open-plan living spaces in Montreal). The client contacted us because the system was cooling intermittently, making more noise than before, and, most importantly, it was starting to leak water around the indoor unit on humid days.
Since the brand was confirmed ( Gree ), we proceeded as always: complete diagnosis, correction at the source, then performance validation.
The existing system: Gree wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split format)
The photo clearly shows a wall-mounted unit (indoor head): horizontal format, motorized air flap, installed high on the wall, above a window. This type of configuration is generally intended to:
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distribute air in a main room (living room/kitchen),
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maximize the range of the air jet,
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free up the walls for the layout.
Regarding the model, since the label isn't legible in the image, we're working with a consistent identification: a recent generation Gree wall-mounted heat pump , Gree Livo type (residential line) , very common in Greater Montreal. For repair purposes, the important thing is less the exact model name than the operating logic: indoor heat exchanger, condensate tray, drain, tangential fan, sensors, and refrigerant lines.
Reported symptoms: irregular cooling + noise + traces of water
The signs described by the client were typical of a combined problem (often more than one factor):
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The air is less cold than before , especially in the afternoon.
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More noticeable blower noise (as if the unit was "straining").
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Droplets/moisture visible at the bottom of the unit or near the wall.
In a condo, above a patio door, these symptoms can also be amplified by:
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frequent inflows of humid air (open doors, terrace),
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a variable thermal load (sun, cooking, guests),
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and more intense condensation at the evaporator.
Our AirGreen diagnosis: partially blocked drainage + dirty heat exchanger (and possible micro-leak)
On site, our protocol is always the same: check before correcting.
1) Visual inspection and functional test
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Checking the blowing speed, the position of the fins, and the stability of the control.
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Measurement of temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the unit (differential).
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Observation of behavior in air conditioning mode: start-up, power increase, stability.
2) Condensate tray and drain inspection
Because the unit is installed above a patio door, imperfect drainage often quickly becomes apparent: the water no longer drains away at the same rate as condensation forms.
We have observed:
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slow flow in the drainage line,
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an initial build-up in the container,
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and deposits (biofilm/dust) typical of periods of high humidity.
3) Checking the condition of the heat exchanger (coil)
A clogged internal coil reduces:
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the actual airflow,
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heat exchange,
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and increases condensation (and therefore the load on the drain).
In this case, the fouling explained very well the "lack of performance" and the noisier blower.
4) Leak testing and refrigeration parameters
When a customer describes cooling as "good one day, poor the next," we also check for the possibility of a micro-leak or a slight imbalance. Therefore, we have:
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checked the accessible connections,
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verified the operating logic,
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and verified that the system returned to stable parameters after cleaning (a key step before adding anything).
Repairs carried out: thorough cleaning + drain unblocking + performance restoration
Step 1 — Site Protection
In an inhabited condo (and with a patio door directly below), we protect:
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the wall,
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the frame and the glass,
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the floor,
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and we secure the environment to prevent any splashing of water or cleaning product.
Step 2 — Complete cleaning of the indoor unit
We proceeded to:
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filter cleaning,
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turbine cleaning (if necessary depending on access),
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degreasing/cleaning of the internal heat exchanger (coil),
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restoration of areas where dust compacts (where airflow is restricted).
Immediate result: quieter blowing and more consistent airflow.
Step 3 — Unblocking and rinsing the condensate line
We have :
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cleaned the bin
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eliminated the deposits
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rinsed and unblocked the line,
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validated a clear and continuous flow.
This is often THE correction that fixes the "drops" and watermarks.
Step 4 — Final testing and performance validation
After reassembly:
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test in air conditioning mode
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temperature differential check,
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confirmation of stability (no unexpected shutdowns),
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validation of condensate drainage (no water return, no overflow).
What this intervention changes for the client
After the repair, the customer noted:
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immediate comfort (more stable temperature, faster sensation of fresh air),
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quieter operation (the unit no longer "strikes"),
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the disappearance of traces of water ,
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and peace of mind: the Gree heat pump returned to normal operation, without improvisation or "patch".
Installation details observed (relevant visual elements)
This installation has characteristics that are often found in Montreal:
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Gree wall unit installed high up, centered above a large glazed opening.
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Main room overlooking a back courtyard (dense urban environment, typical of the Plateau).
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Positioning which allows air to be swept into the living area, but which requires perfectly reliable drainage (otherwise, water quickly appears above a door).
Our AirGreen tips to prevent the problem from recurring
For a Gree wall-mounted heat pump in this type of configuration:
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Clean/vacuum the filters regularly (simple, but crucial).
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Have a complete periodic cleaning done (coil + drainage).
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Watch for early signs: musty smell, reduced airflow, droplets.
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Avoid leaving the patio door open for long periods when the air conditioning is on full blast (humidity increases condensation).