In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood , HVAC installations are often seen in narrow courtyards with balconies, metal staircases, and limited space. This is precisely the context of this project: a Haxxair outdoor unit (Inverter) installed directly on a balcony, resting on anti-vibration pads , with a nearby wall-mounted electrical disconnect switch and insulated refrigerant lines running through the wall to the interior.
The client contacted us with a very specific problem: inconsistent comfort (uneven heating), increased noise and vibration , and the impression that the machine was struggling to reach the desired temperature. In this type of environment (balcony, railings, rigid surfaces), even the slightest mechanical imbalance or loss of performance quickly becomes noticeable.
What we immediately notice about this type of installation
On a wall-mounted heat pump, the outdoor unit works hard, especially in heating mode. However, on a balcony:
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vibrations can be transmitted to the slab and amplify the noise;
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Airflow is sometimes limited (guardrails, corners, close walls);
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the unit is more susceptible to fine dirt (urban dust, leaves, light soot), which can foul the battery;
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The fittings (flares) and piping can move slightly over time (expansion, hot/cold cycles), causing micro-leaks or loss of seal.
Our approach at AirGreen therefore consists of verifying both refrigeration performance and mechanical stability .
AirGreen diagnosis: a simple but rigorous method
Upon arrival, we conduct a complete check, in stages:
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Visual inspection
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external battery condition (dust/obstruction),
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condition of the pipe insulation (crushed, cracked, detached tape),
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unit stability (feet, anti-vibration pads, leveling),
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clearance around the device.
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Operating measures
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temperature readings (supply/return) and operating stability,
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listening to the compressor and fan (vibrations, resonance),
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cycle check (too frequent starts/stops).
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Leak and pressure testing
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searching for signs of leaks at the fittings,
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parameter validation to ensure that the Haxxair heat pump is operating within its normal range.
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In this specific case, the diagnosis pointed to a very common double factor on balconies:
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fouling of the external battery , reducing heat exchange;
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micro mechanical play (slight resonance) which amplified the vibrations, especially when the machine was under load.
Repair and performance restoration: what we did
1) Technical cleaning of the outdoor unit
We performed a complete cleaning of the coil and air circulation areas, safely and in a manner appropriate for a residential setting. A clean heat exchanger means:
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improved efficiency
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less strain on the compressor,
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and often a noticeable reduction in noise during operation.
2) Stabilization and vibration reduction
Even with anti-vibration pads, a balcony unit can "resonate" if:
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It is not perfectly level.
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the supports are slightly displaced,
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or if the piping touches a rigid point.
So we have:
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adjusted the seat and level,
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checked the possible points of contact.
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secured the routing of the connections to prevent them from transmitting vibrations to the structure.
3) Refrigeration checks and load tests
After the mechanical overhaul and cleaning, we carried out functional tests in heating and air conditioning modes (depending on conditions) to confirm:
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yield stability,
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consistent pressures,
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a normal cycle,
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and a more constant indoor temperature.
Result: restored comfort, smoother and more reliable operation
At the end of the intervention, the client immediately noticed:
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better temperature consistency (fewer variations),
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reduced noise (less vibration transmitted to the balcony),
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a machine that reaches its setpoint faster and stabilizes better.
That is exactly the goal of an AirGreen repair: not just “repair”, but restore the Haxxair heat pump to its optimal operating conditions , especially in an urban context where every installation detail counts.
Why this type of preventative maintenance avoids many breakdowns
On a wall-mounted heat pump, several symptoms (noise, reduced performance, abnormal cycles) often stem from "simple" causes:
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clogged heat exchanger,
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vibrations amplified by the support
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Poorly disconnected piping
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small flaws that accumulate.
By correcting early, we protect:
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the compressor,
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electronics,
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and the overall lifespan of the system.