A heat pump protected, but not without problems
Under the patio of a charming residence in Sainte-Dorothée, Laval , a customer contacted us about a sudden breakdown of their Midea wall-mounted heat pump . Although their outdoor unit was installed under the deck—often a wise choice to protect it from the elements—this configuration hid a performance issue that only a trained eye could detect.
At AirGreen , we know that even well-protected facilities can present specific technical challenges related to restricted ventilation and moisture buildup . And that's exactly what we discovered here.
Diagnosis: Air restriction and clogged vanes
During our inspection, we found that:
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The Midea heat pump was installed on a wall bracket , at the correct distance from the wall, but too close to the terrace floor , limiting air circulation.
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The condenser fins were clogged with dust and debris , preventing efficient heat dissipation.
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A build-up of moisture under the deck was causing slight signs of corrosion to form at the base of the metal frame.
As a result, the heat pump had to work harder to reach the required temperature, increasing electricity consumption while decreasing overall performance.
Repair and maintenance steps
To bring this Midea unit back to life, our team carried out a series of specific interventions:
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Complete cleaning of the outdoor condenser
Use of a specialized biodegradable product to dissolve deposits without damaging the aluminum fins.
A low pressure rinse then cleared all the impurities trapped in the fins. -
Checking the refrigerant pressure
The measurements indicated a slight undercharge, probably caused by a previous microleak.
After a thorough leak test, we added the precise amount of R410A refrigerant recommended by Midea. -
Electrical control and control board
We checked the connections and relays of the electronic module: no trace of oxidation, but the terminals needed to be tightened. -
Structural adjustment recommendation
We advised the customer to slightly raise the deck above the unit or install an air deflection panel to improve circulation and prevent hot air from returning.
Results: Restored efficiency and reduced noise
Once the job was completed, the Midea heat pump was displaying pressures within factory specifications, and the indoor blower temperature stabilized at 7°C below ambient temperature, indicating optimal heat exchange.
The customer noticed immediately:
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Quieter operation .
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Faster refresh .
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A reduction in electricity consumption estimated at 15% according to its smart energy meter.
AirGreen Lessons and Recommendations
Installation under a terrace is a solution often adopted to protect the condenser from bad weather , but it must be carefully considered.
Here are our recommendations for owners in similar configurations:
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Maintain a minimum clearance of 60 cm above the unit to ensure proper evacuation of hot air.
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Avoid spaces that are too confined : the heat pump must “breathe”.
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Clean the condenser at least twice a year, especially in spring and fall.
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Monitor vibrations : under a wooden structure, sound can propagate more strongly.
With preventative maintenance and a few simple adjustments, the lifespan of a Midea heat pump can easily exceed 12 to 15 years while maintaining its original performance.
Conclusion: comfort restored, a satisfied customer
This intervention in Sainte-Dorothée perfectly illustrates the importance of regular maintenance and professional assessment, even when the unit seems well installed.
At AirGreen , we combine technical expertise , accurate diagnostics and adherence to manufacturer specifications to ensure the optimal performance of every HVAC system, whether it's Midea, Fujitsu, Gree or Lennox.
Our goal: for every customer to enjoy reliable, quiet and energy-efficient comfort , summer and winter.