Repair of a Midea wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Julie

Winter intervention on an outdoor unit blocked by snow

At AirGreen , we know that a Quebec winter can be unforgiving for heating and cooling systems. In Sainte-Julie , on Montreal's South Shore, our team was recently called for service on a Midea wall-mounted heat pump that was no longer producing heat. The outdoor unit, attached to a brick wall and partially buried under snow, showed obvious signs of obstruction.

The owner had noticed a gradual drop in the interior temperature over the past two days, accompanied by an abnormal noise coming from the compressor. The interior display displayed an error code indicating an abnormally long defrost cycle .

Diagnosis: Condenser blockage and excessive icing

Our technicians quickly identified the cause: a significant accumulation of snow and ice on top of the condenser , limiting the airflow necessary for the system to function properly. This problem is common when outdoor units are installed too close to the ground or under an eave without adequate protection.

After inspection, we found:

• a thick layer of frost on the front grille of the condenser;

• heat exchange fins clogged by snow;

• and a blocked external fan , unable to dissipate the heat.

These conditions caused the compressor to overheat and an automatic safety shutdown.

Technical intervention: defrosting, cleaning and prevention

The intervention took place in three stages:

1. Complete and secure defrosting
   We disconnected the power supply and manually defrosted using a low-temperature hot air unit. This method, which is much safer than hot water, prevents thermal shocks that can damage the coils.

2. Internal cleaning and inspection
   After defrosting, our technicians carefully cleaned the fins using a biodegradable cleaner and straightened the warped sections with a fin comb. We also checked the R-32 refrigerant pressure and confirmed that there were no leaks.

3. Installing a deflector and maintenance tips
   To prevent a recurrence, we added an aluminum protective baffle above the condenser. This device reduces the amount of snow that accumulates on the unit while maintaining adequate ventilation. We also recommended that the customer:

   • clear snow from the area around the condenser after each storm;

   • maintain at least 60 cm of clearance around and above the unit;

   • and avoid using salts or chemicals nearby.

Result: heat restored and efficiency restored

Once the heat pump was restarted, we observed an immediate return to full heating power . The indoor blowing temperature reached 42°C after just a few minutes, a sign of a compressor in good condition and optimal heat exchange.

The client noted a reduction in exterior noise and improved temperature control. We completed the work with a complete automatic defrost test to confirm the proper calibration of the temperature sensors.

AirGreen Expertise: interventions adapted to the Quebec climate

At AirGreen, we know that every HVAC installation in Quebec must be designed to withstand extreme conditions. Our technicians adapt each repair and recommendation to the reality on the ground , whether in Sainte-Julie, Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, or on the North Shore .

Our winter interventions focus on:

• prevention of snow accumulation on outdoor units;

• checking defrost cycles before extreme cold;

• and customer training on good seasonal maintenance practices.

Thanks to this proactive approach, we not only avoid costly breakdowns, but also losses of comfort in the middle of winter.

Conclusion

This Midea wall-mounted heat pump repair in Sainte-Julie perfectly illustrates the thoroughness and responsiveness of our teams. A simple condenser blockage, ignored for too long, could have led to a major compressor failure. Thanks to our rapid response and our expertise in Quebec's climate , the customer regained comfort and peace of mind, even in the midst of the storm.