A winter breakdown quickly resolved by the AirGreen team
At AirGreen , we know that wall-mounted heat pump breakdowns often occur at the worst times: in the middle of winter, when every degree of warmth counts. This is exactly what happened to one of our customers in Chomedey , Laval , whose Nordik heat pump suddenly stopped working after a heavy snowfall. Thanks to a quick and methodical response, our team was able to restore comfort to the home in less than two hours.
Background and symptoms observed
During the service call, our customer mentioned that his heat pump was no longer blowing hot air and that the outdoor unit seemed to be “frozen.” Upon our arrival, we noted:
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Snow and ice buildup on the fan and outdoor coil.
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A repeated clicking noise when trying to start.
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And above all, the absence of automatic defrosting , a typical problem on certain Nordik models in the event of a frozen sensor.
The January winter climate in Laval makes this type of situation common. When an outdoor unit operates in freezing conditions, it can quickly accumulate ice, especially if the defrosting system is faulty.
Step 1: Complete Inspection and Diagnosis
Before any intervention, our certified technician carried out an analysis of the defrost circuit . The checks identified two main causes:
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Faulty defrost sensor , preventing the unit from automatically entering defrost mode.
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Slightly corroded control board , affecting the signal sent to the compressor.
An electrical continuity test confirmed that the probe was no longer sending the correct temperature reading to the motherboard.
Step 2: Repair and replacement of defective components
We therefore carried out the following operations:
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Replacement of the Nordik defrost sensor , suitable for this model of wall-mounted heat pump.
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Complete cleaning of the electronic circuit , including connectors and oxidized terminals.
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Manual defrosting of the condenser , using forced hot air to dissolve the ice without damaging the fins.
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Restart the system and test the automatic defrost cycle.
After this intervention, the heat pump successfully initiated its complete defrost cycle : the ice gradually disappeared, and the unit resumed stable operation.
Step 3: Performance Verification and Calibration
Once the repair was complete, we performed a series of performance tests :
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Indoor blowing temperature : 46°C after 5 minutes of operation.
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R-410A refrigerant pressure : within nominal range.
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Automatic defrost cycle : activated every 45 minutes depending on conditions.
These results confirmed that the heat pump was regaining its full efficiency, ensuring uniform and economical heating .
The importance of defrosting for heat pumps in Quebec
Many homeowners are unaware that automatic defrosting is a crucial element of a heat pump's winter performance. When it's not activated, ice blocks heat exchange and prevents the unit from producing warm air. In this case, preventive replacement of the sensor and cleaning of the circuit board will help the customer avoid any recurrence.
Winter maintenance tips to extend the life of your heat pump
To ensure optimal performance during the winter, our technicians recommend:
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Regularly check the accumulation of snow around the condenser (leave at least 60 cm clear).
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Never attempt to break the ice with a tool : this could damage the fins.
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Have the defrost system inspected before the cold weather arrives.
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Clean the internal filters every month , even in winter.
These simple actions guarantee better energy efficiency and increased longevity of the system.
A satisfied customer and comfort restored in Chomedey
A few hours after our intervention, the customer called us back to confirm that the house was once again perfectly heated, without noise or frost.
At AirGreen , we believe that good HVAC repair service is built on three pillars: speed, transparency, and sustainability .
Whether you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore , our teams are ready to intervene 7 days a week to maintain your comfort, even during the harshest winters.