When snow puts HVAC systems to the test: rapid intervention by AirGreen
In the heart of a Quebec winter, wall-mounted heat pumps must withstand the harshest conditions. This is precisely what happened during a service call in Sainte-Julie , on Montreal's South Shore. Our client, the owner of a single-family home, contacted us after noticing that his Nordik heat pump was no longer producing consistent heat, despite an automatic defrost that was supposed to prevent ice buildup on the outdoor unit.
Diagnosis: an outdoor unit blocked by snow
Upon our arrival, the Nordik wall-mounted heat pump 's outdoor unit was covered in a thick layer of snow and ice. The heat exchanger was partially blocked, preventing proper air circulation and forcing the compressor to overheat.
Our technicians carried out a complete inspection of the system , including:
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checking the pressure of the R-410A refrigerant (used on this Nordik model);
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automatic defrost cycle control;
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and the measurement of the electrical current consumed by the compressor and the fan.
The readings confirmed that the machine was operating under overload, causing a significant drop in energy efficiency.
Intervention: manual defrosting and sensor readjustment
The intervention required several precise technical steps:
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Safe disconnection of the power supply via the wall-mounted disconnect box.
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Complete cleaning of the coil with warm water and manual de-icing of the fins.
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Readjustment of the defrost sensor , which, being slightly moved, no longer correctly detected the temperature of the exchanger.
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Checking the condensate tube drainage , which is often blocked by ice during extreme temperatures.
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Gradual restart of the heat pump and monitoring of cycles to ensure a return to normal.
Once the system was restarted, the Nordik heat pump resumed its optimal operation, once again providing stable and even heat throughout the house.
AirGreen Tips: Maintaining Your Heat Pump During Winter
At AirGreen, we remind our customers that even the most efficient heat pumps , like those from the Nordik brand, require special attention during the cold months. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
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Regularly clear snow and ice around the outdoor unit (at least 60 cm clearance).
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Avoid installing the unit too close to the ground : a wall mount, like the one seen here, prevents snow accumulation.
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Have the HVAC system checked annually , ideally before winter, to ensure reliable operation.
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Never force defrosting manually without turning off the power: this could damage the electronic board.
These simple actions extend the life of the compressor and maintain the energy efficiency of the system.
Result: restored comfort and optimized performance
After our intervention, the client immediately noticed the difference:
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the indoor temperature has become stable again ;
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the compressor noise level has decreased;
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and electricity consumption has normalized.
This type of call is typical of winter breakdowns of wall-mounted heat pumps in Quebec. Thanks to a quick and methodical response, our team prevented a major compressor failure while optimizing the system's performance.
Why choose AirGreen for your heat pump repairs in Sainte-Julie and on the South Shore
At AirGreen, we know that Quebec's winter conditions put a strain on HVAC systems. Our certified technicians work daily on Nordik, Midea, Fujitsu, Gree and Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore .
We combine in-depth technical expertise with a human and transparent approach . Each diagnosis is accompanied by clear explanations, tailored recommendations, and a constant focus on energy efficiency.
Whether it is for:
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an urgent repair in the middle of winter ,
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preventive maintenance before the cold season , or
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a complete installation of a new HVAC system ,
Our team is always ready to respond quickly, 7 days a week.
Conclusion: a worry-free winter thanks to professional maintenance
This repair in Sainte-Julie perfectly illustrates the importance of regular maintenance and rapid diagnosis in the event of an anomaly. The Nordik heat pump has regained its full performance thanks to a targeted intervention, demonstrating once again that an AirGreen service is much more than a simple repair: it is a guarantee of lasting comfort .