When a lack of maintenance leads to a drop in performance
At AirGreen , we work weekly in downtown Montreal apartments to repair wall-mounted air conditioning systems that are suffering from the rigors of time and lack of maintenance. This service, carried out in a condo in the Ville-Marie district, involved a Panasonic Inverter wall-mounted heat pump that was showing obvious signs of declining efficiency.
Context of the service call
The customer, who lives in a home with a balcony overlooking a downtown street, contacted us after noticing that his heat pump was producing barely cool air, despite being set to 18°C in air conditioning mode. In addition, the outdoor unit was making an unusual metallic vibrating noise .
The model in question, a Panasonic Inverter , is a system known for its reliability and energy efficiency. However, like any HVAC unit, it requires regular maintenance to maintain its optimal performance.
Initial diagnosis: visual inspection and measurements
Upon arrival, we conducted a complete visual inspection . The first observation concerned the outdoor unit: dust and debris accumulated on the condenser were clearly restricting airflow. In addition, the fan seemed slightly misaligned, possibly due to prolonged shock or vibration.
Using our infrared thermometer and digital pressure gauges, we recorded the following data:
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Indoor blown air temperature: 19.8°C
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Intake air temperature: 24.2°C
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Refrigerant circuit pressure slightly lower than the standard for this type of unit (R-410A)
These results confirmed a loss of thermal efficiency , possibly caused by fouling of the condenser and a slight refrigerant leak .
Step 1: Deep Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
We first removed the protective grille and thoroughly cleaned the coil using a specialized biodegradable HVAC cleaner. This step removes dust, pollen, and urban debris that accumulate on the condenser fins and prevent heat dissipation.
Cleaning was followed by a gentle rinse with warm water to avoid damaging the aluminum fins. After drying, airflow through the unit was immediately improved, and the fan returned to its rated speed.
Step 2: Mechanical fan correction
The metallic noise was coming from the misalignment of the fan motor. We realigned the impeller and tightened the fasteners to prevent any future vibration. This type of intervention, although minor, is crucial for the compressor's durability , as excessive vibration can damage the copper pipes and cause microleaks.
Step 3: Checking and recharging the refrigerant
After confirming a slight pressure drop , we added the necessary amount of R-410A to restore the system to its original charge. A nitrogen check confirmed that no active leaks were present.
We then tested the system on a complete cooling cycle:
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Air blown at 10.7°C
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Air sucked in at 24.0°C
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Temperature range in accordance with Panasonic standards
Step 4: Checking the indoor unit
Inside, the wall unit was clean but slightly clogged with fine dust on the filter and evaporator coil . A thorough cleaning was performed, restoring optimal airflow. We also disinfected the internal surfaces to prevent unpleasant odors.
Results and final performance
As soon as I restarted, the difference was immediate :
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The blown air was noticeably colder.
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The operating noise is gone.
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The customer found quick and consistent comfort, even on hot afternoons in the city center.
The Panasonic Inverter heat pump , known for its high energy efficiency, has thus regained its original efficiency after a simple combination of cleaning, mechanical adjustment and light recharging.
Maintenance advice provided to the customer
We recommended that the client:
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Clean the filters every four weeks during the summer.
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Schedule an annual professional interview , ideally in the spring.
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Keep the area around the condenser clear, even on a small urban balcony.
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Avoid obstructing the air outlet with balcony objects (plants, chairs, etc.).
These simple practices ensure better performance and longer life for HVAC systems installed in urban areas.
AirGreen expertise serving the city center
Urban environments like Ville-Marie , Le Sud-Ouest , or Plateau-Mont-Royal pose unique challenges for HVAC systems: tight spaces, increased dust, and limited air circulation. Our technicians are trained to adapt maintenance and repair methods to these specific conditions, ensuring optimal operation even in Montreal's densest areas.
Summary of the intervention:
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Device Type: Panasonic Inverter Wall-Mounted Heat Pump (R-410A)
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Location: Ville-Marie (Montreal)
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Problem: Air not cold enough, metallic noise
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Diagnosis: Dirty condenser + fan misalignment + low pressure
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Solution: Cleaning, realignment, recharge R-410A
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Result: Restored performance, quiet operation, optimal comfort
At AirGreen , every intervention is carried out with rigor, transparency and attention to detail . Whether for a downtown condo, a suburban home or a commercial building, our teams cover the entire Greater Montreal area, including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore , to offer reliable and sustainable HVAC service.