A Zephyr heat pump that no longer cooled as well as before
At AirGreen , we are regularly called upon to work on Zephyr wall-mounted heat pumps , a popular choice for homes on the South Shore. On this day, our team went to Saint-Lambert to diagnose a unit that seemed to be working… but wasn't producing enough cold air. The client, accustomed to consistent output, quickly noticed a drop in performance: despite active ventilation, the ambient temperature remained around 26°C.
Our mission was clear: to restore the system to its original efficiency without delay.
Diagnosis: a lack of refrigerant confirmed
Upon our arrival, we carried out the basic checks:
-
stable power supply;
-
functional electronic card;
-
intact communication between indoor and outdoor units.
We then used our professional infrared thermometer , which showed a blowing temperature of 12.7°C for an ambient temperature of 20.4°C. This delta is insufficient: a well-charged Zephyr system should provide a difference of at least 8 to 10°C between the incoming and outgoing air.
This reading confirmed our suspicions: the system was lacking refrigerant (R-410A) , a probable sign of a micro-leak in the circuit.
Technical steps of the repair
1. Complete inspection and leak detection
We performed a nitrogen gas leak detection combined with an electronic leak detector test. After a few minutes, a small leak was detected at the flare connection of the outdoor coil. Over time, thermal expansion cycles can slightly loosen these connections—a common occurrence.
2. Mechanical repair and tightening
The AirGreen technician has:
-
depressurized the circuit;
-
disassembled and rebuilt the flare respecting the tightening angles recommended by Zephyr;
-
added a drop of POE compressor oil to improve sealing;
-
tightened the fitting to a controlled torque using a torque wrench.
3. Vacuum draw and recharge
Once the leak is eliminated, we have:
-
pulled a 45 minute deep vacuum down to -520 microns to remove all moisture;
-
recharged the system with the exact quantity of R-410A recommended by the manufacturer (980 g) ;
-
restarted the unit for final testing.
Results measured after intervention
The performances were immediately there:
-
Supply air: 7.6°C ;
-
Ambient air: 20.2°C ;
-
Temperature delta: 12.6°C , in accordance with Zephyr standards.
The customer felt the difference in just minutes— even, stable cooling throughout the ground floor.
AirGreen Prevention and Advice
To avoid similar breakdowns, we recommend a complete annual maintenance , including:
-
cleaning of interior filters and coils;
-
checking copper connections;
-
compressor current control;
-
infrared temperature test;
-
condensate drain inspection.
These preventive maintenances, carried out every spring, extend the life of the unit and prevent micro-leaks due to vibrations.
Why are Zephyr heat pumps so popular?
The Zephyr wall-mounted models offer excellent value for money, making them particularly suitable for homes on the South Shore. They combine:
-
quiet operation (less than 25 dB);
-
high energy efficiency (up to 21 SEER);
-
compatibility with Quebec climates.
But like any high-performance appliance, they require rigorous maintenance to maintain their optimal performance. This is why AirGreen, as an authorized HVAC specialist , works on all Zephyr ranges with certified parts and procedures.
Comfort restored in Saint-Lambert
Upon leaving the premises, our technician validated the system's stability over three consecutive cycles. The result: no pressure differences, no leaks, and perfectly balanced operation.
The client, impressed by our speed of execution and the accuracy of the diagnosis, told us that he had chosen AirGreen on the recommendation of a satisfied neighbor—proof that trust and technical rigor remain the pillars of our reputation throughout Greater Montreal.
AirGreen — Zephyr heat pump repair experts in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
We restore your HVAC systems to their original performance, with professionalism and reliability.