Regular maintenance of your HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is a crucial step to ensure their efficiency and longevity. But beyond basic maintenance, sometimes unexpected and surprising situations arise. At AirGreen, we have witnessed many surprises during our interventions. In this article, we share with you three surprising anecdotes our technicians discovered during HVAC maintenance. These stories will not only entertain you but also remind you of the importance of professional, regular maintenance for your HVAC systems.
1. The installation of a Gree Extreme wall-mounted air conditioner: a surprise behind the facade
During a routine maintenance of a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner in an apartment in Longueuil, our technicians discovered a surprising detail. While the outdoor unit was functioning properly and well-maintained, a major issue was hidden behind the facade of the wall-mounted unit.
When opening the indoor unit to perform its cleaning, our technicians found an unusual accumulation of dirt and debris behind the grille. Upon further investigation, they realized that the previous installer had failed to properly place a support bracket, which allowed debris to enter the system for months. This oversight had prevented optimal air circulation, increasing energy consumption and reducing the system's efficiency.
As a result, our team had to not only clean the unit but also reposition the air conditioner correctly to prevent long-term damage. This intervention allowed the client to regain optimal comfort and save on energy costs.
Lesson to remember: Regular maintenance can quickly detect installation errors, which not only improve your system’s performance but also prevent unexpected costs.
2. A faulty ventilation system… caused by humidity
During a routine maintenance visit to a commercial building in Laval, our technicians encountered another unexpected situation. The building’s ventilation system was supposed to be in perfect condition, but during the inspection, we discovered a major problem that threatened to disrupt the entire air conditioning system.
Excessive humidity in the ducts had caused mold to form in several areas. This mold had infiltrated the filters and ducts, compromising air quality and the performance of the entire ventilation system. In addition to cleaning and sanitizing the ducts, we had to replace several filters and adjust the system to improve air circulation and prevent future buildup.
Lesson to remember: A simple routine inspection can prevent health issues and performance problems. It is essential to maintain good ventilation, especially in environments with high humidity like basements or commercial buildings near water.
3. The discovery of a "ghost" heating system
In another case in Montreal, during a routine maintenance of a Fujitsu KZAH 24,000 BTU heat pump, our technicians discovered a "ghost" heating system. When inspecting the system, it became apparent that heat from a nearby appliance was being inadvertently redirected into the heat pump system. This phenomenon had skewed temperature readings and was affecting the unit’s performance.
After a deeper analysis, our experts found that the heating system had been poorly calibrated during its initial installation, creating a situation where the unit wasn’t operating at its full potential. By adjusting the system’s settings and reconfiguring the ducts, we not only restored the heat pump’s efficiency but also ensured optimal thermal comfort for our client.
Lesson to remember: When installing a heat pump or any other HVAC system, it's crucial to perform a thorough setup. A poorly configured unit, even in good condition, may not operate at its full potential.
The importance of regular HVAC maintenance
These anecdotes, while surprising, highlight the importance of performing regular maintenance on your HVAC systems. Whether it’s a heat pump, a wall-mounted air conditioner, or a ventilation system, preventive maintenance ensures not only the performance of your unit but also your comfort and safety.
At AirGreen, we have over 10 years of experience in installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems in the Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore. Our certified technicians are trained to detect issues before they become costly breakdowns. We are committed to providing quality service that will ensure you enjoy a comfortable indoor climate year-round.
Conclusion: Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC maintenance?
Whether you have a wall-mounted air conditioner, a heat pump, or a ventilation system, preventive maintenance is essential to ensure they function correctly. At AirGreen, we are experts in managing your HVAC systems, and we understand the importance of every detail, which allows us to identify and solve hidden problems before they become major issues.
Contact us to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system and benefit from the expertise of AirGreen. We respond quickly across the Montreal area, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore.