An incident far more common than most people think recently shed light on the critical importance of proper HVAC maintenance and professional installation. In Montréal, an experienced property manager faced a significant rental loss due to a defective wall-mounted air conditioner. At AirGreen, we were called in urgently to resolve a situation that could have been avoided with the right preventive support. Here’s a detailed account of this critical service call and the key lessons every landlord or property manager in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore or South Shore should take away.
An emergency during peak summer: the initial situation
This case involved a multi-unit residential building located in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie district of Montréal. The property manager, a long-standing client, contacted us one July morning after receiving an immediate departure notice from a tenant frustrated by the inability to cool their unit during an extended heatwave. The unit in place, an old 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner of unknown brand, had been non-functional for several weeks despite makeshift repairs attempted by a non-specialized technician.
The cost? A monthly rent of $1,900 lost, an unexpected three-month vacancy (time needed for repair and re-rental), not to mention the damaged image of the building among other tenants.
Our technical team’s diagnosis
Upon arrival, our specialized team in wall-mounted HVAC installation and repair carried out a full inspection. The verdict: the indoor fan motor was burnt out, the R-410A refrigerant had leaked through a micro crack that was never detected, and the outdoor unit was vibrating excessively due to poor anchoring during the initial installation, done 8 years earlier.
This situation revealed three major mistakes:
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No annual inspection or preventive HVAC maintenance had ever been performed.
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The installation did not meet proper support and drainage standards.
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A low-end unit had been used, which is not recommended for heavy-duty rental usage.
Our solution: full replacement with a Gree Lomo 2nd Gen wall-mounted air conditioner
To solve the issue quickly and limit the vacancy, we recommended installing a Gree Lomo 2nd Gen 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, a model known for its reliability, energy efficiency (SEER 21), and compatibility with the LogisVert grant program.
Steps of the intervention:
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Full removal of the old unit with proper ecological refrigerant recovery.
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Compliance check of the dedicated electrical circuit (15A on separate breaker).
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Installation of a new anti-vibration wall bracket with adjusted tilt for optimal drainage.
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Commissioning with performance tests (airflow, outlet temperature, standby consumption).
Total duration of the intervention: 5 hours. Outcome: the apartment was air-conditioned the same day, re-rented within two weeks thanks to the upgraded HVAC system, which was highlighted in the listing.
Available grants and return on investment
The newly installed Gree wall-mounted air conditioner was eligible for a $612 LogisVert grant, reducing the net cost for the manager. Moreover, with energy use 35% lower than the previous unit, the manager now offers tenants a more energy-efficient apartment, a competitive advantage in Montréal’s rental market.
Key takeaways for property managers
Why HVAC maintenance is essential
Annual maintenance would have:
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Detected the micro refrigerant leak.
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Flagged the misalignment of the outdoor unit.
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Prevented a costly breakdown in peak season.
Avoiding cheap models
Low-end units, often chosen for their price, don’t hold up in intensive rental use. A long-lasting wall-mounted air conditioner like the Gree Lomo, properly installed and maintained, can last 15+ years with minimal issues.
Never neglect HVAC installation
A high-performance wall-mounted air conditioner, if poorly installed, quickly becomes a source of recurring problems. At AirGreen, all our installations meet CSA standards, with structural checks, leveling tests, and post-installation follow-up.
The AirGreen approach: expertise, transparency, and responsiveness
This case is far from unique. We've seen many managers in Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, or the North Shore dealing with similar issues, often caused by poor initial installation or a lack of maintenance. At AirGreen, we’re committed to preventing these situations with a proactive, technically rigorous approach based on:
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Comprehensive diagnostics
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Tailored recommendations for each building
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Flawless HVAC installation
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Responsive after-sales service
Testimonial from the property manager
"I should’ve called AirGreen sooner. Their intervention was quick, efficient, and more importantly, saved me from further losses. I’ve now decided to set up an annual HVAC maintenance plan for my entire property portfolio."
Feedback like this confirms the real impact a well-executed HVAC intervention can have—not only on occupant comfort but also on long-term rental profitability.
In conclusion
Wall-mounted air conditioners have become essential equipment in rental property management across Montréal and surrounding areas. But they require rigorous follow-up to ensure longevity and avoid major losses. At AirGreen, we bring our expertise to landlords and property managers through reliable, high-performance, and compliant installations every time.
If you manage a building and want to avoid situations like this, contact us today for a full HVAC audit or to schedule your next wall-mounted air conditioner installation in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, or South Shore.