A High-Risk Installation: The True Story of an Emergency Call in Montreal That Could Have Ended Very Badly
In our profession, we are accustomed to solving complex technical problems, optimizing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems, and ensuring long-term comfort for our residential and commercial clients. But sometimes, we are called to intervene in emergency situations to avoid a potential catastrophe. This was the case during an intervention in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Montreal, where we discovered a poorly installed wall-mounted air conditioner that could have led to a major electrical fire.
This story is not an exaggeration. It is a real case, which occurred recently, and it illustrates the serious consequences of shoddy work carried out by an unqualified contractor. At AirGreen, we took charge of the situation swiftly, rigorously, and with a strong sense of responsibility to protect the occupants and restore the system to safety.
The Context of the Intervention: A Worried Client, a Suspicious Smell, and a Faulty Air Conditioner
It all began with a phone call from the owner of a duplex located in Ahuntsic. He reported a burning plastic odor coming from the wall where a wall-mounted air conditioner from an unknown brand had been installed only a few months earlier. He confided that the unit had been installed by a family friend, without an RBQ license, and without certification for HVAC or electrical work.
Our technicians immediately suspected a serious problem: a short circuit, improper grounding, or improper wiring within the wall. We scheduled an emergency intervention that same day with our HVAC and electrical safety specialists.
What We Discovered on Site: A Dangerous Mix of Mistakes
Upon arrival, several obvious signs of a poor installation became apparent:
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The indoor unit was improperly anchored, with an undersized and unstable support.
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The electrical wiring passed directly through the drywall without any protective conduit.
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The condensation drainage was poorly directed, causing leaks into the wall.
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The circuit breaker dedicated to the air conditioner was incorrectly sized (15A instead of the 20A recommended by the manufacturer).
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The connection to the outdoor compressor was made using twisted connectors, without soldering or pressing.
But the most concerning issue was the overheating of the wires, visible with a thermal camera: the temperature around the connections was over 90°C due to excessive resistance in the improperly tightened terminals. A potential electrical fire was imminent. It only took one prolonged operating cycle for the wires to melt and for a spark to start a fire in the wall.
Our Immediate Actions: Securing, Replacing, and Bringing the System Up to Code
At AirGreen, safety comes first. Here’s the course of action we took:
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Cutting the power to the affected unit and completely disconnecting the equipment.
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A thorough inspection of the interior wall to assess the extent of the damage.
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A detailed report for the client’s home insurance.
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Removing and safely disposing of the non-compliant unit.
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Recommending a full replacement with a reliable, energy-efficient air conditioner eligible for grants.
The client opted for a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, energy-efficient, Energy Star certified, and eligible for a $1,228 LogisVert grant due to its SEER and HSPF ratings. We proceeded with a complete installation according to the highest standards, including:
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Connection to the electrical panel by a certified master electrician.
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Protection with a high-sensitivity differential breaker (GFCI).
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Perfect sealing of the wall penetration to avoid any water infiltration.
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Upgrading the drainage system with an integrated lift pump.
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Secure mounting of both the indoor and outdoor units with anti-vibration dampeners.
Final Result: A Safe, Efficient, and Long-Lasting System
In less than 48 hours, our team turned a serious fire hazard into a highly secure, quiet, and energy-efficient HVAC solution. The client, relieved and impressed with our professionalism, publicly thanked us with the following testimonial:
"I never thought that the system installed by a relative could be so dangerous. The AirGreen team literally saved my life. Since the intervention, my air conditioner works perfectly, silently, and odor-free. I can finally sleep peacefully."
What You Need to Remember: Never Neglect the Importance of a Certified Professional
Installing a wall-mounted air conditioner might seem simple, but the risks of poor execution are considerable: short circuits, refrigerant leaks, water infiltration, loss of energy efficiency, or even fire. At AirGreen, we emphasize the importance of adhering to safety standards, complying with building codes, and using only certified, guaranteed components.
We serve the entire Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore areas with a focus on safety, quality, and long-term satisfaction.
Our Tips to Avoid This Type of Mishap:
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Never hire a non-RBQ certified installer.
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Avoid cheap, unbranded products without after-sales service.
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Request a preliminary inspection by an HVAC professional.
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Prioritize trusted brands (Gree, Fujitsu, Daikin, Sharp, etc.).
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Check for available grants before purchasing equipment.
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Require a written contract with clear guarantees on the installation.
AirGreen: Your Trusted HVAC Partner
If you have any doubts about the current installation of your wall-mounted air conditioner, or if you are considering a new HVAC upgrade project, contact us. Our experts will carry out a comprehensive evaluation, offer you the best available options, and ensure your system runs safely and efficiently, both in winter and summer.