When the Heat Becomes Unbearable: A Night Without Air Conditioning That Changes One's Perception of Comfort
A heatwave often hits Montreal unexpectedly, turning our living spaces into actual ovens. This story, inspired by several calls we received at AirGreen, perfectly illustrates what many residents go through when a wall-mounted air conditioner breaks down at the worst possible moment. More than just an inconvenience, a night without air conditioning during an extreme heatwave can quickly become a true nightmare, both physically and mentally.
An Ordinary Evening… Until the Air Conditioning Stops Working
It’s 6:30 PM in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood in Montreal. A loyal AirGreen customer urgently contacts us: "My Gree wall-mounted air conditioner isn’t blowing cool air anymore, and it’s already 30°C inside. We can barely breathe." She lives on the top floor of a residential building, facing the full southern exposure, with no effective natural ventilation.
This kind of situation is unfortunately common during Montreal's summers, especially in older buildings with poor insulation. When a wall-mounted air conditioner breaks down, the indoor temperature climbs rapidly, making it nearly impossible to sleep, especially for children, seniors, or individuals with respiratory conditions.
Identifying the Problem: When Simple Neglect Becomes a Thermal Trap
Upon arriving at the customer’s home around 8:15 PM, the AirGreen team discovers that the customer’s unit hasn’t been serviced in over three years. The air filters were clogged, the heat exchanger was completely dirty, and the level of refrigerant (R-410A) was too low to allow for effective cooling.
This kind of failure is avoidable. Indeed, a regular HVAC maintenance (at least once a year) not only prolongs the life of your heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner but also helps prevent such critical interruptions during heatwaves.
A Quick Intervention, But a Difficult Night
Although our team acted quickly, the repair took nearly two hours. We had to:
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Clean the wall-mounted unit thoroughly using a low-pressure washer.
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Recharge the refrigerant with a precise amount.
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Check the integrity of the condensation pump.
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Reprogram the wall-mounted remote control after a system reset.
Despite our efficiency, the indoor temperature remained above 29°C until the early morning. Our customer and her family spent a sleepless night with fans on high and windows wide open, hoping for a breath of cooler air.
The Consequences of a Night Without Air Conditioning: Much More Than Just Discomfort
Sleeping in suffocating heat can lead to several issues:
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Sleep disruptions: insomnia, chronic fatigue.
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Headaches, nausea, irritability.
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Health risks for vulnerable individuals.
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Economic losses for businesses or offices without air conditioning.
In this particular case, the customer had to take the day off the next day, unable to concentrate at work. A simple breakdown of a wall-mounted air conditioner thus had personal and professional repercussions.
AirGreen’s Expertise: Preventing Rather Than Treating the Heat
At AirGreen, we believe that a well-maintained wall-mounted air conditioner is essential, especially in a city like Montreal, where summers can be stifling. That’s why we offer preventative HVAC maintenance programs, tailored to both residential and commercial needs in Rive Nord, Rive Sud, Laval, Longueuil, and of course Montreal.
Our Recommendations to Avoid a Breakdown During a Heatwave:
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Have your wall-mounted air conditioner serviced each spring, before the first heatwave hits.
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Choose a high-performance model, such as the Fujitsu KZAS, Gree Lomo, Tosot Eco, or Sharp ZU1, known for their durability and efficiency.
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Check air filters regularly and clean them every month during the summer.
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Have the refrigerant level checked every two years, especially for older models with R-410A or R-22.
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Install a smart thermostat to better manage temperature and optimize energy use.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your HVAC Installations or Emergencies?
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24/7 rapid response throughout the greater Montreal area.
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Certified technicians, specializing in heat pumps, wall-mounted units, and air conditioners from leading brands.
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Parts and labor warranty, including replacement or optimization of older HVAC systems.
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Advice on available rebates, like LogisVert from Hydro-Québec, often applicable for replacements or new installations.
A Lesson Learned: It’s Better to Prevent Than to Suffer the Heat
This night without air conditioning served as a wake-up call for our customer, but also for many readers: the comfort of a Montreal summer largely depends on the reliability of your wall-mounted air conditioner. At AirGreen, we emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and proper installation to ensure optimal comfort, even during the worst heatwaves.
If you notice a decline in the performance of your current system or wish to install a reliable, energy-efficient wall-mounted air conditioner, contact us today. Our teams are ready to intervene quickly, with tailored, durable solutions suited to your space.