Getting your wall-mounted air conditioner ready before the heatwave hits isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. In Montréal, as well as in nearby cities like Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent. At AirGreen, we know that a proper spring HVAC maintenance can make all the difference between a comfortable summer and a stifling one.
In this article, we’re sharing with you a complete 10-step checklist, based on our many years of experience in maintaining wall-mounted air conditioners and residential and commercial HVAC systems. This guide is designed to give you cool comfort, energy efficiency, and peace of mind all summer long.
Why prepare your air conditioner BEFORE the heatwave?
A poorly maintained wall-mounted AC consumes more energy, cools less efficiently, and risks breaking down at the worst possible time. By scheduling maintenance now, you:
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Extend your unit’s lifespan.
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Avoid unnecessary energy costs.
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Prevent breakdowns during a heatwave.
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Optimize energy efficiency.
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Ensure better indoor air quality.
At AirGreen, we deal every summer with clients in emergency situations due to neglected units: seized motors, clogged filters, refrigerant leaks… These problems could have been prevented with a thorough spring tune-up.
Step 1: Clean or replace air filters
This is the first step—and often the most overlooked. Clogged filters reduce airflow, force the compressor to work harder, and lower comfort levels. At AirGreen, we recommend:
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Checking filters monthly during use.
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Washing them with warm water and mild soap.
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Replacing them if they’re damaged or too old.
A clean filter means cleaner air and better performance.
Step 2: Clean the indoor unit of the wall-mounted air conditioner
Dust and mold can build up on the evaporator. You should:
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Remove the front panel.
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Gently vacuum dust around the fins.
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Use a specialized evaporator cleaner (AirGreen can handle this for you).
This improves heat exchange and helps avoid unpleasant odors.
Step 3: Inspect and clean the outdoor unit (condenser)
In the North Shore and Longueuil, where there’s more pollen and foliage, this step is crucial. You should:
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Remove debris (leaves, branches, dirt).
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Clean the condenser fins with a gentle water spray.
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Check that no nests or blockages are obstructing airflow.
A clean outdoor unit = a system that breathes.
Step 4: Check refrigerant line insulation and leaks
Minor leaks can reduce the efficiency of your wall-mounted heat pump by 20 to 40%. At AirGreen, we use electronic detectors to:
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Spot micro-leaks.
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Check refrigerant pressure.
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Adjust levels if needed, depending on the type (R-32, R-410A, etc.).
A properly charged system = optimal cooling.
Step 5: Test the remote and thermostat
Before the heatwave, make sure:
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The remote batteries are fresh.
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The settings respond correctly.
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The wall thermostat (if external) is functioning properly.
It may seem like a small detail, but it ensures precise temperature control.
Step 6: Check the condensate drain lines
Condensation must drain properly, especially in homes in Montréal or Laval where indoor humidity is high during summer. Check that:
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The drain line isn’t clogged.
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Water flows through easily (test with a glass of water).
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The drain pan isn’t cracked.
Proper drainage prevents leaks and mold growth.
Step 7: Listen for unusual noises
At first start-up:
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Listen to the compressor.
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Watch for unusual vibrations.
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Detect any rubbing or whistling sounds.
Strange sounds = components to monitor. Call AirGreen if anything seems off.
Step 8: Set up smart scheduling
Avoid overusing your AC during the day. Smart scheduling allows you to:
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Maintain consistent comfort.
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Reduce your electricity consumption.
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Lower your Hydro-Québec bill.
We recommend smart thermostats compatible with your model.
Step 9: Run a full performance test
Before the intense heat sets in:
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Run your AC for 30 minutes.
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Check if the temperature drops as expected.
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Monitor the airflow (strength, temperature).
If performance seems off, call our certified technicians for a detailed diagnostic.
Step 10: Book a professional HVAC tune-up with AirGreen
The best way to guarantee optimal performance? Annual professional maintenance. At AirGreen, our specialized technicians:
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Inspect every component.
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Perform deep cleaning (indoor + outdoor).
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Check electrical connections.
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Measure overall efficiency.
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Provide personalized recommendations.
Our services cover Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with fast, efficient, and guaranteed service.
What you avoid by getting your AC ready early
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No surprise breakdowns during a heatwave.
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No long wait times during peak season.
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Less stress and more comfort.
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Optimized energy usage.
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Extended lifespan of your air conditioner.
Why trust AirGreen?
Our residential and commercial clients choose us for:
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Fast service in Montréal and surrounding areas.
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Certified expertise in wall-mounted systems (Sharp, Gree, Fujitsu, Tosot, Daikin…).
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Transparent pricing and honest advice.
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Knowledge of available grants (LogisVert, RénoClimat…).
We’ve helped dozens of clients throughout the region to cut costs, gain comfort, and avoid technical issues thanks to our rigorous summer prep method.
In summary
Getting your wall-mounted air conditioner ready for the heatwave isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for your comfort, your wallet, and your peace of mind. Follow our AirGreen checklist, or leave it to us. We’re here and ready to help, in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North Shore and South Shore.
Call AirGreen today to schedule your wall-mounted air conditioner maintenance before the heat sets in. Get ready, stay cool, and enjoy summer in total peace of mind.