Introduction: Mastering Your AC for Long-Lasting Comfort
At AirGreen, we know that a high-performance, well-maintained air conditioning system can make all the difference between a comfortable home and a space plagued by temperature swings, high energy consumption, or unpleasant odours. Our technicians, working daily in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, often see problems that could have easily been avoided with a few simple, yet often overlooked habits. So here are 5 concrete tips, drawn directly from our daily field expertise, to help you maintain efficient air conditioning all year long.
Tip #1: Clean the filters—yes, but do it properly
Any HVAC maintenance begins with a basic task: regularly cleaning the filters. On average, we recommend cleaning them every 4 to 6 weeks and replacing them if they’re damaged. Why? Because a clogged filter blocks airflow, overworks the machine, increases electricity usage, and can circulate allergens into the air.
How to do it right?
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Turn off the unit.
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Gently remove the filter.
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Clean it with a dry cloth or vacuum.
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For a deeper clean, wash it with warm soapy water and let it air dry.
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Never reinstall a damp filter into the air conditioner.
We recently assisted a client in Longueuil whose wall-mounted AC seemed to be malfunctioning. The issue? A clogged filter causing the unit to overheat. A good cleaning restored the performance—no repair costs needed.
Tip #2: Check the ducts and the outdoor unit
When dealing with central or wall-mounted air conditioning, the outdoor unit must not be overlooked. Leaves, dust, pollen, grass clippings—these can all build up around the fan and interfere with proper operation.
Here’s what our technician recommends:
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Visually inspect the outdoor unit monthly, especially in spring and fall.
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Gently clean the fins with a soft brush.
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Maintain at least 60 cm of clearance around the unit.
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Make sure the air ducts aren’t crushed, punctured, or poorly attached.
At a client’s home in Laval, branches had piled up around a Gree heat pump, partially blocking the intake and reducing energy efficiency by 40%. After a thorough cleaning, energy consumption returned to normal.
Tip #3: Avoid extreme remote control settings
Many homeowners think setting their wall-mounted AC to 16°C in the summer or 30°C in the winter will cool or heat their space faster. Wrong. These extremes won’t change the speed—they’ll just make the system work longer at full power, which wears down the unit faster and drives up your electric bill.
AirGreen’s tip:
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In summer: keep it between 22°C and 24°C.
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In winter: don’t exceed 26°C.
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Activate the "Eco" or "Comfort" mode, which often manages energy more efficiently.
Using your unit correctly helps extend its lifespan, as we’ve seen with many clients on the South Shore who’ve kept their Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pumps running strong for over 8 years.
Tip #4: Schedule a professional maintenance visit every year
Even the most diligent users can’t catch everything. That’s why an annual professional maintenance check is crucial for any HVAC system—wall-mounted, central, or multizone.
During this service, our AirGreen technicians:
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Check refrigerant pressures (e.g., R-32, R-410A, R-454B).
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Inspect circuit boards and sensors.
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Deep clean the evaporator and condenser.
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Detect early signs of leaks or corrosion.
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Tighten all electrical connections.
On the North Shore, we prevented a major failure in a Bosch BOVA system installed 3 years prior. A weakened solder joint was detected just in time, avoiding costly replacements.
Tip #5: Be proactive, not reactive
One of the biggest mistakes, according to our technicians, is waiting until the air conditioning fails to act. A drop in performance, strange noises, unusual smells, or extra-long cycles are all early warning signs.
Habits to adopt:
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Never ignore a minor issue—it often hides a bigger problem.
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Check your electric bills—an unexplained spike can point to inefficiency.
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Monitor your system’s expected lifespan (usually 10 to 15 years).
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Consult a certified AirGreen technician to assess whether to repair or replace.
A homeowner in Montréal recently upgraded an outdated unit to a central Lennox heat pump using R-32, qualifying for a LogisVert subsidy thanks to improved energy efficiency.
In conclusion: AirGreen, your trusted partner year-round
With the right habits, a well-maintained air conditioning system can deliver optimal comfort year-round while lowering your energy bills and extending the lifespan of your equipment. At AirGreen, we put our expertise to work for every client, with clear advice, meticulous service, and deep knowledge of every technology we install.
Whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore or the North Shore, our technicians are here to support you at every step—from installation to maintenance, and even upgrading your HVAC equipment.