Concrete solutions to avoid air conditioner breakdowns and ensure long-term HVAC comfort
At AirGreen, we understand how essential a well-functioning wall-mounted or central air conditioner is to maintaining optimal comfort—whether it’s in a family home in Montréal, a condo in Longueuil, a business on the North Shore, or a building in Laval. Yet all too often, we’re called for emergency repairs on issues that could have been avoided through proper installation or preventive HVAC maintenance. In this article, we share our field experience by detailing the 7 most common AC breakdowns we encounter and the practical steps to prevent them for good.
1. The air conditioner won’t start: an all-too-common electrical issue
One of the most frequent calls we receive at AirGreen involves an air conditioner that simply won’t start. In most cases, this breakdown is due to:
-
A tripped circuit breaker
-
A damaged power cable
-
A faulty control board
During a recent service call in Brossard, we diagnosed a failure caused by a power surge that damaged the control board of a Gree Lomo 18,000 BTU unit. The owner was unaware that a surge protector could have protected the system.
AirGreen solution: we always install a built-in surge protector during new installations and recommend checking the electrical panel during annual maintenance.
2. The air conditioner no longer cools: refrigerant leak or shortage
When a customer calls us because their home isn’t cooling down even though the unit is running, the culprit is often the refrigerant.
We recently repaired a FUJITSU KZAH R-32 wall-mounted air conditioner in Laval. A microscopic leak at a poorly crimped fitting was slowly releasing refrigerant.
What you should know:
-
A refrigerant leak causes a major drop in performance
-
The compressor works harder, which shortens the system’s lifespan
AirGreen advice: a nitrogen pressure test is essential after every installation. At AirGreen, this step is non-negotiable and helps prevent this type of issue.
3. The indoor unit is leaking water: drainage issues or dirt buildup
Water leaking indoors is never good news. It can damage walls, flooring, and furniture. This type of failure is often caused by:
-
A clogged drain line
-
A faulty condensate pump
-
Mold or dust accumulation
In Saint-Hubert, we repaired a Gree Sapphire 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump. The drain was clogged with debris due to a lack of maintenance over several seasons.
Recommended preventive measure:
-
Complete cleaning of the indoor unit every 12 months
-
Drain inspection and testing of the pump
4. The compressor is noisy or vibrates: beware of internal damage
Unusual noises can signal a problem with the compressor, one of the most expensive components to replace. Vibrations, banging, or whistling noises can be caused by:
-
Installation on an unstable surface
-
Premature motor wear
-
Improper leveling of the outdoor unit
In Blainville, a GOODMAN R-32 central air conditioner installed on a wooden balcony was vibrating excessively. We replaced the platform with a concrete slab on vibration-isolating mounts and secured the unit with shock absorbers. Result: zero vibration, comfort fully restored.
5. Airflow is weak in the house: filter or ventilation problem
A well-maintained system should ensure optimal airflow. When air doesn’t reach distant rooms, the causes may include:
-
Clogged filters
-
Poorly designed or unbalanced ductwork
-
A defective blower fan
On a service call in Longueuil, we replaced a filter that hadn’t been cleaned in over two years, which had cut airflow in half for a BOSCH BIVA IDS Premium R-454B central heat pump.
AirGreen recommendation:
-
Replace or clean filters every 3 months
-
Schedule a complete HVAC maintenance every year
6. The outdoor unit is blocked or freezing: snow, debris, or defrosting issues
An outdoor unit that’s poorly installed or maintained can get blocked by:
-
Snow or ice in winter
-
Leaves, branches, or dust in summer
-
A malfunctioning defrost system
In Repentigny, a client experienced a total system shutdown of their SHARP ZU1 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in the middle of February. The unit was installed too close to the ground, preventing snow from draining properly. We relocated the unit to a wall bracket 48 inches above the ground.
7. The unit stops frequently: overload, programming error, or wrong setup
Frequent shut-offs often point to:
-
Electrical overload
-
Incorrect thermostat programming
-
An improperly sized unit
In Terrebonne, we reconfigured a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU heat pump installed in a 2,000 sq. ft. open loft. It was oversized for the space, causing short cycles and random shutdowns. After a proper thermal assessment and reprogramming, the issue was resolved permanently.
How to avoid these breakdowns: practical tips to apply now
1. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance
Good preventive maintenance catches issues before they cause major problems.
2. Trust professional installation
A solid system starts with a well-thought-out installation, thoroughly tested and executed by certified professionals like the ones at AirGreen.
3. Match the system power to your actual needs
We always provide a customized thermal assessment to determine the correct BTU output based on surface area, insulation, and sunlight exposure.
4. Monitor your usage and behavior
Abnormal cycles, a spike in your energy bill, or strange noises should be red flags.
What sets AirGreen apart: expertise, precision, and transparency
Every breakdown mentioned here is one we’re familiar with. Thanks to our experience from hundreds of installations and service calls across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we’ve developed strict procedures for inspection, installation, and maintenance that help prevent these issues at the source.
Our clients choose us because we offer:
-
Certified, guaranteed installations
-
Experienced technicians
-
A proactive approach focused on client education
-
Full transparency regarding available rebates, such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
Want to avoid a surprise breakdown?
At AirGreen, we believe the best emergency is the one that never happens. Schedule your HVAC maintenance today, get an assessment of your current setup, or ask us about the ideal wall-mounted or central heat pump for your property.
We respond quickly throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.