A neglected heat pump can quietly drain your wallet
At AirGreen, we know how much of a difference a well-maintained heat pump can make when it comes to comfort… and your utility bills. Too often, we’re called in by clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, who have no idea that neglecting their HVAC system is costing them hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. In this article, we break down the real numbers and actual cases we encounter regularly, to help you understand why a simple annual service can be your smartest money-saving strategy.
Why does a neglected heat pump consume so much energy?
A wall-mounted or central heat pump, like any electro-mechanical appliance, accumulates dirt, dust, pollen, and even mold over time. These blockages directly impact its ability to transfer heat efficiently. The result? The compressor works harder, the heat exchanger loses efficiency, and energy consumption climbs—often without the homeowner noticing.
Here are the main effects of poor maintenance:
-
Increased electricity consumption: A clogged heat pump can use 25 to 40% more energy.
-
Reduced heating or cooling performance: The unit takes longer to reach the desired temperature.
-
Premature wear and tear: Neglect accelerates the aging of key components (motors, compressors).
-
Poor air quality: Dirty filters and mold can lead to health issues for occupants.
Real numbers from the field: what we see with our clients
Laval example: $480+ lost per year
At a residential property in Chomedey, Laval, our team found that a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump hadn’t been serviced since it was installed three years ago. The indoor coil was nearly completely blocked with dust and greasy kitchen particles. The result: a monthly increase of $40 on their Hydro-Québec bill during peak heating periods.
After a complete cleaning that included high-pressure coil washing, fan barrel removal, and disinfection of the drain system, performance was restored. The customer saw a drop of $37 per month in winter.
Case on the South Shore: 25% loss in efficiency
In Brossard, a multi-unit building had a Goodman 36,000 BTU central heat pump. When we arrived, the air ducts were so dusty that airflow was down by nearly 30%. Air was circulating poorly, forcing the compressor to work twice as long to maintain temperature. We carried out a full duct cleaning, including camera inspection and rotary brush machines. The result? A 25% boost in efficiency measured by our instruments post-cleaning.
What does preventative maintenance cost compared to annual losses?
| Type of Maintenance | Approximate Cost | Potential Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted heat pump cleaning | $250 to $350 | $300 to $600 |
| Central heat pump maintenance | $350 to $500 | $500 to $900 |
| Duct cleaning | $300 to $600 | Varies (depending on usage) |
As you can see, the return on investment is nearly immediate. Plus, proper maintenance helps avoid costly breakdowns, with repairs often reaching $1,000 to $2,000 depending on which parts fail (control board, compressor, etc.).
The most common mistakes we see in Montréal and surrounding areas
1. Thinking the filter is enough
Cleaning the filter is good, but it never replaces a full professional service that includes cleaning the blower wheel, condensate pan, fins, fan motor, and coils.
2. Waiting for it to break
Many clients only call us when they hear a strange noise or notice reduced performance. By that point, the damage is often already done, and the cost is higher than expected.
3. DIY cleaning without proper tools
A simple vacuum isn’t enough. You need specialized equipment (steam cleaners, certified disinfectants, air compressors) for a proper cleaning that won’t damage the components.
How AirGreen helps you preserve comfort… and save money
At AirGreen, we’ve developed a custom HVAC maintenance program tailored to each type of heat pump (wall-mounted, central, multi-zone). We serve the entire Greater Montréal area, including Longueuil, Laval, the South Shore, and the North Shore, with qualified, punctual technicians trained to detect issues invisible to the naked eye.
Our service calls always include:
-
Full inspection of the indoor and outdoor units
-
Professional high-pressure coil cleaning
-
Cleaning of the condensate pan and drain lines
-
Electrical connections inspection
-
Antibacterial disinfection of internal surfaces
-
Detailed report with before/after photos
Measurable results: immediate comfort and lasting savings
After our service, 95% of clients report better airflow, quieter operation, and improved thermal performance. Among our regular maintenance clients, we observe an average 18 to 22% drop in yearly energy bills.
In conclusion: a clean heat pump means more money in your pocket
Ignoring HVAC maintenance is like agreeing to lose money every month. At AirGreen, we help you protect your investment, improve your comfort, and maintain healthy indoor air. A single annual visit is enough to avoid unpleasant surprises and extend your unit’s lifespan.