Air conditioner cleaning: a deceptively simple task that can cost you more than you think
At AirGreen, we often get calls from clients across Greater Montréal — from Montréal to Laval, including Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore — who’ve tried cleaning their wall-mounted air conditioner or central AC system themselves. And almost every time, the outcome is the same: despite good intentions, the results are either incomplete, ineffective, or worse — damaging to the equipment.
HVAC cleaning is a lot more complex than it seems. In this article, we’ll break down exactly why DIY cleaning attempts often fail, what the consequences can be, and how a professional cleaning service by AirGreen makes all the difference.
The common misconceptions about cleaning your air conditioner at home
Many people believe that a simple cloth, some soapy water, or a can of compressed air are enough to maintain a wall-mounted air conditioner. The truth is, these methods never reach the critical internal areas, like the coils, drain pans, or fan blades.
Here are some of the common mistakes we see:
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Only cleaning the surface: This just shifts the dust around and does nothing to remove grime embedded deep in the evaporator or condenser fins.
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Using the wrong products: Some household cleaners can corrode internal aluminum or plastic components.
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Improper disassembly: Snapped clips, misconnected wires, or improperly reinstalled filters can all lead to poor performance or strange noises.
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Forgetting to clean the drain: A clogged drain causes water to leak into the wall, leading to mold and potential structural damage.
What you don’t see: inside the air conditioner
Even if your indoor unit looks clean on the outside, its internal components are likely to be coated with:
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Mold due to stagnant moisture
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Dust mites, spores, and bacteria invisible to the naked eye
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Greasy dust buildup on the coils, blocking heat transfer
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Drain pan obstructions
All of this dramatically reduces energy efficiency and poses serious risks to your indoor air quality.
A technical expertise you just can’t replicate without training
Our certified AirGreen technicians undergo continuous training to work on all major brands: Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Haxxair, Tosot, Zephyr, and more. A professional cleaning of a wall-mounted air conditioner includes precise steps that only a trained technician can execute:
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Safe disassembly of the casing, filters, chassis, and fan
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Deep cleaning using certified biodegradable products
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Use of pressure-controlled equipment to protect delicate fins
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Antibacterial and antifungal disinfection
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Full inspection of the drain system and refrigerant pressure
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Reassembly and complete functional testing
This professional method delivers a thorough internal deep clean that home methods simply can’t match.
Case study: A poorly maintained installation in Laval
A client from Laval recently contacted us about a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump installed three years ago. The client regularly cleaned the filters by hand, thinking that was enough. But the unit started to smell bad and its performance dropped noticeably. When we opened it up, we found:
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A condensation tray completely clogged with mold
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Coils coated in greasy dust
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A fan blade out of balance
After a full professional cleaning by AirGreen, the unit returned to peak performance, the odors disappeared, and the client saw a noticeable drop in their electricity bill.
The consequences of poor DIY maintenance
A poorly cleaned air conditioner or wall-mounted heat pump can lead to:
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15 to 30% more energy consumption
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Premature wear of the motor and compressor
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Frequent breakdowns
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Higher health risks related to respiratory issues
Why trust AirGreen for HVAC maintenance?
We service Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, with professional tools tailored for every type of system, whether wall-mounted or central. Our service includes:
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Deep cleaning using specialized pressure equipment
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Complete functional testing of the unit
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Certified antibacterial disinfection
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Personalized advice on maintenance frequency based on usage
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Customer satisfaction guaranteed
Pro tips: What you can do yourself between professional cleanings
Even though home maintenance can’t replace a pro visit, you can:
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Clean the filters monthly using warm water and let them air dry
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Keep air inlets/outlets free from obstruction (no curtains, furniture, or frames)
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Visually inspect the drain for any visible blockage
For everything else, better leave it to us.
When to call AirGreen?
We recommend a full professional cleaning once a year, ideally before summer starts or right after winter. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to give us a call:
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Unpleasant smells
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Reduced performance
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Water leaks
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Unusual noises
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Unexpected energy bill spikes
In conclusion: trust the pros with your air conditioner
Trying a DIY air conditioner cleaning is often a false economy. What may seem like a quick fix can cause irreversible damage and compromise your comfort. At AirGreen, our mission is to extend the life of your equipment, optimize its performance, and ensure clean, healthy air for your family or employees.
We offer fast, professional HVAC maintenance services throughout the greater Montréal area, adhering to technical and environmental standards.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and give your HVAC system the deep clean it truly needs.