A high-performance air conditioning system starts with rigorous maintenance
At AirGreen, we understand how much a clean and well-maintained air conditioning system can impact performance, energy consumption, and equipment lifespan. Unfortunately, too many residents of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore are still unaware of the consequences of a dirty wall-mounted or central air conditioner. Did you know? A neglected AC unit can have its lifespan cut in half.
In this article, we dive deep into this common yet vastly underestimated issue, through our field experience, practical advice, and real-life examples from our service calls across Greater Montreal.
An alarming reality: the true impact of dirt and debris build-up
Drastic reduction in energy efficiency
An air conditioning unit clogged with dust, mold, pollen, or greasy deposits will see its energy efficiency plummet. This results in:
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A compressor working harder and longer.
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An electricity bill that spikes without any comfort improvement.
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Uneven indoor temperatures, with certain rooms hotter than others.
At a client’s home in Brossard, we were recently called in due to a drop in performance from a Gree 18,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner installed two years prior. Upon inspection, the filter was saturated, the evaporator covered in dust, and the blower fan had lost over 40% of its airflow capacity. A full cleaning brought the system back to full capacity.
Faster wear and tear on components
When the system has to work harder, its mechanical components — such as the compressor, blower motor, or circuit boards — wear out prematurely. In extreme cases, a unit that should last 12 to 15 years breaks down after just 6 to 8 years.
That’s exactly what happened in a condo in Laval-des-Rapides: a 24,000 BTU Goodman central system, installed in 2019, had to be replaced in 2024 due to lack of maintenance. Buildup on the coils led to chronic overheating of the compressor, causing irreversible damage.
The telltale signs of a dirty system
Many homeowners have no idea that their system is already clogged. Here are the warning signs to watch for:
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Lower airflow, especially in certain rooms.
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Unusual noise coming from the indoor unit.
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Dusty or musty smells when turning on the system.
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Growing gap between the thermostat reading and the actual room temperature.
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Electricity bills unusually high in the summer.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.
The importance of professional HVAC cleaning
Why cleaning the filters is not enough
Many believe maintenance means just cleaning the filters. But that only addresses a tiny part of the problem. A full cleaning performed by our certified technicians includes:
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Disassembling the front panel.
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High-pressure washing of the evaporator coils.
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Antibacterial disinfection of the indoor unit.
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Cleaning the tangential fan.
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Flushing the condensate drain.
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Inspecting the electronics and sensors.
A process we’ve perfected over time
In Saint-Hubert, on the South Shore, our team performed a full cleaning on a 12,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH unit installed in 2020. The system wasn’t cooling properly, even though the compressor was still working. Once opened, we found the evaporator fins were coated in a thick black layer of grime. One hour later, the unit was blowing cold air at 9°C again, with full airflow restored.
How often should you clean your AC system?
At AirGreen, we recommend:
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Annually: for wall-mounted or mini-split systems.
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Twice a year: for central systems used year-round, especially in commercial settings, apartment buildings, or large homes.
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Every 6 months: if the environment is dusty, humid, or exposed to smoke (restaurants, workshops, etc.).
Regular maintenance: a smart, profitable investment
Here’s what you gain with professional routine cleaning:
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Extending the lifespan by 5 to 7 years.
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Reducing energy consumption by up to 30%.
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Improving comfort and indoor air quality.
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Lower risk of major breakdowns.
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Maintaining manufacturer warranty (often conditional on annual maintenance).
Real case: service call in Terrebonne
A commercial client operating a medical clinic on the North Shore had a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B central system. They had skipped maintenance for two years. The result: mold buildup in the ducts, persistent bad odors, and patient complaints. We performed:
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Full duct cleaning.
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Virucidal disinfection.
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Replacement of HEPA filters.
Since then, the air quality has significantly improved, and electricity usage has dropped by 18%.
Trust AirGreen’s expertise
With hundreds of service calls every year across Greater Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we’ve developed strict protocols tailored to every brand (Fujitsu, Gree, Goodman, Bosch, etc.) and every type of system. Our technicians are trained, certified, and equipped to work in homes, businesses, and high-performance buildings.
Conclusion: cleanliness is performance
A well-maintained HVAC system is one that is efficient, economical, and long-lasting. Don’t let buildup ruin your investment. Whether you have a wall-mounted air conditioner, a central heat pump, or a combined system, regular servicing from AirGreen ensures long-term comfort and peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule a complete cleaning of your air conditioning or heating system.