In many condos in Ville-Marie , you'll find a very practical type of unit: the PTAC/VTAC (often installed under a window or in a box that passes through the wall). Compact, self-contained, efficient… but also very susceptible to clogging , especially in an urban environment where fine dust and particles circulate more freely.
At AirGreen , we regularly carry out complete cleanings of this type of unit, precisely because a poorly maintained PTAC almost always ends up showing the same symptoms: reduced airflow , increased noise , persistent odors and degraded efficiency (in both air conditioning and heating).
Context of the mandate: a GVWR in a condo living space
The photo shows a PTAC/VTAC type unit integrated into a long casing (box) along the wall, with a front intake grille and a top blower . This is typical of condo installations: the unit takes up little space, remains accessible, and provides comfort without a ductwork system.
However, this type of configuration has one unavoidable reality: the extracted air passes very close to the floor and living surfaces (carpets, flooring, textiles), which accelerates the accumulation of dust in:
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the filters ,
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the ventilation wheel (turbine) ,
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the coil (evaporator) ,
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the condensation tray and the drain .
Why cleaning a GVWR is so important
A dirty PTAC doesn't "just" produce less cooling or less heating. It works harder, longer, and under less efficient conditions. The result:
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Higher energy consumption (the device compensates for the loss of airflow)
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Less healthy air (dust, allergens, sometimes mold spores)
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Odors during start-up (often related to the condensation tray or the coil)
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Noise (turbine unbalanced by dirt accumulation)
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Risk of water overflow if the drain is partially blocked
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Premature wear of components
In a condo, these effects are quickly felt: closed space, concentrated air circulation, and appliances that often run continuously.
What we target during a complete cleaning (AirGreen method)
Our approach aims for a simple objective: to restore performance and improve airflow without damaging components or soiling the living space.
1) Area protection and preparation
Before opening the unit, we protect:
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the flooring (parquet, carpet),
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the walls,
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adjacent surfaces (furniture, textiles),
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and we plan for clean management of water and waste.
A PTAC (Personal Protective Equipment) unit is often installed in a "daily living" area: it's not treated like a mechanical room. Cleaning must be technical and thorough , without compromise.
2) Safe dismantling of the front panel and access to the filters
We remove the front panel/grille to access the filters .
In this unit format, the filters may look “okay” at first glance… but they often contain fine dust that gradually clogs the airflow.
We proceed to:
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controlled dust removal,
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cleaning (depending on the type of filter: washable or replaceable),
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inspection of the condition (deformation, saturation, cracks).
3) Cleaning the coil (evaporator): the critical area
The coil is the heart of air conditioning performance. When it's dirty:
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The machine loses capacity.
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humidity is difficult to manage.
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condensation increases.
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and the smells appear.
We clean the coil using methods adapted to thin fins:
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dust removal,
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deep cleaning with a suitable product (non-corrosive, without aggressive residues),
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Controlled rinsing if required (respecting the assembly and electrical zones).
4) Condensation tray and drain: odor and overflow prevention
The PTAC naturally produces water in air conditioning mode (and sometimes during transitions). This water must be collected and properly drained.
We :
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Let's clean the condensation tray .
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Let's remove the deposits and biofilms,
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Let's check the drain (clearance and good flow),
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Let's inspect for signs of persistent moisture.
This is often where the "damp/musty" smell forms, especially after an intense summer.
5) Turbine/fan: reduce noise and restore airflow
In a PTAC, the turbine quickly accumulates a dust deposit, which:
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The rotation is unbalanced.
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increases the vibration
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reduces airflow.
We perform a thorough cleaning of the wheel to restore:
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a more stable wind tunnel
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a lower noise level,
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a more pronounced airflow.
6) Targeted disinfection (when relevant)
Without going overboard, we apply targeted disinfection to areas where micro-humidity promotes odors:
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around the coil,
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on the ferry,
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in certain accessible internal ducts.
Objective: to reduce sources of odor and limit the proliferation of contaminants.
7) Functional checks: performance and safety
After reassembly:
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mode test (ventilation, air conditioning, heating if applicable),
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airflow check,
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noise and vibration control,
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visual inspection of connections and power supply,
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validation of water drainage.
A GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) may also include a heating section (depending on the model). Even if it's less visible, it deserves a careful inspection, especially before winter.
Expected results after cleaning
In most cases, a thorough cleaning immediately provides:
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Cleaner air and a more consistent feeling of freshness
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Less odor at startup
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Stronger blower at the same setting
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Quieter operation
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Better energy efficiency
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Fewer long cycles (the device reaches the setpoint faster)
In a condo, the effect is particularly noticeable: the device operates in a main room, so any gain is felt on a daily basis.
How often should a GVWR vehicle be cleaned in Montreal?
In practice, here is what we recommend in Greater Montreal:
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Filters : check monthly during periods of heavy use, clean/maintain regularly
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Complete cleaning (coil + tank + turbine + drain): once a year , ideally before summer or before winter depending on usage
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Two visits per year if:
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presence of animals,
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near-continuous use
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dusty environment,
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history of odors / allergies.
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Why entrust your cleaning to AirGreen?
A GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) seems simple, but effective cleaning requires:
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a controlled dismantling,
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suitable products
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clean water management,
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and above all, experience to avoid damaging the fins, sensors or electrical areas .
At AirGreen , we take a results-oriented approach: performance, comfort, cleanliness, and maintaining the device in good condition over the long term.