In many condos in Ville-Marie , heating and cooling are provided by a PTAC/VTAC unit installed "through the wall," usually under a window. It's convenient and compact… but also very exposed to ambient dust (textiles, floors, airflow near curtains) and the humidity fluctuations typical of Montreal.
The photo clearly shows a through-unit under-window installation with a wide front grille and top outlet : a classic PTAC format in residential/condo settings. In this type of installation, regular maintenance is essential to prevent reduced airflow, odors, poorly managed condensation, and ventilation noise.
At AirGreen , we carried out a complete cleaning of this unit brand: PTAC (brand provided), with a careful approach, adapted to an inhabited interior (wooden floor, finished walls, curtains near the air intake).
The system in place: PTAC / VTAC PTAC (through unit)
A PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) is a self-contained unit that combines the evaporator (indoor), the fan, and part of the heat exchanger in a single block. It draws air from the room, filters it, and then cools or heats it depending on the season.
Model (consistent, not visually identified)
No model number is legible in the photo. We therefore stick with a realistic and cautious designation: PTAC unit PTAC “condo – recent generation” (residential format, top air outlet).
Why a PTAC cleaning is essential in a Montreal condo
Even when the device is "working", a dirty PTAC can cause:
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Reduced airflow (grille and filters clogged with dust)
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Odors at start-up (biofilm, residual moisture, condensation tray)
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Increased noise (turbine/wheel unbalanced by deposits)
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Condensation and risk of mold if the drainage is partially blocked
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Excessive energy consumption : the appliance is working hard to maintain the temperature
In a condo in Ville-Marie , where summer air conditioning and heating are alternated in the shoulder seasons, these symptoms often appear faster than one would think.
Useful visual details for diagnosis (what the photo tells us)
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Unit under window , typical PTAC/VTAC
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Front grille (air intake/exhaust): area that collects dust and lint
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Top air outlet : sensitive to obstructions (curtains, furniture too close)
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Finished interior environment (wooden floor): cleaning required with protective measures and control of runoff.
Our AirGreen method: complete and safe cleaning (interior + performance)
1) Preparation and protection of the area
Before opening the unit, we systematically protect:
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the floor (film + absorbent mat)
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the base of the device and the adjacent walls
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Keep nearby surfaces (curtains, furniture) dry to avoid any contact with moisture or products
Objective: a clean worksite, without splashes, and immediate return to service.
2) Dismantling of the facade and inspection
We remove the facade and carry out a quick inspection:
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filter status
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accumulation on coils (evaporator)
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state of the condensation tray
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presence of deposits on the turbine/fan wheel
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checking drainage and points likely to retain water
3) Cleaning the filters (key step)
On a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), the filters form the first barrier. We:
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remove the filters
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Let's vacuum up the dry particles.
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wash and degrease as needed
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Rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Result: better airflow , less engine effort, better perceived air quality.
4) Cleaning the coil and fins
The internal coil accumulates fine dust and a greasy film (from cooking, textiles, and urban air). We apply a controlled method:
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gentle brushing / suction
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suitable cleaning product (without damaging the fins)
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controlled rinsing and water collection in the tank
Purpose: to restore heat exchange and prevent odors associated with damp deposits.
5) Condensation tray + drainage: odor and humidity prevention
This is often the source of unpleasant odors at startup. We:
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let's clean the bin
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Let's eliminate deposits and biofilm
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Let's validate the condensate flow/management
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Disinfect if necessary (a reasonable approach, without excess)
6) Turbine/ventilation: noise reduction and improved air distribution
When the wheel is loaded, the unit becomes noisier and pushes less air. We perform:
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dust removal and turbine cleaning
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rotation control and visual balancing
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reassemble cleanly, without forcing the parts
7) Reassembly and functional testing
Once the unit is closed, we test:
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Air conditioning and heating modes (subject to availability)
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blowing temperature
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airflow and noise
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stability of controls
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absence of vibration and abnormal flow
Simple recommendations for the client (to maintain the result for a long time)
In a condo with curtains near the unit, we recommend:
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maintain a minimum clearance in front and above (ideally 15–30 cm )
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clean/vacuum the front grille regularly
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Perform a complete maintenance at least once a year (or twice if used intensively).
What this cleaning actually changes
After a thorough interview, we generally observe:
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air more frank and more constant
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Less odor at startup
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quieter operation
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better temperature stability
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reduction of the risk of problematic condensation
This is exactly the type of intervention that extends the life of a GVWR and improves everyday comfort—without costly replacement.