Restoration of a clogged central air conditioning unit in a condominium building
At AirGreen , we were recently called to a residential building in Montreal's Saint-Laurent district to perform a complete cleaning of a ThermoPlus HVAC system installed in a ceiling-mounted technical space. The client had noticed a decrease in heating performance and an unpleasant odor coming from the ducts, typical signs of a lack of regular maintenance.
Diagnosis: dust accumulation and risk of overheating
Upon inspection, we observed that the main filter of the indoor unit was heavily clogged with dust . This accumulation had also begun to foul the heat exchanger fins. This type of fouling significantly reduces airflow, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and premature wear of the ventilation motor.
Furthermore, the insulating foam around the duct showed signs of moisture and crumbling, indicating possible infiltration of humid air. Without prompt intervention, these conditions could have led to mold growth within the system.
Intervention: complete cleaning and securing of the system
We undertook a thorough cleaning of the ThermoPlus module according to our AirGreen protocol, respecting the manufacturer's guidelines:
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Power outage and securing of the intervention perimeter.
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Partial disassembly of the front panel to access the filters, the replacement battery and the fan.
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Meticulous vacuuming of accumulated dust using an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
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Wash the filters with warm water and biodegradable detergent , followed by rinsing and complete drying.
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Clean the heat exchanger fins with a non-corrosive product specifically designed for aluminum surfaces.
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Disinfection of the drainage tank and checking of the condensate drain , often a source of bad odors.
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Inspection of insulation and sealing of joints using heat-resistant foam.
Each step was carried out with care to avoid any risk of damage to the unit, which is often difficult to access in this type of closed ceiling configuration.
Results: restored efficiency and purified air
After a thorough cleaning, we restarted the system. Airflow immediately increased , and temperature measurements confirmed optimized performance . The client noted the complete disappearance of the lingering odor within the first few hours.
We also took the time to explain to the owner the importance of regular maintenance of the HVAC system , including:
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Replace or clean the filters every 3 to 6 months;
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An annual professional inspection to check drains, waterproofing and electrical components;
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The benefits of preventative washing before the heating or air conditioning season.
AirGreen Expertise: Sustainable and Safe HVAC Maintenance
This type of intervention demonstrates the importance of using specialized technicians. A poorly cleaned system can not only lose up to 30% of its energy efficiency , but also compromise indoor air quality .
At AirGreen, we use only approved and environmentally friendly products, guaranteeing effective cleaning without harmful chemical residues. Our technicians are trained to work on all types of systems, whether wall-mounted heat pumps , ducted units , or central systems like this ThermoPlus .
In summary
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Location: Saint-Laurent, Montreal
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Equipment: ThermoPlus HVAC system (ducted indoor unit)
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Problems: Clogged filters and fins, partially blocked drain, unpleasant odor
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Actions performed: Partial dismantling, vacuuming, complete washing, disinfection, insulation inspection
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Result: Efficiency restored, air purified, comfort optimized
Thanks to a methodical intervention and our expertise, we restored this HVAC system to its full performance and ensured the client healthier indoor air for the seasons to come.