A complete maintenance of an HVAC unit exposed to the elements
At AirGreen , we recently performed a thorough cleaning of a rooftop HVAC system in a commercial building located in Lachine , on the Island of Montreal. This unit, exposed to outdoor conditions for several years, showed signs of rust, a significant accumulation of dust and debris , as well as clogging of the coils and internal filters .
Our mission: to restore the device's performance, improve airflow, and prevent premature failure of the compressor and main fan.
Initial state of the machine
Upon arriving on the roof, we observed:
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A carcass oxidized by time and humidity;
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Condenser fins partially obstructed by dust and plant debris;
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Saturated internal filters , reducing airflow;
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Intermittent breakdowns reported by the customer, related to overheating of the device.
This type of situation is common for rooftop units in urban environments: pollution, dust and temperature variations promote a rapid accumulation of dirt, compromising the energy efficiency and durability of the system.
Steps in professional cleaning
1. Securing and dismantling
Before any intervention, we disconnected the power supply and removed the access panels to inspect the internal components. A visual inspection of the wiring and electrical connections confirmed the absence of major damage.
2. Mechanical dust removal
Using an industrial compressed air blower , we removed the accumulated dust from the coils, fans, and electrical components. This step is crucial to prevent the risk of short circuits or overheating.
3. Cleaning the coils and fins
The condenser coils were carefully cleaned with an environmentally friendly degreasing product , applied at low pressure to dissolve grease without damaging the fins.
A rinse with clean water then removed the contaminants, restoring optimal air circulation.
4. Fan and filter maintenance
We disassembled the main fan , cleaned the blades, and checked the balance. The air filters were washed and disinfected , then dried before reinstallation. In some cases, replacement is recommended, but here cleaning was sufficient.
5. Checking the drain and condensate
The condensation drain showed a slight blockage caused by deposits. We cleared the line using a pressure washer and tested the flow to prevent any future leaks inside the building.
6. Final check and restart
Once the cleaning was complete, the unit was restarted for a full performance test. We noted the following:
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A significant decrease in discharge temperature ;
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An improvement in airflow ;
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Quieter and more stable operation .
Results and benefits for the client
Thanks to this intervention, the rooftop heat pump has been restored to working order.
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Its original energy efficiency ;
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Better regulation of the indoor temperature ;
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And above all, an estimated reduction in electricity consumption of nearly 15%.
The client, a commercial building manager, highlighted the immediate difference in comfort and noise level in the offices located below the area served by this unit.
Regular maintenance of rooftop HVAC systems: an imperative
Rooftop units are among the most heavily used HVAC systems. Without regular maintenance, dirt and corrosion accelerate the wear and tear of key components. Annual professional cleaning ensures:
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To avoid costly breakdowns ;
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To preserve the longevity of the compressor and the motor ;
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To maintain optimal energy efficiency ;
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And to guarantee the quality of the air circulated in workspaces.
AirGreen: your partner for sustainable maintenance
At AirGreen , we offer complete HVAC cleaning and maintenance services for all types of buildings — residential, commercial and industrial — in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore .
Our qualified technicians work rigorously, using biodegradable products and specialized tools that comply with manufacturers' guidelines.
A professional-grade cleaning like this not only improves the immediate performance of the device, but also protects your long-term investment.
At AirGreen, every intervention is a promise of reliability, safety and energy efficiency .