Maintaining performance in the middle of winter
At AirGreen , we operate year-round, even in the depths of winter, to ensure the proper functioning of heating and air conditioning systems. On this particular day, our team traveled to Saint-Bruno , on Montreal's South Shore, to perform a complete cleaning of an outdoor central heat pump that was covered in snow and showing signs of clogging and reduced performance.
The homeowner had noticed that his heat pump was making an unusual noise and that the indoor temperature seemed less stable . These symptoms are typical of an outdoor unit obstructed by snow, dust, and dirt accumulated on the condenser and refrigerant lines.
Diagnosis: A device stifled by winter conditions
Our technicians first carried out a complete inspection of the system. The findings were clear:
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A thick accumulation of snow and ice around the base of the compressor, limiting airflow.
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Heat exchanger fins partially blocked by dirt and frost.
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A deteriorated insulating sheath , exposing the pipes to the cold.
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Ventilation is hampered by the proximity of the brick wall, preventing air from circulating effectively.
This situation compromised the automatic defrosting performance and significantly increased the appliance's power consumption .
AirGreen intervention: defrosting, cleaning and leveling
The intervention took place in several stages, with particular attention paid to the safety and protection of the system:
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Power cut off and safe clearing of the snow-covered area.
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Gentle defrosting with pulsed hot air, without water, so as not to damage the electrical components.
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Vacuuming and mechanical cleaning of the condenser fins using an anti-static brush.
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Application of a biodegradable, pH-neutral cleaner , specially designed for outdoor HVAC systems, to remove greasy and dusty deposits.
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Controlled low-pressure rinsing to remove micro-debris.
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Checking the refrigeration insulation and partially replacing the damaged duct.
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Inspection of automatic defrosting and performance testing under real load.
The result: a heat pump ready to face winter
After cleaning and testing, the results were immediate:
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Airflow has been restored to 100%.
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The defrosting cycle now runs without interruption.
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The abnormal noise has disappeared, a sign that the fan is properly balanced.
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The indoor temperature has stabilized, reducing energy demand by more than 20%.
The client noticed an improvement in thermal comfort and a reduction in heating time in the house the very next day.
Prevention: Avoid winter blockages
Many homeowners forget that a heat pump operates differently in winter. At AirGreen , we always emphasize the importance of:
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Clear the snow around the unit after each snowfall.
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Avoid installing the heat pump too close to a wall .
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Check the insulated pipes before the cold season.
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Plan for a professional cleaning at least once a year , ideally at the end of autumn.
These simple actions extend the life of the compressor and ensure consistent performance even in very cold weather.
AirGreen's expertise in winter maintenance
Our teams are trained to service all types of central heat pumps —residential or commercial. We use specialized tools designed for low temperatures, ensuring effective cleaning without the risk of freezing or water infiltration into electrical components.
By choosing AirGreen, you benefit from:
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With recognized expertise in Montreal, Laval, the North Shore and the South Shore .
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Of environmentally friendly and safe products .
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A preventative and transparent service , with detailed reports and personalized recommendations.
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Professional monitoring guaranteeing the performance of your installation throughout the year.
Conclusion
This central heat pump cleaning in Saint-Bruno demonstrates the importance of regular maintenance, especially during the winter months. At AirGreen , we believe that the long-term performance of an HVAC system depends on one thing: meticulous and professional maintenance.