In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , many family homes (duplexes, triplexes, condos) have wall-mounted heat pumps working hard: providing air conditioning in the summer and supplemental (or primary) heating for much of the year. In this context, professional cleaning isn't a luxury; it's essential maintenance that protects air quality , reduces odors, and helps the unit maintain its efficiency.
The photo provided clearly shows the open indoor unit: direct access to the filter area and the coil (evaporator) . This is typically the stage where you move from a "quick home cleaning" to a more thorough, methodical cleaning that also includes the drip tray, drain, and fan.
At AirGreen , we carry out this type of Gree wall-mounted heat pump cleaning in a structured manner, with surface protection and checks at the end of the intervention, so that the device leaves clean, stable and without unpleasant surprises.
The existing system: Gree wall-mounted heat pump (indoor unit)
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Machine type: Wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split / wall unit)
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Brand: Gree (brand name provided manually, used as a reference)
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Model: not legible in the photo; we remain consistent with a Gree residential range wall unit (e.g., the “cold-climate” series common in Montreal), without over-specifying.
Even when the exact model is not visible, the cleaning logic remains the same: the performance of a wall-mounted unit depends mainly on the cleanliness of the filters , the coil , the turbine , and the water management at the condensation tray and drain .
Why a thorough cleaning is essential in Rosemont (and throughout Montreal)
A wall-mounted heat pump draws in a large volume of indoor air. Over time, it accumulates:
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Fine dust (very common in urban areas),
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textile fibres (bedding, curtains),
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animal hair,
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kitchen particles
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humidity, which can promote odors and contamination of the litter box.
As a result, the machine may blow less forcefully, create less pleasant air, and consume more energy to achieve the same level of comfort. A thorough cleaning allows you to:
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improve air quality and reduce odors,
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stabilize the airflow (more regular ventilation),
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reduce noise related to turbine fouling,
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to limit the risks of overflow or blockage of the drain ,
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protect heating efficiency (important in Quebec winters).
What the image tells us: areas to be treated as a priority
The photo shows the unit open, with the filtration area and heat exchanger visible. Traces of dust are also noticeable in the upper internal areas, typical of a unit that has been used for a season (or more) without thorough cleaning.
In this context, effective cleaning must go beyond simply rinsing filters. We are targeting:
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Filters (dust removal + washing)
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Coil/heat exchanger (cleaning the fins without damaging them)
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Turbine / ventilation wheel (often the source of odors)
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Condensation tray (biofilm, deposits)
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Drain (flow, backflow prevention)
Our AirGreen method: complete cleaning, step by step
1) Site protection and safe access
Before cleaning, we protect the area (floor, wall, furniture). The goal is simple: to do a thorough job without splashing, without streaks, and without leaving residual moisture on the surfaces.
We then open the unit, remove the removable parts (filters, accessible covers) and prepare the area for the treatment of the coil and turbine.
2) Filter cleaning: first barrier, first impact
The filters trap some of the dust. When they become clogged, the machine doesn't breathe as well.
We generally proceed as follows:
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initial dust removal (gentle vacuuming),
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Wash in lukewarm water with a suitable cleaner.
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rinse thoroughly.
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Controlled drying before reinstallation.
A clean filter quickly improves airflow and reduces the load on the fan.
3) Cleaning the coil (evaporator) : restoring clean heat exchange
The coil is the component that exchanges heat with the indoor air. When it becomes clogged (dust + humidity), air circulates less efficiently through the fins, and the exchange becomes less effective.
We use an approach that respects the fins:
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application of a coil cleaning product (suitable for wall-mounted units),
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gentle mechanical action as needed (very light brushing, in the direction of the fins),
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Visual inspection of the most heavily loaded areas,
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wiping and reconditioning.
The goal is not to "soak everything", but to remove deposits that impede air circulation and heat exchange.
4) Turbine cleaning: the heart of comfort (and often of odors)
On wall-mounted units, the turbine (longitudinal ventilation wheel) can accumulate a mixture of dust and moisture which creates:
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odors upon startup
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noise,
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particle projection
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decreased ventilation.
We proceed with our own method:
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installation of protection systems / runoff recovery,
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targeted turbine cleaning (deposit removal),
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Controlled rinsing if required.
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Light disinfection when appropriate.
This is a step that really changes the feeling of air: more “neutral”, more stable, and often quieter.
5) Condensation tray and drain : preventing surprises
The tray collects the water from the dehumidification process. Over time, a biofilm can form. If the drain becomes clogged, the following may occur:
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abnormal discharges,
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excesses,
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persistent odors,
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humidity around the unit.
Our intervention includes:
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cleaning the condensation tray ,
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flow check,
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Drain purging/flushing when necessary
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verification that the water is draining properly.
This part is essential, especially in homes where the device is used intensively in the summer (high dehumidification).
6) Reassembly, testing and adjustments
Once the cleaning is complete, we:
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Let's put the filters and components back in place.
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Let's check that the shutters operate freely.
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Let's turn the machine back on.
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Let's test the air conditioning/heating mode according to the season.
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Let's validate the airflow and operational stability.
We also check simple but important points:
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consistent blowing temperatures,
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absence of abnormal vibrations,
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absence of odor upon restart (or marked improvement after a few minutes).
Expected results after cleaning a Gree wall-mounted heat pump
After a thorough cleaning, the following is generally observed:
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a more constant breathing pattern (better circulation),
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less dust resuspended
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a reduction in odors related to humidity,
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comfort that is more quickly achieved
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a machine that exerts less force (therefore more stable and often less noisy).
This is particularly appreciated in a neighbourhood like Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , where many residents use their mural year-round — sometimes as their main source of comfort, sometimes as a complement.
How often should a Gree mural be cleaned in Montreal?
Without being dramatic, here is a realistic approach:
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Filters: every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of intensive use (more often if pets are present).
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Complete cleaning (coil, turbine, tank, drain): 1 time per year (often ideal in spring) — or 2 times per year if very intensive use, allergies, animals, or recurring odors.
Proper maintenance is also a concrete way to extend the lifespan of the heat pump.
Conclusion: a clean, useful, and measurable interview
On this Gree wall unit, access to the filter block and coil (visible in the photo) confirms a classic scenario: the machine is working, but it clearly benefits from a complete cleaning to start again on a healthy basis.
At AirGreen, we prioritize cleaning that addresses the root causes of discomfort: filters , coils , turbines , condensate trays , and drains , with protection of the home and testing at the end of the service. This is what makes the difference between "it looks clean" and "it works better, and the air is more pleasant."