A neglected outdoor heat pump regaining its full efficiency
At AirGreen , we are regularly called upon to service outdoor wall-mounted heat pumps whose maintenance has been postponed for several seasons. This was the case with this Lennox unit installed on the rear facade of a building in Sainte-Julie , on Montreal's South Shore. Exposed to the elements, dust, and urban debris, the unit showed clear signs of accumulated dirt and reduced efficiency .
Symptoms before the procedure
The customer had noticed:
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a decrease in airflow and air conditioning efficiency;
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a more pronounced noise coming from the outside fan;
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and slightly increased electricity consumption .
Upon examining the unit, we observed:
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heat exchanger fins clogged with dust and pollen;
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an obstructed grille , preventing adequate air circulation;
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and a light blackish deposit around the fan motor, a sign of an accumulation of urban soot and fine particles.
The deep cleaning process
Step 1 — Securing and dismantling
Before any work began, our technicians disconnected the heat pump's power supply and removed the top cover to access the evaporator and fan. This precaution prevents any risk of short circuits and allows for a thorough cleaning.
Step 2 — Degreasing and controlled pressure washing
We then applied a biodegradable cleaning product specifically designed for aluminum coils. This product dissolves grease, pollen, and dust without damaging the fins.
Using a low-pressure water jet , we gently rinsed the exchanger to restore airflow.
Step 3 — Cleaning the fan and the grille
The axial fan was carefully brushed and rinsed to remove the film of dirt.
The protective grid has been thoroughly washed and disinfected to prevent mold growth.
Step 4 — Checking the drain and restarting
Even though the drain on this unit was clean, we still checked its flow to prevent any risk of future blockage.
Once everything was reassembled, we carried out a full performance test : the Lennox heat pump was working again with a smooth and quiet airflow .
The results: restored performance, efficiency and comfort
After our intervention, the client immediately noticed:
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a noticeable improvement in airflow ;
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quieter fan operation ;
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and a more stable indoor temperature .
Thanks to this complete cleaning, the heat pump has regained almost 20% more energy efficiency , while reducing the risk of failure due to compressor overheating.
Why is it important to regularly maintain your outdoor heat pump?
An outdoor unit, especially one exposed to sun and dust, requires a thorough cleaning at least once a year . This allows for:
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to ensure optimal air circulation ;
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to extend the compressor's lifespan ;
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and to preserve indoor air quality , by avoiding the recirculation of stale air or air laden with particles.
At AirGreen, we use safe, environmentally friendly methods that comply with the recommendations of manufacturers such as Lennox, Fujitsu or Gree.
Our RBQ certified technicians travel to Sainte-Julie, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore to offer a complete cleaning, washing and maintenance service for HVAC systems .
AirGreen: your partner for sustainable HVAC maintenance
Entrusting the cleaning of your heat pump to AirGreen means choosing a rigorous, well-equipped team passionate about the performance of heating and air conditioning systems.
We pay attention to every detail to guarantee cleaner air, consistent comfort and maximum energy efficiency all year round.