In an apartment in Ville-Marie , we carried out a deep cleaning of a Tosot wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split type indoor unit). The objective was clear: to eliminate the deposits that accumulate over time (dust, biofilm, grease particles), reduce the risk of odors, and restore the machine to its optimal performance level, both for cooling and heating.
The photo shows a typical element of a professional cleaning job well done: a sealed cleaning bag fitted around the inner head, with a drain hose leading down to a collection point. This is precisely what allows for thorough cleaning without splashing or damaging the wall, floor, or furniture.
A Tosot wall-mounted heat pump : efficient… provided it's clean
Tosot wall-mounted units are designed to provide good comfort, with stable modulation and impressive performance in Quebec conditions. However, like all wall-mounted heat pumps, they move a lot of air… and everything in the air eventually settles inside.
-
fine dust (and sometimes very black in urban areas)
-
plush and textile fibers
-
cooking particles
-
humidity that promotes biofilm growth in the condensation tray
-
deposits on the coil and in the turbine
Result: decreased efficiency, less pleasant air, increased noise, odors when stopped or started, and sometimes even water leakage if the drainage becomes clogged.
What can be deduced from the intervention (based on the visual)
In this type of dwelling (light-colored walls, simple finish, typical interior space of a central condo/apartment), we chose Ville-Marie as our service area. The visible equipment corresponds to an interior wall cleaning, with the installation of complete protective measures.
-
cleaning bag (blue cover) fits perfectly around the unit
-
drainage funnel/collar under the unit
-
drain hose directed downwards to collect the rinse water
-
presence of a ladder (stable access, safe working conditions, good washing angle)
This is a setup that is used when you want to do serious maintenance, not just “rinse a filter”.
Our AirGreen method: a complete, step-by-step cleaning
1) Protecting surfaces and installing the wash bag
First and foremost, we are securing the environment:
-
floor and wall protection as needed
-
checking the condition of the unit (noise, flow, odors, perceived performance)
-
installation of the waterproof wash bag around the wall-mounted head
-
Installation of the drainage pipe to remove dirty water in a controlled manner
This step is crucial: it is what allows the coil and internal components to be washed without damage.
2) Cleaning of filters and air inlets
The filters trap some of the particles, but they quickly become saturated in the city. We proceed to:
-
filter removal
-
Wash/rinse appropriately (without deforming them)
-
cleaning of grilles and suction areas
-
repositioning after drying/inspection
Clogged filters reduce airflow, which puts strain on the machine and increases fuel consumption.
3) Cleaning the coil (evaporator) : where performance is determined
The coil is at the heart of the heat exchange. When clogged, it transfers heat/cold less efficiently. We perform the following:
-
application of an appropriate cleaning product (depending on the condition and deposits)
-
Controlled rinsing in the wash bag
-
visual check for uniformity (areas still “stuck”, persistent deposits)
This is often where a good part of the lost yield is recovered.
4) Condensation tray + drainage: prevents leaks and odors
A wall-mounted heat pump naturally produces condensation in cooling mode (and sometimes during transitions). If the drip tray and drain become contaminated:
-
musty smells
-
water backing up
-
draining to the wall or onto the floor
We clean and sanitize:
-
the condensation tray
-
internal flow channels
-
the drain outlet (and the general slope if accessible/relevant)
5) Turbine/blower wheel: to reduce noise, dust and odors
The turbine often accumulates a film of dust and particles which eventually:
-
reduce airflow
-
create a lasting scent
-
increase noise (imbalance, turbulence)
Depending on the accessibility of the Tosot model and the observed condition, we proceed with a meticulous cleaning to restore the turbine to optimal condition, without projecting dirt into the room.
6) Targeted disinfection and return to service
When relevant (odor, biofilm, humid environment), we add controlled disinfection of key internal surfaces, then:
-
reassembly/final inspection
-
Functional test (cooling/ventilation mode, then heating if necessary)
-
condensation flow check
-
noise and airflow control
Why this cleaning is truly changing the comfort level in Ville-Marie
In urban areas, the particle load is often higher (fine dust, traffic, construction sites, etc.). After a thorough cleaning, the benefits are generally immediate:
-
Cleaner air blown, crisper feeling of freshness
-
reduction of odors during start-up and shutdown
-
improved temperature stability (fewer "forced" cycles)
-
reduction in noise related to obstructed airflow
-
improved energy efficiency (especially with air conditioning in the summer)
And in winter, a clean indoor unit also helps: when the airflow is optimal and the heat exchange is efficient, the heat pump works less hard to reach the setpoint, which is felt in the comfort… and often in the bill.
How often should a Tosot wall-mounted heat pump be cleaned?
Without being dramatic, we very often see a clear difference with these benchmarks:
-
Filters : ideally every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of intensive use (summer/winter)
-
Complete cleaning (coil, tank, turbine, drainage): generally once a year , sometimes twice if:
-
very urban/dusty housing
-
animals, heavy occupation, frequent cooking
-
history of odors or discharge
-
Conclusion: a “clean” interview in the literal sense… and in the technical sense
This intervention in Ville-Marie illustrates exactly what we aim for at AirGreen: a structured, safe, and truly useful cleaning, thanks to a professional method (wash bag, controlled rinsing, coil cleaning, drainage, turbine, recommissioning).
A well-maintained Tosot wall-mounted heat pump means more comfort, fewer worries, and a machine that lasts longer.