In many brick buildings in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, outdoor units are mounted on walls, often under a soffit (as in the photo). This is a very common and practical configuration… but it requires rigorous maintenance : the air circulates in a more confined space, dust quickly settles on the coil, and moisture can accumulate in the wrong place if the drainage isn't perfect.
Today, we're showcasing a complete cleaning performed by our AirGreen team on a WindAir wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split, residential Inverter series, exact model not legible on the outdoor unit). The goal: to restore heat exchange, stabilize performance, and prevent odors, premature corrosion, and excessive energy consumption.
What the installation teaches us (and why it matters for cleaning)
In the photo, several elements that guide the cleaning method are clearly visible:
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WindAir outdoor unit installed on an aluminum wall bracket
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A protective grille is present in front of the coil (anti-shock/anti-damage).
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Passing of refrigeration lines and wiring through the wall, with insulation and sealing foam around the penetration.
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Installation under the soffit (exterior ceiling): a more “enclosed” environment than a completely open wall
This combination is solid, but it creates two typical challenges:
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The coil can become loaded more quickly with urban dust/grease/pollen, especially when the air circulates laterally.
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The bottom of the tank and the fan area can retain more moisture and particles, which promotes fouling and sometimes corrosion.
Why a WindAir heat pump needs to be cleaned regularly
Even a recently built wall-mounted heat pump loses efficiency when key components are clogged. And it's not just a matter of "cleanliness":
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A dirty external coil = reduced heat exchange → longer cycles → higher electricity consumption
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A dusty fan = reduced airflow → noise, vibrations, mechanical fatigue
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Neglected drainage = stagnant moisture → odors , risk of mold (especially on the interior side)
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Electrical connections exposed to moisture = intermittent problems, errors, difficult starts
In short: a good cleaning ensures performance both in air conditioning in the summer and in heating during seasonal transitions (and, in Quebec, that comes around quickly).
Our AirGreen protocol: complete cleaning, without compromise
1) Initial inspection and securing
Before touching anything, we conduct a quick but structured inspection:
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Visual condition of the coil and fins (deformation, stuck dust, traces of oxidation)
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Checking the clearance around the unit (important under the soffit)
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Wall mount checks: stability, anchor points, level, vibrations
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Wall penetration check: insulation, sealing, absence of crushing
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Safe power shutdown (standard procedure)
This step avoids two common mistakes: washing a fragile coil “too hard”, or cleaning without correcting a detail (mechanical play, vibration, poorly protected insulation) which will recreate the problem.
2) Cleaning the WindAir outdoor unit (coil + fan + tray)
a) Disassembly / access (depending on configuration)
The protective grid visible in the photo is useful, but it can also trap fine particles and restrict access to the coil. Depending on the level of soiling, we proceed to:
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partial removal of the grid (if necessary and possible),
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or meticulous cleaning through the grid, with appropriate tools.
b) Controlled dust removal
We always start with a controlled “dry” approach:
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gentle brushing (in the direction of the fins),
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targeted suction if the buildup is significant,
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clearing areas where dust accumulates (corners, bottom of the coil, areas near the tray).
c) Cleaning the coil (fin-friendly method)
The heart of the performance lies in the coil . We use:
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a biodegradable coil cleaner (suitable for heat exchangers),
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a rinse at moderate pressure (never aggressive),
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and special attention to the bottom of the coil, where deposits accumulate.
If some fins are slightly bent, we straighten them as needed to restore airflow.
d) Fan and base tray
Even if the coil is clean, a dusty fan can unbalance the unit. We clean:
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the fan blades,
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the lower tray (debris, fine deposits, moisture),
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areas where water can stagnate.
This is a very cost-effective step: it often reduces noise and helps to preserve mechanical parts.
3) Cleaning the indoor unit (even if it is not in the photo)
In a proper AirGreen maintenance, we don't just focus on the "exterior". A wall-mounted heat pump performs best when both sides are clean.
We generally proceed as follows:
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filter cleaning (washing + controlled drying),
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dusting and cleaning of the internal coil ,
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cleaning of the turbine (tangential wheel) if necessary,
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preventative odor control treatment when relevant (without unnecessarily over-treating),
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checking the condensation tray and the drain .
This is precisely what prevents "damp sock" smells and drops in airflow over the months.
4) Technical inspections and recommissioning
Once the cleaning is complete, we move on to the "reliability" section:
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Functionality check (start-up, stability, noise)
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Airflow control and load behavior
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Inspection of visible connections and general condition (without improvisation)
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Validation of clearances: under the soffit, it is confirmed that nothing obstructs the ventilation of the unit.
The goal is not just for it to be clean: it's for the system to run better , longer, without surprises.
Expected results after an AirGreen cleaning
After this type of cleaning on a wall-mounted WindAir unit , the most frequent improvements are:
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Improved efficiency (shorter cycles, stabilized temperature)
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Noise reduction (more balanced fan, reduced vibrations)
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Less odor and more pleasant indoor air
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Reduced risk of breakdowns related to fouling (overheating, protection issues, abnormal icing)
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Extended lifespan of components exposed to moisture and deposits
Simple tips to keep your WindAir in good condition (between visits)
While not a replacement for a full consultation, here's what really helps:
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Wash/vacuum the filters regularly (depending on usage and season)
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Keep the outdoor unit clear: no objects stuck to it, no plants too close.
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Avoid directing high-pressure water towards the coil.
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Watch for signs: decreased flow rate, persistent odor, abnormal noise, inconsistent performance
And if the unit is installed under a soffit or in a more enclosed passage (as here), it is even more important: the environment “retains” more fine dust.
Why entrust your cleaning to AirGreen in Montreal?
Effective cleaning is a combination of method and on-the-ground judgment: knowing what to disassemble, what to protect, how to rinse without bending the fins, and how to check drainage and behavior after restarting.
At AirGreen , we work every week in Montreal, Laval, the South Shore and the North Shore, on a wide variety of configurations (wall supports, balconies, side passages, roofs, interior courtyards). Our approach remains the same: clean, measured, comprehensive , and performance-oriented.