Essential group maintenance for a multi-unit building
At AirGreen , we recently performed a thorough cleaning of several Goldstar wall-mounted heat pumps installed on the flat roof of a building in Boisbriand , on Montreal's North Shore. These units, exposed for several seasons, had accumulated a significant amount of dust and fine particles due to the ambient air, roof gravel, and the typical climatic variations of the area.
The client, the building manager, had noticed a gradual decrease in energy efficiency and increased operating noise coming from some of the outdoor units. He was concerned that these signs indicated premature wear of the compressors.
Inspection and findings prior to intervention
Our technicians conducted a complete inspection of the facilities. Here are the main problems identified:
-
Dirty ventilation grilles and fins obstructed by dust and gravel;
-
Fans covered in dirt and oily deposits , reducing airflow;
-
Traces of surface corrosion on some screws and fixings;
-
Accumulation of debris between the wooden supports and the units, potentially hindering lower ventilation;
-
And on two devices, a condensation drain was partially blocked .
These conditions are typical of heat pumps installed on flat, stony roofs: fine dust blown by the wind gets into the fins and gradually compromises heat exchange.
Detailed cleaning steps
1. Securing and disconnecting
Before any work began, we disconnected the power to each unit and secured the work area with temporary barriers. The AirGreen protocol always requires a complete check of all wiring and connections before cleaning.
2. Pre-cleaning with compressed air
Compressed air was used to blow out each unit to remove surface dust without dismantling the panels. This method prevents particles from penetrating further into the fins during wet cleaning.
3. Application of the biodegradable cleaner
We then applied an environmentally friendly degreasing product based on neutral agents , which is non-corrosive to metal surfaces. This treatment dissolves organic and oily deposits while respecting the anti-corrosion coatings of Goldstar appliances.
4. Controlled pressure rinsing
A gentle jet of soft water at medium pressure was used to remove the dirt without bending the aluminum fins. The water was directed from top to bottom to prevent any backflow into the electrical boxes. This step revealed the original whiteness of the grilles and cleared the entire ventilation system.
5. Cleaning of drains and supports
The condensation drains were checked and flushed to prevent water backflow. We also cleaned and repositioned the wooden supports , removing accumulated debris between the crossbeams to improve airflow under the units.
6. Disinfection and final drying
After rinsing, each heat pump received an antibacterial and antifungal treatment to prevent mold growth in damp areas. Once the units were dry, the electrical connections were reconnected and the systems tested.
Results observed after intervention
Upon restarting, the Goldstar heat pumps demonstrated:
-
A significant reduction in operating noise ;
-
Increased airflow to the condenser;
-
Occupants reported improved stability of indoor temperature ;
-
And above all, reduced electricity consumption according to the current readings of the manager.
These results confirm the importance of regular preventive maintenance on rooftop HVAC systems , particularly in multi-unit buildings where each unit contributes to collective comfort.
Why a collective interview on a flat roof is crucial
Flat gravel roofs present particular challenges:
-
Dust and stone particles seep into the devices with every gust of wind;
-
Direct exposure to sunlight and weathering accelerates corrosion;
-
And freeze-thaw cycles weaken the supports and fixings.
Annual group maintenance optimizes the entire HVAC system, standardizes energy performance, and prevents cascading breakdowns. AirGreen coordinates these interventions in a planned manner to minimize downtime and ensure a rapid return to service.
AirGreen's expertise: performance, safety and sustainability
Our specialized technicians work according to a strict protocol including:
-
The use of calibrated pressure tools to avoid damaging the fins;
-
Certified eco-friendly cleaning products ;
-
A complete preventative inspection after each cleaning;
-
And the submission of a performance report to the manager at the end of the intervention.
Thanks to this approach, we ensure our customers prolonged efficiency of their HVAC systems , cleaner indoor air , and a significant reduction in long-term maintenance costs .
Conclusion
This cleaning of several Goldstar wall-mounted heat pumps in Boisbriand demonstrates how well-planned maintenance on a flat roof can restore power, quiet operation, and longevity to an aging HVAC system. At AirGreen , we make every maintenance operation a precision operation, dedicated to the lasting comfort of occupants and the energy performance of buildings in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and on the North and South Shores.