Winter leaves behind invisible yet critical damage to heat pump systems installed throughout Quebec. Every spring, at AirGreen, we observe an alarming statistic: nearly 80% of heat pump installations require a full inspection or deep cleaning after the cold season. This number raises a key question for homeowners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore: what exactly happens to their heat pump during winter?
Why do heat pumps take such a hit during Quebec winters?
Even the best heat pump models, whether wall-mounted or central, such as Fujitsu, Gree, Goodman, or Bosch, are not immune to winter’s cumulative effects: ice buildup, dust, salt residue, organic debris, and clogged drains. These elements compromise not only energy performance, but also the system’s long-term durability.
The impact of a Quebec winter on a poorly maintained heat pump
An uncleaned heat pump post-winter can quickly:
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Consume up to 30% more energy.
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Dramatically reduce its heating/cooling capacity.
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Suffer from premature compressor wear.
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Develop refrigerant leaks due to freeze/thaw cycles.
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Accumulate mold in the coil, affecting indoor air quality.
Case Study: AirGreen intervention in Rosemère, North Shore
Early this spring, our team was called in for reduced performance on a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump. The unit, installed on a north-facing wall, had gone through the winter without maintenance. The result: the outdoor fan was clogged with wet leaves and dust, blocking proper heat exchange.
Our certified technicians carried out:
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A complete disassembly of the outdoor unit.
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High-pressure cleaning with biodegradable products.
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Antibacterial treatment of the indoor unit.
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Recalibration of airflow.
Outcome: 40% immediate improvement in system performance, and reduced electricity consumption observed within the following month.
Why do 80% of installations need to be rechecked? Technical explanation
The majority of installations we inspect in spring reveal one or more of the following issues:
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Clogged air filters, restricting proper ventilation.
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Condenser fins bent or blocked by melted snow or calcium buildup.
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Frozen or clogged condensation drain, causing indoor leaks.
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Faulty temperature sensors, disrupting thermal regulation.
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Mold buildup inside the indoor coil, harmful to respiratory health.
Even brand-new installations done to code are not safe without regular professional HVAC maintenance.
What’s included in AirGreen’s heat pump cleaning service?
Our comprehensive heat pump cleaning service always includes:
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Full inspection of both indoor and outdoor units.
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Coil cleaning with hot steam and enzymatic products.
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Antibacterial and antifungal decontamination.
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Refrigerant pressure checks.
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Electrical inspection of the motherboard and sensors.
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Airflow recalibration.
Each job is documented with photos, and a detailed report is provided to the customer, including custom recommendations.
Common homeowner mistakes to avoid
We often meet clients who:
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Think cleaning the filters is enough.
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Use household cleaners that damage the coil fins.
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Skip any inspection after winter, thinking the system is “automatic”.
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Delay maintenance until early summer, when the heat is already intense, which slows down scheduling.
At AirGreen, we emphasize: the best time for a deep cleaning is between March and May.
Why trust AirGreen for your HVAC maintenance?
With over 3,000 HVAC installations completed across Greater Montréal, we’ve built our reputation on:
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Technical precision, meeting the highest standards.
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Fast response times, even during peak seasons.
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Hands-on experience, allowing us to anticipate issues.
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Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees.
Every AirGreen technician is trained to spot invisible issues, optimize system settings, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
A proactive approach: prevention is better than repair
A well-maintained heat pump:
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Lasts up to twice as long.
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Maintains optimal indoor air quality.
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Helps avoid costly emergency service calls.
It’s a smart investment, especially if you benefited from a LogisVert grant or other rebate programs: equipment functionality is often required to maintain eligibility for government support.
Areas we serve: we cover it all
Our HVAC cleaning services are available throughout the Greater Montréal area:
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Montréal (all boroughs)
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Laval (Chomedey, Fabreville, Laval-des-Rapides…)
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Longueuil (Saint-Hubert, Vieux-Longueuil…)
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North Shore (Terrebonne, Blainville, Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache…)
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South Shore (Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Sainte-Julie, La Prairie…)
Ready for spring? Don’t let your heat pump suffer in silence
Your comfort is our priority. At AirGreen, we treat every heat pump as if it were our own. Preventive maintenance done now means energy savings, peace of mind, and a worry-free summer season.
Call us today to book your heat pump cleaning, or fill out our online form for a fast quote.