In a residential building in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , we were called in to perform a complete cleaning of a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump (indoor wall unit). The unit was installed very high, just above a door frame, a common configuration in Montreal: convenient for freeing up floor space, but demanding for maintenance, as dust and moisture end up accumulating in less accessible areas (condensate tray, turbine, heat exchanger).
Our goal at AirGreen is simple: restore airflow , improve air quality , eliminate lingering odors , and return the unit to a stable operating state for the season (air conditioning in summer, supplementary or primary heating in winter).
The machine: Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump (residential range, mini-split type)
Although the exact model isn't visible in the photo, the unit corresponds to the standard size of a Fujitsu wall-mounted unit (mini-split). In this type of installation, performance depends heavily on the cleanliness of three zones:
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The filters (first barrier to dust)
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The coil/evaporator (heat exchange)
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The turbine (blower wheel) and the condensation tray (odors, humidity, biofilm)
A “quick” maintenance of the filters helps, but a deep cleaning is often necessary as soon as there is a drop in flow rate, musty smell, persistent humidity, or unusual noise.
What the photo tells us: useful clues before starting
In this specific case, several visual elements guide our approach:
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Unit installed above a door , near the ceiling: limited access and risk of splashing if cleaning is not properly protected.
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Painted wall with some cracks/touch-ups : surfaces are protected more, as moisture and products can leave marks.
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Bright display on the front: presence of sensitive electronics → methodical cleaning, without excess water in the wrong place.
Typical symptoms that lead to this type of cleaning
The most frequent requests for a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump in this residential context are:
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Lower airflow , even at high power
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Musty or "sour" smell at startup
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Less efficient cooling or heating
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Noises (fouled turbine, imbalance, sticky deposit)
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Appearance of irritants: fine dust, respiratory discomfort, allergies
In most cases, the culprit is not the machine itself, but the accumulation of dust and moisture which creates a biofilm inside.
Our AirGreen method: complete cleaning, step by step
1) Preparation and protection of the premises (essential above a door)
First and foremost, we secure the area:
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Power outage (remote control + circuit breaker if required)
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Protection of the door frame, wall, floor and nearby surfaces
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Installation of a wash bag (cleaning bag) to channel the dirty water
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Quick check of general condition: fastening, vibrations, alignment, drainage
This step makes the difference between a professional cleaning and a risky "rinse".
2) Opening the front panel and removing the filters
Remove the filters, then proceed to:
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Initial dusting
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Wash in lukewarm water (without harsh chemicals)
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Complete drying (important: replacing a damp filter will cause odors and mold)
Important point: filters that look “not that dirty” can still be clogged with fine dust, especially in urban environments.
3) Cleaning the coil (evaporator): where performance is gained
The coil is the heat exchange zone. If it is clogged:
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the machine force,
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Consumption is increasing.
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The air coming out is less cold/less hot.
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and the moisture clings.
We apply a suitable cleaner (controlled foam), then:
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Gentle brushing if necessary
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controlled rinsing via the cover
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visual inspection of the fins (without bending them)
Expected result: better heat transfer and return of airflow .
4) Cleaning the turbine (blower wheel): the number 1 source of odors
The turbine often accumulates a sticky, blackish deposit (dust + cooking grease + moisture). This is precisely what causes:
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odor upon startup
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“heavy” air
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sometimes micro-projections.
We clean the turbine meticulously:
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detachment of the deposit
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gradual and controlled rinsing
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Manual rotation to reach the blades
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Wiping/finishing to limit residual moisture
When this step is done correctly, the improvement is immediate: more neutral air , fewer odors , more stable airflow .
5) Condensation tray and drain: prevention of overflows and mold
A wall-mounted heat pump produces condensation during air conditioning. If the drip tray and drain become clogged:
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bad smells,
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insufficient drainage,
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risk of leakage.
We proceed to:
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Cleaning the tank (biofilm, deposits)
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targeted disinfection if necessary
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flow check
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Rinse/flush the drain to ensure free flow
This is also a crucial step to avoid emergency calls during a heatwave.
6) Recommissioning and operational checks
Once the unit has been cleaned and reassembled, we proceed to:
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restarts in ventilation mode, then switches to air conditioning/heating depending on the season
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flow rate and shutter check
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validation of condensation flow
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noise/vibration control
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verification of overall stability (consistent blowing temperature, mode response)
The idea is not just to “clean” it, but to put the machine back into real operating condition .
What the customer gains after a good cleaning
On this type of Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump, a complete cleaning generally provides:
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Cleaner and more neutral air (fewer odors)
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Airflow restored
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Better energy efficiency
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Less noise (cleaner turbine = more balanced rotation)
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Reduced risk of mold and leaks
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More stable comfort, summer and winter
This is particularly relevant in Montreal where the machine works hard: summer humidity + periods of extreme cold where every BTU counts.
How often should cleaning be planned?
For normal residential use:
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Filters: ideally every 3 to 6 weeks during periods of heavy use (summer/winter)
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Complete professional cleaning: on average once a year , sometimes twice if:
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animals,
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kitchen that is used very much
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allergies,
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dusty environment,
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recurring odors.
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Regular maintenance prolongs lifespan and reduces avoidable breakdowns.
DIY cleaning vs. professional cleaning: where to draw the line?
The owner can clean the filters (carefully). But as soon as we talk about:
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turbine,
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condensation tray
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serpentine,
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disinfection,
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drain,
… professional cleaning avoids common mistakes: excess water on electronics, unsuitable products, damaged fins, poorly rinsed drain, residual moisture.
AirGreen in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: a clean, controlled, mess-free cleaning
In this apartment, the position above the door required maximum protection and very controlled cleaning. This is exactly the kind of situation where experience makes all the difference: the place is left clean, the machine is clean, and the customer leaves with a device that's in top condition.
If you are in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the South Shore or the North Shore , our team intervenes for the cleaning of wall-mounted heat pumps and the complete maintenance of residential HVAC, with a safe method adapted to each configuration.