In a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie apartment, a wall-mounted heat pump works hard for much of the year, providing air conditioning in the summer and heating in the colder months. Over time, fine dust, textile particles, pollen, and humidity accumulate inside the unit. The result: reduced airflow, odors, decreased efficiency, and sometimes, increased turbine noise.
The provided photo clearly shows a wall-mounted unit (mini-split) with its top cover raised , access to the electrical compartment on the right , and the suction area open, indicating a deep cleaning procedure. The brand to be used is Gree (provided manually), and we are using it as is.
System type and model selected
-
Machine type: Wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split / wall unit)
-
Brand: Gree
-
Model: not legible in the photo. We therefore maintain a consistent and cautious identification: Gree wall-mounted heat pump (recent residential series) , without assigning a precise, unverifiable number.
Why professional cleaning is particularly useful on a Gree mural
A wall-mounted heat pump functions like an indoor “lung”: it draws air from the room, passes it through filters, and then propels it through the heat exchanger and the fan. When the internal components become clogged, several factors combine:
-
Loss of airflow : the machine must run longer to reach the setpoint.
-
Less efficient heat exchange : the evaporator (coil) becomes covered with a film of dust which slows down the exchanges.
-
Humidity and biofilm : the condensation tray and humid areas can retain deposits and create odors.
-
Microparticles recirculated : even with filters, some of the particles lodge further away, particularly on the turbine.
In Montreal, with variations in humidity (summer) and prolonged heating (winter), periodic cleaning helps maintain stable performance and more consistent air quality.
What we observed at the opening of the unit
From the moment it was opened, the unit showed typical signs of a thorough cleaning:
-
Top cover raised : full opening to access the filters and suction area.
-
Visible internal area : visual access to the heat exchanger and the blowing duct.
-
Visible electrical compartment (right side) : a frequent step when you want to check the general condition, properly protect the electronic part and work cleanly around it.
Before any action, at AirGreen, we prioritize the protection of surfaces (walls, floors, nearby furniture) and the securing of work around electrical elements.
Our AirGreen method for a complete, clean and safe cleaning
1) Securing and preparing the area
-
Shut down the device and secure the power supply if necessary.
-
Surface protection : tarpaulins, wall and floor protectors, especially when the unit is near furniture or a screen.
-
A cleaning cover (depending on configuration) is put in place to channel the water and prevent splashing.
Objective: effective cleaning without damage, without wetting the wall and without leaving residue around.
2) Easy disassembly and access to critical components
On a Gree wall-mounted heat pump, the key elements to address are:
-
Filters (first barrier)
-
Coil/evaporator (heat exchange)
-
Condensation tray (drainage)
-
Turbine (ventilation wheel) (airflow and odor projections)
The photo shows the unit open, which is essential to reach these areas correctly.
3) Cleaning the filters
-
Initial dusting (dry) if necessary.
-
Washing the filters with lukewarm water using a method that preserves the mesh.
-
Proper drying before putting back in place, to avoid trapping unnecessary moisture.
Clean filters immediately improve airflow and reduce future buildup on the heat exchanger.
4) Treatment of the coil (evaporator)
-
Application of a foaming cleaner suitable for heat exchangers.
-
Controlled action time, then low-pressure rinsing , in order to dislodge dust and deposits without deforming the fins.
-
Visual inspection to confirm that air will circulate better through the exchanger.
When the coil is clean, the machine breathes better and recovers some of its efficiency.
5) Cleaning the condensation tray and drain
-
Cleaning the bin to remove deposits and reduce the risk of odors.
-
Drain check: flow, absence of obstruction, prevention of backflow.
-
If relevant, mild treatment to limit biofilm formation.
A partially blocked drain can cause dripping, odors, and persistent moisture in the unit.
6) Focus on the turbine and the blower duct
This area often explains it:
-
a persistent odor upon startup
-
a feeling of “less direct” flow,
-
a fine dust that quickly returns despite washed filters.
We carry out a methodical cleaning of the turbine and the blower duct , using an approach that minimizes splashing and collects residue. This is a crucial step in restoring cleaner air and smoother operation.
7) Protection and control of the electrical compartment
The photo shows the open right side, where sensitive components are located. Our rule is simple:
-
protect the components,
-
to work with methods compatible with an electrical environment,
-
check the general condition (fixings, cleanliness, absence of abnormal humidity).
8) Reassembly, testing and validation
Once the cleaning is complete:
-
Clean and aligned reassembly of the panels and filters.
-
Functional test : start-up, airflow, blowing temperature, abnormal noises, flap oscillation.
-
Validation of drain flow when the configuration allows it.
We finish by cleaning the work area, to leave the place as clean as when we arrived.
Expected results after cleaning
On a Gree wall-mounted heat pump, a complete cleaning usually involves:
-
More stable airflow
-
Less odor at startup
-
more uniform temperature in the room
-
Shorter or better-controlled cycles depending on demand
-
Less noise related to fouling (turbine, heat exchanger)
During the heating season, this improvement is often greatly appreciated, as the machine must maintain performance despite the more demanding conditions.
Maintenance recommended between cleanings
To prolong the benefits:
-
Clean the filters regularly (frequency varies depending on animals, dust, usage).
-
Keep the space around the unit clear.
-
Avoid spraying harsh perfumed products directly towards the device.
-
Monitor for any signs of a persistent damp odor or decreasing flow rate.
When the unit starts to “struggle” or the air seems less pleasant, a deep cleaning becomes relevant again.
Why AirGreen for cleaning your Gree mural in Montreal?
At AirGreen, we apply an approach focused on:
-
surface protection and site cleanliness,
-
cleaning the key areas (coil, tank, drain, turbine),
-
a verified recommissioning , not just a quick rinse.
Each intervention aims for a concrete result: comfort, air quality and efficiency.