In Fabreville, Laval, there are many single-family brick houses with backyards, patios and access by stairs — exactly the kind of environment where a wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) becomes a logical choice: quick comfort, efficient air conditioning in the summer, efficient supplemental heating in the intermediate seasons, and room-by-room management without major ductwork work.
The photo clearly shows a typical outdoor installation: two condensing units (one floor-mounted and one wall-mounted ), connected by protected refrigerant lines and a dedicated power supply. This type of configuration often corresponds to two zones (two separate indoor wall-mounted units) or two distinct wall systems , depending on the layout of the house.
At AirGreen , our approach is simple: a complete, clean and measurable service. Not just “a little cleaning”, but an intervention that aims for reliability, performance and longevity — especially with our Quebec variations (humid heat waves, pollen, then cold and defrosting cycles).
What this installation in Fabreville tells us (field analysis)
In a backyard like this one, several details directly influence the performance of a Generallux wall-mounted heat pump:
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Wall-mounted unit : excellent for preventing snow and water accumulation in spring, but rigidity, vibration, brick anchors, and alignment must be checked (to limit noise and mechanical fatigue).
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Ground unit near landscaping : dense foliage, soil, mulch and plant debris can accelerate fouling of the coil and reduce heat exchange.
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Accessibility : the passage space is relatively narrow; adequate air clearances must be maintained and care must be taken to ensure that nothing blocks the suction or discharge.
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Two outdoor units : this increases the importance of structured maintenance (two circuits to check, two fans, two possible levels of fouling, etc.).
Machine type: Generallux wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)
The condenser's design, size, installation, and visible connections are standard for a wall-mounted heat pump . It's the most common residential system in Greater Montreal for upgrading comfort without having to redo the entire air distribution system.
A coherent model (without overpromising)
The labels are not legible in the photo; therefore, we rely on a cautious and realistic identification:
Generallux Inverter wall-mounted heat pump “new generation” (residential range, optimized performance, modern refrigerant depending on the series).
In practice, the majority of these installations in Laval are frequently in capacities such as 12,000, 18,000 or 24,000 BTU , depending on the area and insulation.
Why maintenance is crucial (and not just “recommended”)
Even a high-performance wall-mounted heat pump is a heat exchange machine. As soon as the exchange surfaces become dirty (outdoor coil, fan, indoor filter, blower wheel), the following will be observed:
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reduced efficiency (higher consumption for the same comfort)
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Longer cycles (increased wear)
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Increased noise (vibrations, fan overload)
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risk of abnormal frost in heating
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degraded indoor air quality (dust, allergens, odors)
In Fabreville, with the summer humidity and the vegetation in the backyard, fouling can happen faster than you think.
Our AirGreen service on a Generallux : step by step (complete method)
1) Performance diagnosis (before intervention)
We begin by measuring and validating:
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general operating status (cooling/heating modes)
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air temperatures (supply/return) and stability
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behavior of the outdoor fan and defrosting (if cold season)
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Mechanical listening: vibrations, resonances, rolling noise
Objective: to know what is normal and what is not , before "touching" the system.
2) Electrical inspection and safety
On an installation like this one (with a service box/disconnect switch near the units), we check:
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Connections and tightening (prevention of abnormal heating)
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wiring condition and mechanical protection
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cleanliness and integrity of the disconnector
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grounding and securing the conduits
This is an often overlooked but essential step to avoid intermittent breakdowns and unexpected shutdowns.
3) External cleaning (condenser)
This is where the performance is determined.
We perform:
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Safe cleaning of the coil (battery) without damaging it
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removal of debris (leaves, dust, pollen, plant lint)
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Checking the fan, grilles, and air vents
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inspection of the vibration dampers/anti-vibration pads (particularly important on wall mounts)
In a backyard with flowerbeds, a condenser can become loaded with fine particles; the system then works “smothered”, which increases pressure and consumption.
4) Checking supports, vibrations and level
The photo shows two types of poses, therefore two checklists:
For the wall-mounted unit:
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solid anchoring in the masonry
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absence of play (source of noise)
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alignment and support point control
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resonance protection on the structure
For the ground unit:
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stability, leveling
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clearance around (airflow)
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Drainage and water management (avoid accumulation near the foundation)
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reduction of vibrations transmitted to the ground
A poorly adjusted stand can transform a quiet machine into a very unpleasant “source of buzzing”, especially at night.
5) Checking refrigerant connections and insulation
The pipes (lines) and their insulation have a direct impact:
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condensation prevention
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energy efficiency
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protection against wear and friction
We are inspecting:
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continuous and intact insulation
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friction points against the brick or supports
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apparent watertightness and condition of the fittings
6) Indoor unit(s): cleaning and air quality
Even though the photo is taken outdoors, our AirGreen interventions do not stop outside.
On Generallux wall-mounted fixtures, we generally do the following:
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cleaning the filters (or replacing them depending on their condition)
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condensate tray inspection
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targeted cleaning of the heat exchanger and blower if necessary
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Checking airflow direction (flaps), noise, and odors.
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airflow control and settings
The result: cleaner air, fewer odors, more stable air conditioning, and more comfortable heating.
7) Calibration, final tests and recommendations
After cleaning and adjustments:
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Functional tests (cooling/heating depending on conditions)
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validation of stability, noise, and responsiveness
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concrete recommendations (clearances, maintenance frequency, best practices)
We like to leave a facility that performs better than when we arrived — not just “less dirty”.
Common problems that we prevent in Laval (Fabreville) with this type of installation
Here's what you often see on wall-mounted heat pumps in backyards:
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External coil clogged with pollen and dust → reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
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Noise/vibration on wall supports (small play or imperfect anchoring) → buzzing in the structure.
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Insufficient clearance near the units → air recirculation and reduced efficiency.
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Partially blocked interior drain → dripping, moisture, odors.
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Infrequent maintenance → machine strains, shortened lifespan.
Simple best practices between visits (without complicating anything)
To keep a Generallux in good condition:
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Clean/vacuum the internal filters regularly (as needed)
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Keep a clear area around the outdoor units (foliage, objects).
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Avoid spraying the machine directly with a high-pressure jet.
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In winter: do not block the outdoor unit (snow/ice), allow it to breathe
These actions prolong the lifespan and avoid service calls during peak periods.
Conclusion: A well-maintained Generallux offers stable and lasting comfort
This installation in Fabreville illustrates a very practical case: two outdoor units , one on the ground near vegetation and the other on a wall bracket. These are both excellent approaches, provided that maintenance is carried out properly: cleanliness of the coil, stability of the brackets, inspection of connections, and internal cleaning to preserve air quality.
At AirGreen , we use a comprehensive method, tailored to residential needs in Greater Montreal, and designed for Quebec's specific challenges: humidity, pollen, heat waves, then cold weather and defrost cycles. The result: a quieter, more efficient, and more reliable Generallux heat pump.