When a wall-mounted heat pump is working "properly," it's easy to forget how hard it's working—especially in Quebec, where it has to cope with summer humidity, rapid temperature fluctuations, and (often) specific installation conditions like a balcony above the outdoor unit. In this type of setup, rigorous maintenance isn't a luxury: it's what protects performance, reliability, and comfort… while preventing breakdowns at the worst possible time.
At AirGreen , we regularly service Goodman wall -mounted heat pumps in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie area, as seen here: the outdoor unit is fixed to a brick wall, under a roof overhang/balcony, with protected refrigerant lines and electrical connections. This type of installation is common in Montreal apartment buildings—and it comes with its own specific service requirements.
A Goodman wall-mounted heat pump: simple, efficient… provided it is well maintained.
A wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) is a system composed of:
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an indoor wall unit (in the room) that blows heated or cooled air,
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an outdoor unit (the condenser) that exchanges heat with the outside air,
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connections (piping + cable + drain) that link the two.
On a "new generation" Goodman wall-mounted unit, the aim is generally:
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maintaining a stable temperature without excessive energy consumption,
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stable defrosting in winter,
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effective dehumidification in summer,
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silent operation (without vibrations or resonance in the wall).
But in real life, as soon as dust accumulates, the coil gets clogged, or the airflow is reduced, the system compensates… and that’s when the bill, the noise and the wear and tear begin.
What the photo tells us: a typical installation… with points to watch out for
Here, the Goodman outdoor unit is:
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placed on a wall bracket to raise it off the floor,
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installed under a structure (balcony/soffit), therefore partially "protected",
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connected by a bundle of sheathed links to the inside (wall entry).
It's a good starting point, but this configuration requires some important checks:
1) Clearance and air circulation
Under a balcony, the hot air expelled during air conditioning can be recirculated if there isn't enough space. The result: higher pressure, lower efficiency, and a compressor working harder. We check the clearances and the direction of the airflow.
2) Vibrations and structural noise
When mounted on a wall, vibration can be transmitted to the brick wall and the structure. We check:
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the alignment of the support,
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the condition of the silent blocks/anti-vibration mounts ,
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the contact points and the fixings.
3) Drainage and humidity (summer)
A wall-mounted heat pump produces condensation. If the drain is partially blocked, you may see:
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drops inside,
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smells,
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molds,
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decreased efficiency.
Although the photo mainly shows the exterior, we treat maintenance as an interior/exterior whole .
4) Protection of connections
Sheathed connections are useful, but it is necessary to ensure that:
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the insulation is intact,
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The slope of the drain is correct.
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The wall entry is well sealed (air/water/insects).
Our AirGreen service for a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump in Montreal
When we perform a complete maintenance check (or service + diagnostic), we don't just "blow off the dust." We follow a structured approach because the performance of a heat pump depends on a complete system.
Inspection and security
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Visual inspection of the outdoor unit: cover, fins, traces of oil, corrosion, general condition.
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Control of the power supply, the disconnect switch and visible connections (safety + compliance).
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Evaluation of the wall mount (stability, level, fixings, vibrations).
Technical cleaning (exterior)
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Clean the coil (condenser) safely so as not to bend the fins.
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Removal of accumulated leaves/dust/dirt (particularly common under balconies).
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Fan check (play, noise, balance, cleanliness).
Technical cleaning (interior)
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Cleaning of filters and air intake areas.
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Cleaning of the internal heat exchanger (coil) according to its condition.
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Preventive treatment if persistent odors or humidity (as appropriate).
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Checking the condensate tray and drain.
Performance controls
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Measurements of blowing temperature, stability, response to setpoints.
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Checking cycles (heating/cooling), start-up, stop-down, general behavior.
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Detection of signs of insufficient airflow (often the #1 cause of complaints).
Adjustments and prevention
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Clearance recommendations (especially under balcony/soffit).
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Adjustment of fixings and anti-vibration devices if necessary.
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Usage tips (modes, ventilation, target temperature) to reduce wear.
Signs that a Goodman needs servicing (even if it "still works")
In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, we often see the same symptoms in brick buildings and backyards:
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Less cold air in summer or less hot air in winter
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Reduced airflow (it's blowing, but weakly)
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Musty smell upon startup
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Vibration noises (wall, support, resonance)
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Abnormal frost or excessive defrosting
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Electricity bill has increased for no apparent reason
These signals do not always mean "major breakdown", but they almost always indicate degraded performance ... and therefore accelerated wear.
Why maintenance is even more important in the Montreal context
Greater Montreal imposes very specific conditions:
Summer: humidity + urban dust
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Dehumidification requires a clean internal heat exchanger.
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Dust and fine particles clog the filters more quickly.
Mid-season: rapid changes
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The system often switches from light heating to off, then to air conditioning.
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A poorly maintained heat pump becomes "nervous" (less stable cycles).
Winter: defrosting and protection
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An outdoor unit under the structure can receive water flows, ice or runoff.
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Clear ventilation is crucial to prevent poor air circulation during cold periods.
Our role at AirGreen is to make your heat pump more reliable under these conditions, not just to make it work "today".
Best practices for a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump
Without complicating the owner's life, here's what makes a real difference:
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Clean/vacuum the filters regularly (simple, but crucial).
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Keep a clear area around the outdoor unit (no objects, no storage).
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Monitor for vibrations : if a noise appears, it's best to correct it early.
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Avoid extreme changes in setpoint (e.g., going from 19 to 26 all at once).
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Scheduling periodic maintenance is the best way to preserve lifespan.
AirGreen intervention in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: a service built to last
We like this sector because it accurately represents the HVAC reality of Montreal: plexes, backyards, balconies, wall brackets, sometimes tight access… and clients who want a clear, clean and sustainable solution.
With a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump, the goal isn't just to have comfort today; it's to maintain a stable , economical , and reliable system season after season. And that's exactly what our maintenance service aims to guarantee.