The difference in maintenance between a wall-mounted heat pump and a wall-mounted air conditioner is more than just a technical preference: it has a direct impact on the longevity of your HVAC system, indoor air quality, and the energy efficiency of your setup. At AirGreen, as specialists in cleaning, maintenance, and HVAC services across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, we've built up a wealth of real-world experience to answer a question many clients ask: which of these two systems requires more cleaning? Here's our technical, hands-on analysis based on actual service calls.
A difference in operation that changes everything
Even though wall-mounted heat pumps and wall-mounted air conditioners may look similar in terms of appearance and installation, how they operate differs significantly.
Wall-mounted air conditioner: a one-way system
A wall-mounted air conditioner is designed solely to cool indoor air. It’s typically used during the summer, from May to September depending on the weather in the greater Montreal area. It pulls in warm air from indoors, ejects it outdoors, and delivers cooled air inside.
The heat pump: a dual-function device
The wall-mounted heat pump, on the other hand, is a reversible system. It functions as both an air conditioner and a heater, often used for 10 to 12 months a year. That means filters, coils, blowers, and drainage components are in use much more frequently, which increases how quickly they get dirty.
What we’re seeing on-site in Montreal and surrounding areas
At AirGreen, we’ve carried out thousands of professional cleanings on all types of HVAC systems. Here’s what we regularly observe during our service calls:
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Wall-mounted heat pumps typically show 30 to 50% more buildup (dust, spores, mold, bacteria) than wall-mounted air conditioners.
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Using them for heating adds even more grease and fine particles, especially on the blower wheels.
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Heat pumps installed in open kitchens tend to collect significant greasy deposits due to continuous air intake.
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In Laval and the South Shore, homes heated solely by heat pumps see buildup even during the winter months—unlike seasonal air conditioners that remain off.
Technical components to clean: side-by-side comparison
| Components to clean | Wall-mounted air conditioner | Wall-mounted heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Air filters | 1–2 times/year | 3–4 times/year |
| Evaporator coil | 1 time/year | 2 times/year |
| Blower wheel | 1 time/year | 2–3 times/year |
| Condensate drain | 1 time/year | 2 times/year |
| Outdoor unit | 1 time/year | 2 times/year |
Client testimonial: service call in Longueuil
Ms. Bélanger in Longueuil reached out to us in March for a full cleaning of her Fujitsu KZAH heat pump, 12,000 BTU, installed in 2022. She used it 11 months out of the year, but airflow had dropped and a faint odor had developed. Once we opened the unit, we found heavy buildup on the blower wheel and bacteria inside the drain pan. After a full steam cleaning and pressure wash of the evaporator coil, performance was fully restored. Ms. Bélanger immediately noticed a boost in comfort and indoor air quality.
Why the difference in dirt buildup?
1. Longer usage
Heat pumps run year-round, unlike seasonal air conditioners.
2. Heating mode operation
In heating mode, air is constantly flowing through the internal components, increasing their exposure to moisture and particles.
3. Condensation
Condensation during heating mode fosters mold growth inside the unit, especially on the blower fan.
4. Neglected maintenance habits
Many users don’t realize their wall-mounted heat pump should be professionally cleaned at least twice a year, especially in high-density urban zones like Montreal.
What happens when cleaning is neglected
Failing to clean a heat pump or air conditioner can result in up to 25% loss in efficiency, compressor overload, higher electricity bills, and an increased risk of poor indoor air quality.
Signs your unit needs cleaning:
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Weaker airflow
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Unpleasant smells when turned on
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Visible dust or mold inside the unit
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Water leaks beneath the system
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Unusual fan noise
Our professional HVAC cleaning service
At AirGreen, we offer full-service HVAC cleaning for wall-mounted heat pumps and air conditioners, including:
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Safe removal of the outer casing
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High-pressure coil cleaning for the evaporator
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Degreasing and sanitizing the blower wheel
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Flushing and clearing the condensate drain
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Anti-bacterial disinfection of internal components
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Inspection of the outdoor unit
We serve the entire Greater Montreal area, from Pointe-Claire to Repentigny, including Brossard, Saint-Eustache, Laval, Longueuil, and more.
AirGreen’s recommendations: ideal cleaning frequency
| Type of system | Minimum recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Wall-mounted air conditioner | 1 time per year |
| Wall-mounted heat pump | 2 times per year |
| Central HVAC (ductwork) | 1–2 times per year |
Final verdict: heat pump or air conditioner — who wins?
From a maintenance and cleaning perspective, the wall-mounted heat pump is hands down the more demanding unit. It requires more frequent checkups and at least two professional cleanings per year to keep it efficient, long-lasting, and safe for your indoor air quality.
If you own a Gree, Fujitsu, Daikin, Bosch, or Sharp heat pump, we strongly recommend scheduling your seasonal cleanings in spring and fall.
At AirGreen, our mission is simple: to deliver safe, thorough, and long-lasting HVAC maintenance for every home across Greater Montreal. Don’t let poor cleaning habits reduce your system’s performance — contact us today for a free estimate.