The truth about air conditioner cleaning: what Greater Montreal residents really need to know
In Greater Montreal, from Laval to Longueuil, including the North Shore and South Shore, maintaining air conditioning systems is often overlooked. Yet, regular maintenance – and especially professional cleaning – can make all the difference when it comes to longevity, performance, and even energy consumption of your heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner. At AirGreen, we’ve heard all the possible myths during our HVAC cleaning service calls, and it’s time to set the record straight.
Myth #1: "My air conditioner still blows cold air, so it doesn’t need cleaning"
This is by far the most common myth, and also the most damaging. Just because your unit blows cold air doesn’t mean it’s working efficiently. Dust, mold, and debris can build up inside the indoor unit, on the coils, or in the drain. The result: your system has to work harder to deliver the same comfort, which increases energy consumption and reduces its lifespan.
Real example: Service call in Montréal-Nord
For a client in Montréal-Nord, a Gree wall-mounted heat pump appeared to be working "normally." After our cleaning, we saw a 22% drop in the energy bill and much cleaner air, thanks to the removal of a biofilm invisible to the naked eye.
Myth #2: "I can clean my air conditioner myself with a damp cloth"
Surface cleaning is nowhere near enough. A professional cleaning involves carefully disassembling the unit, pressure-washing the coils, inspecting the drain, and fully disinfecting internal components with the right products.
Why it matters
A customer in Boucherville had cleaned their unit on their own. The result: a water backup due to a clogged drain, which led to mold on the wall. We had to perform a complete decontamination, which could have been avoided with preventative professional maintenance.
Myth #3: "You only need to clean your air conditioner once every five years"
False. An annual cleaning is recommended, especially in areas like Laval or Longueuil, where pollen, city pollution, and ambient dust can quickly build up.
Our recommendations:
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Residential: Once a year (preferably in spring)
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Commercial or office spaces: 1 to 2 times per year, depending on usage
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Schools, daycares: At least twice per year
Myth #4: "Washable filters are enough to keep the air clean"
Filters catch some of the dust, but they don’t clean the inside of the system. What you can’t see – bacteria, mold spores, biofilm on the coils – continues to circulate through the air, affecting your indoor air quality.
Case study in Laval
In a new condo in Laval, a couple experienced frequent headaches. After our visit, we identified microbial contamination behind the wall unit. A deep cleaning solved the issue immediately.
Myth #5: "Air conditioner cleaning is too expensive for what it’s worth"
In reality, it’s one of the best long-term investments. A professional cleaning costs far less than a repair or premature replacement. Plus, a clean unit can reduce energy consumption by 15 to 30%, leading to significant savings on your Hydro-Québec bill.
Myth #6: "My unit is new, so I don’t need to clean it"
Even a brand-new unit can accumulate dust and moisture within the first few weeks. Just because it works doesn’t mean it’s clean on the inside. Preventative care is key: early maintenance prolongs performance and ensures better air quality.
Myth #7: "All cleaning services are the same"
Absolutely false. At AirGreen, we use specialized equipment, certified products, and a rigorous methodology tailored to each brand: Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Bosch, Tosot, Lennox, and more. Our technicians are trained to disassemble, clean, disinfect, and test every component safely and properly.
Client testimonial from Saint-Eustache
“I had used another company before, but the noise came back just weeks later. Since AirGreen came, everything is silent, the air feels fresher, and my unit is using much less power.”
Why choose AirGreen for your wall-mounted air conditioner or heat pump cleaning?
Local expertise, rigorous approach
We operate quickly throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore, with teams that specialize in deep cleaning of wall-mounted and central systems. Our procedures are designed to optimize energy performance, clean the air, and prevent costly breakdowns.
Our cleaning process:
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Full inspection of the indoor and outdoor units
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Protection of walls and furniture
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Partial or full disassembly of the unit
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High-pressure cleaning of the coils
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Disinfection using professional antibacterial products
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Drain and fan check
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Restart and full system test
A service tailored to both residential and commercial needs
We serve homeowners, property managers, businesses, and even public institutions with their HVAC maintenance needs. With flexible scheduling, we offer appointments including evenings and weekends.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Waiting for a breakdown or bad smell before taking action
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Only cleaning filters and ignoring the coils
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Using unsuitable products (like vinegar or bleach)
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Hiring uncertified technicians
Clean air and savings: two great reasons not to wait
Professional cleaning of your air conditioner is much more than routine maintenance – it’s a tangible way to protect your health, enhance home comfort, and cut down operating costs. At AirGreen, we’ve built our reputation on precise, long-lasting, and safe service calls throughout the Greater Montreal area.