A revealing testimonial about the critical importance of preventive maintenance in a residential neighborhood of Montréal
Through our many HVAC interventions in the Montréal area, we've come across some eye-opening situations. The one we’re sharing today involves a wall-mounted heat pump that was installed just two years ago, yet already suffered irreversible damage due to a lack of proper maintenance. This real case serves as a reminder that regular upkeep is not just recommended—it’s essential for the longevity of these systems.
A disappointed but honest Montréal client: how it started
In the neighborhood of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, our client, Mr. L., had invested in a 12,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH wall-mounted heat pump, known for its high energy performance and quiet operation. The system was installed by another HVAC company, but no maintenance plan was suggested. Believing the unit was “worry-free” for several years, Mr. L. skipped the necessary inspections and cleanings.
Two years later, facing a drastic drop in performance, a persistent odor, and strange noises, he reached out to us for a full inspection.
AirGreen's diagnosis: a clogged system and an overworked compressor
During our first visit, our technicians immediately found a massive buildup of dust and mold in the indoor unit. The fan was blowing at barely half its capacity, and the heat exchanger was nearly completely blocked.
Worse still: the compressor in the outdoor unit showed signs of premature fatigue, caused by repeated overheating. The system had been forced to run at full power constantly, trying to compensate for poor airflow.
We also noted that the condensate drain was clogged, leading to water infiltrating the adjacent wall.
The consequences of neglected maintenance: costs, comfort, lifespan
This case perfectly illustrates how a poorly maintained wall-mounted heat pump not only loses efficiency but also its lifespan. In Mr. L.’s case, we estimate that the unit could have lasted 12 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, in just two years, the unit has already seen its energy performance cut in half and is no longer under warranty due to misuse reported by the manufacturer.
The costs? A nearly 50% drop in energy efficiency, a 30% increase in his Hydro-Québec bill, and over $800 in repair costs. Not to mention the stress of enduring a sweltering summer with barely any cooling.
What we did: deep cleaning, repairs, and a structured maintenance plan
At AirGreen, we carried out a complete disinfection of the indoor unit, high-pressure cleaning of the outdoor unit, and cleared the condensate drain. Unfortunately, the compressor was too damaged, so we had to recommend an early replacement of the outdoor unit.
But most importantly, we set up a structured annual maintenance plan, with automatic reminders, a digital maintenance log, and preferred pricing. Mr. L. opted for our AirGreen Pro package, which includes:
-
Full annual inspection
-
High-pressure cleaning of indoor and outdoor units
-
Refrigerant level checks
-
Filter and fan cleaning
-
Electrical circuit inspection
-
Energy performance report
Why regular HVAC maintenance is essential in Montréal
Montréal’s climate—with its extreme temperature swings—puts serious stress on HVAC systems. In winter, wall-mounted heat pumps run for extended periods in heating mode. In summer, they work hard to cool homes that are often poorly insulated. Dust, pet hair, and humidity speed up component degradation.
Neglected maintenance can:
-
Cut your system’s lifespan by up to 50%
-
Increase energy use by up to 40%
-
Encourage the growth of mold and bacteria in your indoor air
-
Void your manufacturer’s warranty
Lessons learned: AirGreen experts’ advice
Here are the best practices to follow, according to our certified technicians:
-
Have your indoor and outdoor units inspected and cleaned once a year.
-
Replace or wash filters every 2 months, especially if you have pets or allergies.
-
Regularly check that the condensate drain is working.
-
Pay attention to unusual noises or temperature swings.
-
Sign up for a maintenance plan so you don’t miss anything.
Our commitment: prevention before intervention
At AirGreen, our mission is clear: to offer our clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore a reliable, professional, and preventive service. This incident reminds us to educate our customers even more about the importance of HVAC maintenance—too often underestimated.
By focusing on prevention, we protect your investment, improve your comfort, and reduce long-term costs. That’s the AirGreen difference.