The AirGreen magazineNovember 2026

Wall-mounted heat pumps

How a Poorly Maintained Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Led to a Record-High Electric Bill in Laval (Real Case)

Poor maintenance can turn a heat pump into an energy drain. Discover the real case of a Laval client whose bill skyrocketed—and how AirGreen fixed it with expert HVAC intervention.

By the AirGreen team4 min read
Comment une thermopompe murale mal entretenue a provoqué une facture électrique record à Laval (cas réel)

Neglecting Maintenance Can Be Costly: A Real Story from Laval

At AirGreen, we know that maintaining wall-mounted heat pumps is much more than a basic technical service—it’s a key factor in ensuring thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and most importantly, avoiding nasty surprises. Today, we’re sharing a real case from Laval, showing just how a lack of proper maintenance can lead to astronomical energy costs—a valuable lesson for all heat pump owners.

A Laval Client Contacts Us with an Outrageous Energy Bill

We received a call one February morning, right in the middle of a deep freeze. A client living in Vimont, Laval, told us their electric bill had suddenly skyrocketed, surpassing $1,000 for just one winter month. And yet, their wall-mounted heat pump—an 18,000 BTU Gree unit installed only four years ago—still seemed to be working. No strange noises, no visible failure.

We immediately scheduled a diagnostic visit.

On-Site Inspection: A Clogged Heat Pump and a Collapse in Efficiency

When our technicians arrived, they quickly noticed several issues:

  • Air filters completely clogged with dust.

  • Evaporator coil covered in a greasy film, preventing proper heat exchange.

  • Indoor fan running slow, causing poor airflow.

  • Moisture residue in the drain, causing slight backflow.

The result: the system was running continuously, never reaching the desired temperature. This forced the unit to operate at maximum output 24/7, with a severely reduced Coefficient of Performance (COP). Hence, the massive energy consumption.

Technical Analysis: When a Heat Pump Becomes an Energy Hog

This type of Inverter wall-mounted heat pump is designed to adjust its output based on real-time needs. But with severe clogging, the internal sensors misread the actual conditions, leading to excessive compressor operation.

Without yearly maintenance:

  • Energy efficiency drops by 20 to 40%.

  • Run times increase dramatically.

  • The defrost cycle becomes ineffective.

  • Parts wear out prematurely, especially the fan motor and circuit boards.

AirGreen’s Intervention: Deep Cleaning, Calibration, and Preventative Advice

We carried out a complete system refresh:

  • High-pressure cleaning of the indoor unit (evaporator, filters, drain pan).

  • Cleaning of the outdoor condenser and inspection of the coil fins.

  • Electrical connections checked, sensors recalibrated.

  • Anti-bacterial disinfection to eliminate mold and residue.

After our intervention, the client immediately noticed better comfort, and the following month, their electric bill dropped by 47%.

Practical Advice: Avoid Common Mistakes in Laval and Beyond

We learned several valuable lessons from this experience:

  • Never wait until something breaks to schedule maintenance.

  • Laval’s air, rich in particles during winter and spring, speeds up filter clogging.

  • It's crucial to rely on a certified HVAC professional for annual maintenance.

  • An AirGreen maintenance contract ensures visits are automatically scheduled to avoid any oversight.

Understanding the Financial Impact of a Poorly Maintained Heat Pump

Here’s a breakdown to better understand the impact:

Condition of the Heat Pump Avg. Monthly Consumption Estimated Cost (Hydro-Québec)
Properly Maintained 850 kWh ~$105
Poorly Maintained 2,000 kWh ~$250

Over a 5-month winter, that’s nearly $725 in savings simply through regular preventative maintenance.

Why Choose AirGreen for Your Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Maintenance in Laval?

We offer HVAC maintenance services for the most common brands installed in Laval, including Gree, Fujitsu, Sharp, Mitsubishi, Tosot, and Daikin. Our services are:

  • Fast and adapted to Québec’s climate.

  • Carried out by qualified technicians trained in the latest technologies.

  • Eligible for LogisVert grants, when combined with maintenance or unit replacement.

We cover all areas of Laval, from Sainte-Dorothée to Duvernay, including Chomedey and Fabreville.

A Happy Client and an Optimized System

Since our visit, the client has renewed their trust with an AirGreen annual maintenance contract, which includes:

  • Complete inspections in spring and fall.

  • Automated reminders to never miss a service.

  • Priority access in case of breakdowns.

  • Guaranteed preferred pricing for the duration of the contract.

AirGreen's Recommendations: How to Keep Your Heat Pump in Top Shape

Here are our recommendations for owners of wall-mounted heat pumps in Laval and the North Shore:

  1. Clean the filters every 4 to 6 weeks.

  2. Check for proper drainage of condensation water.

  3. Avoid blocking the indoor unit with furniture.

  4. Schedule professional maintenance once a year.

  5. Consider an AirGreen maintenance contract for complete peace of mind.


What This Story Reminds Us All

A wall-mounted heat pump is a smart and energy-efficient investment—but only when it’s properly maintained. This Laval client’s story clearly shows how neglecting upkeep can wipe out all the energy-saving benefits of the system.

At AirGreen, we bring our hands-on experience, HVAC expertise, and fast local response to ensure your comfort—and protect your wallet.

Contact us today to schedule your wall-mounted heat pump maintenance in Laval or anywhere across the North and South Shores.

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