When your comfort is threatened at the worst possible moment, here’s how to respond effectively
At AirGreen, we understand that a wall-mounted heat pump breakdown right in the middle of winter in Montréal—especially during the holiday season—can quickly become a nightmare. Freezing temperatures, businesses closed, limited hours, guests at home… All the ingredients are there to turn a minor technical issue into a full-blown emergency. That’s exactly why we created this survival guide. You’ll find practical tips, mistakes to avoid, and concrete steps to take to handle the situation safely, calmly, and efficiently.
First Step: Stay Calm and Assess the Severity
Before panicking or tinkering with the system, it’s important to check a few basic things. In many cases, what seems like a serious failure might actually be a minor issue that’s quick and easy to fix.
Quick checks you can do yourself
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Is the wall unit receiving power?
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Have you checked the main breaker on your electrical panel?
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Is the outdoor unit clear of snow or ice?
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Have you tried switching between modes (heat, fan) to see if the problem persists?
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Have you recently replaced the batteries in your remote control?
These simple steps can often help you avoid an unnecessary service call—especially during the holidays, when wait times may be longer.
Understanding the Symptoms of Your Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
Every visible or audible symptom can point to a specific issue. Knowing how to recognize them helps you act smarter, even while waiting for a qualified technician.
Common signs of malfunction
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Air is blowing cold, even in heating mode
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The unit won’t turn on at all
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Unusual noises (squealing, whistling, vibrations)
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Ice build-up on the outdoor unit
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Flashing indicator lights on the wall unit
If you notice loud noises or visible mechanical blockages, shut off the unit immediately at the breaker to prevent permanent damage.
What NOT to Do
In stressful moments, it’s tempting to improvise. But some mistakes can make things worse or void your unit’s warranty.
Frequent mistakes to avoid
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Never try to disassemble the unit yourself
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Don’t use anything to melt the ice on the outdoor unit (e.g., boiling water, metal tools)
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Don’t force the fan to run in “turbo” mode if the unit seems frozen
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Don’t keep trying to restart the unit repeatedly if it locks up
Immediate Safety Measures to Take
If the failure occurs during an extreme cold spell in Montréal, Laval, or Longueuil, it’s crucial to ensure your household stays safe.
Tips to preserve indoor heat
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Close doors to unused rooms
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Use thermal curtains to reduce heat loss
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Cook—your oven will help warm up the kitchen
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If you have a certified space heater, use it with care
If temperatures drop to critical levels (-25°C or below), don’t hesitate to evacuate temporarily to a heated location (family, hotel, local emergency center).
Contacting AirGreen: Even During the Holidays
At AirGreen, we’ve put in place a priority emergency service for our clients in Montréal, North Shore, and South Shore, even during the holidays. If your wall-mounted heat pump breaks down, you can:
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Reach us through our emergency contact form
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Call our dedicated hotline—we prioritize critical cases
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Send us a description of the issue with photos/videos of the unit
This allows us to diagnose remotely, and in some cases, guide you to a temporary fix until we can get there.
Preparing for the Technician’s Visit
When an AirGreen technician is dispatched, being prepared helps maximize the visit—especially when weather conditions are harsh.
Helpful checklist before the visit
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Clear the path to the outdoor unit (if safe to do so)
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Have the remote and product documentation ready
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Note any recent behaviors from the unit (noises, flashing lights, fluctuations)
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Keep pets away from the work area
We generally intervene within 24 to 48 hours, even during the holiday period, based on priority levels.
Real Example: Holiday Breakdown in Outremont
A customer in Outremont contacted us on December 26th after a sudden failure of their Fujitsu 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump. The outdoor compressor was blocked by a solid sheet of ice.
An AirGreen technician on holiday duty quickly cleared the unit, adjusted the drainage level, and replaced a faulty sensor. The client later wrote:
“I wasn’t expecting any service until January, and you came in 36 hours. Thank you so much—my kids slept warm.”
Prevent Rather Than React: The Importance of Maintenance
Critical-time breakdowns often happen with units that haven’t been maintained properly. One yearly inspection can prevent 80% of winter issues.
Recommended preventive maintenance
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Cleaning indoor and outdoor coils
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Checking condensate drainage
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Verifying refrigerant charge
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Calibrating temperature sensors
At AirGreen, we offer HVAC maintenance contracts tailored to your unit, your usage, and your specific needs.
Conclusion: Stay Ready with AirGreen
A wall-mounted heat pump failure during the holidays is never fun—but with the right reflexes and the help of an experienced team like AirGreen, it can be handled quickly and efficiently.
We support our clients across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, even during peak periods. By preparing now and scheduling regular preventive maintenance, you ensure your comfort… all year long.