Boost the performance of your wall system without replacing it
At AirGreen, we know that an aging wall-mounted heat pump can quickly lead to discomfort, rising electricity bills, and inconsistent performance. Yet, many of our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore, don’t realize that it's possible to significantly improve the efficiency of an existing unit—without having to replace it entirely.
Here’s our 4-step guide, drawn from real-world experience, to help you extend the lifespan and maximize the performance of your old wall-mounted heat pump.
Step 1: Complete and professional HVAC maintenance
A buildup of dust, mold, or grease in a wall-mounted heat pump’s components can reduce its performance by 20 to 30%. Home maintenance, while helpful, can never replace a thorough professional deep clean.
What we do during an AirGreen maintenance visit:
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High-pressure cleaning of the indoor unit (evaporator) and outdoor unit (condenser).
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Degreasing of fins and blower fan to restore optimal airflow.
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Check and adjust refrigerant levels, which may be too low or too high.
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Full inspection of electrical connections, capacitors, sensors, and probes.
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Antifungal disinfection, essential for preventing mold-related allergies.
In a home in Longueuil, we recently performed this type of service on an 8-year-old Fujitsu 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump. The results: noticeably quieter operation, improved air distribution, and a 15% drop in energy consumption.
Step 2: Improving duct and home insulation
Even the best HVAC installation can’t function efficiently in a poorly insulated space. Heat loss or excessive heat gain directly affects a wall-mounted heat pump’s ability to reach and maintain the desired temperature.
Our recommendations:
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Add or replace insulation in exterior walls, attics, and basements.
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Check for air leaks around doors and windows.
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Seal drainage ducts and wall penetrations from the indoor unit.
On a recent job in Boisbriand (North Shore), we advised installing high-quality weather stripping around the windows of a home built in the 1990s. The result: a Sharp ZU1 15,000 BTU heat pump returned to stable performance even at -20°C.
Step 3: Optimizing system settings and programming
An old wall-mounted heat pump can perform far better if it’s programmed smartly. Many clients let it run in automatic mode 24/7, which isn’t ideal.
Settings we recommend adjusting:
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Use dedicated heating or cooling modes, and avoid auto-switching between them.
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Program temperature schedules based on your routine—for example, 21°C in the evening, 18°C at night.
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Use the often-overlooked energy-saving (ECO) mode on units 5 to 10 years old.
In a condo in Montreal, we reprogrammed the settings of an 18,000 BTU Senville Leto unit. With just a few adjustments and repositioning the wall-mounted remote, start-up cycles were cut in half.
Step 4: Strategic replacement of key components
Sometimes, replacing specific worn or poorly calibrated components can breathe new life into your system.
Possible technical interventions:
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Replace the ambient temperature sensor, which often becomes inaccurate after years of use.
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Update the communication wiring between units, especially on Inverter models.
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Swap out a faulty drainage pump to prevent condensation and mold issues.
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Check and, if needed, replace the blower fan, which ensures proper airflow.
Example: In Sainte-Julie, a client thought they had to replace their 12,000 BTU Midea wall-mounted heat pump. After a full diagnostic, we replaced a defective temperature sensor. The system regained perfect temperature regulation, providing optimal comfort the very next day.
Why trust AirGreen?
Certified local expertise with a human touch
We work across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the North and South Shores, with technicians trained on the most common brands (Fujitsu, Gree, Midea, Sharp, Senville, Lennox, etc.). Our approach focuses on repair and optimization before recommending replacement.
Solutions tailored to your budget
A well-executed optimization can cost as little as $250 to $750 depending on the work needed, and delay the need for a new unit by several years.
Full-service support
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Accurate on-site diagnosis
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Free, detailed quotes
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Personalized recommendations (grants, energy savings)
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Ongoing maintenance plans available
Investing in optimization = real savings
On average, a well-maintained and optimized wall-mounted heat pump uses up to 30% less energy than a dirty or poorly configured one. You gain comfort, quiet operation, and system reliability.
In Brossard, a retired couple chose to service their 2016 Zephyr 9,000 BTU unit. In just one visit, we reduced their annual electricity usage by 320 kWh—roughly $50 per year in savings.