Mastering the Art of Maintenance for an Efficient, Long-Lasting and High-Performance Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
At AirGreen, we understand that installing a wall-mounted heat pump is a smart investment in your comfort and energy savings, whether you live in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore. However, like any quality equipment, a heat pump requires careful maintenance and a few simple but strategic habits to extend its lifespan.
In this article, we’re sharing the 10 essential commandments that we recommend to all our clients. These tips come straight from our real-life experience with hundreds of HVAC installations, preventive maintenance visits, and repair calls carried out throughout Greater Montréal. By following these rules, you’ll not only maximize your unit’s longevity but also ensure it performs well all year long.
1. Hire a certified professional for the initial installation
It all starts with a flawless HVAC installation. A poorly installed heat pump can lead to refrigerant leaks, incorrect tilting, or inefficient drainage. At AirGreen, every installation follows the highest standards, carefully tailored to the unique layout of your property.
Real example: In Saint-Lambert, we recently replaced a faulty setup done by a non-certified contractor. The result? Real energy savings, better airflow, and a customer who now feels confident and reassured.
2. Clean the filters once a month
A dirty filter slows down airflow, strains the compressor, and lowers energy efficiency. We recommend cleaning your wall-mounted heat pump’s filters monthly, especially during peak usage seasons (summer and winter).
AirGreen tip: In a condo in Laval, a simple filter cleaning brought a 18,000 BTU Gree Sapphire unit back to optimal performance, reducing noise and improving indoor comfort.
3. Schedule an annual inspection
A yearly preventive inspection by a qualified technician helps catch issues before they become costly: gas pressure, evaporator cleanliness, thermostat calibration, etc.
At AirGreen, we offer this service right at your home anywhere in Greater Montréal, including a full cleaning of both the indoor and outdoor units.
4. Keep the outdoor unit clean and clear
Fallen leaves, snow, dust or branches can block the outdoor unit, hinder heat exchange, and damage the fan blades. You should maintain a 30 cm clearance around the unit at all times.
AirGreen installation in Longueuil: A unit installed too close to a hedge had to be relocated onto an elevated base to allow proper airflow.
5. Avoid turning your unit on and off too frequently
Frequent on/off cycling wears out the compressor. It’s best to let your heat pump run at a steady pace, adjusting the thermostat slightly rather than switching it off completely.
6. Protect the outdoor unit during winter, without covering it entirely
Contrary to popular belief, you should never fully cover your heat pump in the winter. This traps moisture. Instead, we recommend a small protective roof to shield it from direct snowfall, which we install as part of our projects on the North Shore.
7. Watch for unusual noises or performance drops
Strange noises, weaker airflow, or water dripping can all indicate a serious issue (motor, refrigerant leak, clogged drain). Don’t wait—have it inspected by a professional.
At AirGreen, we solved a case of excessive vibration in Brossard by realigning a wall-mounted unit that had been poorly anchored to a concrete corner.
8. Monitor your energy use through your panel or Hydro-Québec app
A sudden spike in energy usage may signal an inefficient compressor or excessive defrost cycles. It’s a useful indicator for scheduling a maintenance visit.
9. Use smart programming tailored to your lifestyle
Smart or programmable thermostats help reduce wear and maximize savings. Depending on your habits (working from home, frequent absences), adjust your operating schedule accordingly.
Real-life case in Montréal: After installing a 24,000 BTU Sharp ZU1 unit in a family home, we also configured the system to reduce frequent restarts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
10. Choose a trustworthy HVAC partner to support you long-term
A heat pump is a technical, evolving system that deserves ongoing expert care throughout its useful life. At AirGreen, we commit to being that reliable partner for our residential and commercial clients across Greater Montréal.
Our team of specialists responds quickly, clearly explains every step, and always provides recommendations tailored to your situation.
Our tailored advice based on Montréal’s unique climate
Québec’s distinctive climate, with harsh winters and increasingly hot summers, calls for strategic usage of your HVAC system. A well-maintained heat pump can easily last 12 to 15 years.
We also offer an annual maintenance program with automatic reminders, tailored to each client’s needs. It includes: drain inspection, coil cleaning, performance testing, and electrical circuit checks.
In short: your wall-mounted heat pump is a long-term ally
Extending your heat pump’s lifespan isn’t a matter of luck—it’s about consistent care and smart habits. At AirGreen, we bring our HVAC expertise to your doorstep, with custom solutions, certified installations, and industry-leading after-sales service.
Whether you’re in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, trust a team that’s passionate about performance, durability, and your everyday comfort.
Got a question, a project, or a heat pump that needs proper care? Contact us today.