Does your wall-mounted air conditioner smell funny when you turn it on? Does it make more noise than before and cools less well even if you turn it down to max?
Why do wall units get dirty so quickly?
Household dust accumulation
Your wall units are constantly sucking air out of the room. All the dust, hair and fabric fibers end up accumulating on the coils and in the fan.
Mould growth
The humidity created by condensation, mixed with dust, creates the perfect environment for the mold pis bacteria are multiplying in your unit.
Kitchen waste and smoke
If your unit is located in a kitchen or near a smoking area, greasy particles will become embedded and sticky over time.
Types of wall units to be cleaned
Popular residential brands
- Mitsubishi ElectricMSZ series (all models)
- DaikinFTXS and FTXM residential ranges
- FujitsuHalcyon and AOU series models
- LGStandard and inverter units
- SamsungWind-Free and AR series
- Carrier: Comfort series wall-mounted
Commercial and industrial units
- Toshiba: Commercial multi-zone systems
- PanasonicHigh-capacity units for offices
- York: Robust business models
- LennoxProfessional series
Specialized systems
- Wall-mounted heat pumpsHeating and air conditioning
- Units with air purificationIntegrated HEPA filters
- Quiet modelsFor bedrooms and offices
- Wi-Fi systems: Intelligent remote control
Our 9-step cleaning process
1. Work area protection
We cover the unit all around with waterproof plastics to prevent water and dirt from splashing all over your room.
2. Careful dismantling of components
- Filter removalAll types (washable, disposable, HEPA)
- Case openingAccess to coils and fan
- Dismantling the deflectorsFor complete interior cleaning
- Protection of electrical componentsAvoid damage to electronics
3. Evaporator coil cleaning
This is the most critical part. Visit coils accumulate all the dirt and that's where mold likes to grow.
We use a specialized cleaner which dissolves build-up without damaging the delicate aluminum fins.
4. Fan and turbine decontamination
Visit fan that circulates air accumulates a layer of greasy dust that reduces its efficiency and causes vibrations.
- Blade cleaning: Disposal of all residues
- Degreasing the motor: Without damaging the bearings
- BalancingTo reduce noise and vibration
5. Disinfection of condensation tray
Visit drip tray where water collects is a breeding ground for bacteria. We disinfect it completely and check that the drain is working properly.
6. Filter cleaning or replacement
- Washable filtersProfessional cleaning with antimicrobial agents
- Disposable filters: Replacement with high-quality equivalents
- HEPA filtersIntegrity check and replacement if necessary
- Carbon filtersReplacement (not washable)
7. Complete antimicrobial disinfection
Application of a antimicrobial treatment on all internal surfaces to eliminate bacteria, mould and viruses.
8. Cleaning the exterior and grilles
We also clean the outer casingthe ventilation grillesand make sure nothing is blocking air circulation.
9. Reassembly and function tests
Re-installation of all components with full testing: cooling, heating (if applicable), noise levels, air flow.
Specialized products and equipment used
Specific cleaners for wall-mounted units
- Coil Cleaner Nu-Calgon: Professional coil cleaner
- Simple Green Pro HDPowerful yet safe degreaser
- Benefect Decon 30Natural disinfectant with essential oils
- Concrobium Mold ControlLong-lasting antimicrobial without bleach
Professional cleaning equipment
- Adjustable high-pressure washerFor damage-free rinsing
- Industrial HEPA vacuum cleanerCaptures 99.97% of fine particles
- Specialized brushes: Different shapes for each component
- Electronic protection kitTightness of circuits during cleaning
Problems solved by cleaning
Performance problems
- Insufficient coolingDirty coils block heat exchange
- High power consumptionForce unit to compensate for clogging
- Extended operating timesSystem no longer reaches desired temperatures
- Reduced air flowFan blocked by build-up
Noise and vibration problems
- WhistlingAir forcing through obstructions
- Squeaks: Fan unbalanced by accumulations
- ClackingDeflectors vibrate due to turbulence
- Buzzing: Engine working harder than normal
Odor and health problems
- Musty smellsMoulds that grow in damp conditions
- Musty scentsAir stagnating in accumulations
- Aggravated allergiesSpores and bacteria spread by ventilation
- Respiratory irritation: Fine particles back on the road
Cleaning frequency according to use
Light residential use
- BedroomsEvery 12-18 months (seasonal use only)
- Main salonAnnual (regular but moderate use)
- Home office8-12 months (extended daily use)
Intensive residential use
- KitchenEvery 6-9 months (cooking fats and vapours)
- SmokersEvery 6 months (stubborn nicotine residue)
- Pets8-10 months (hair and scales)
- Severe allergies: Aux 6 mois (maintien qualité air optimale)
Commercial use
- OfficesEvery 6-9 months, depending on number of occupants
- Restaurants: Every 3-6 months (greasy environment)
- Medical clinics: Every 3-4 months (high sanitary standards)
- Hair salons: Every 4-6 months (hair and chemicals)
Signs to clean your unit now
Obvious visual indicators
- Visible dust on ventilation grilles
- Black or green spots that suggest mold
- Filters clearly soiled or discolored
- Accumulation residues on air deflectors
Operating problems
- Odors as soon as you switch on the unit
- Water drops flowing from the unit
- Abnormal noises which have recently begun
- Performance clearly reduced
Impact on your comfort
- Electricity bills that increase without explanation
- Allergies which worsen when the unit is in operation
- Dust which accumulates faster in the room
- Persistent odors even after aeration
Recommended preventive maintenance
Maintenance you can do
- Monthly cleaning of washable filtersWarm water and mild soap
- Wiping external grilles: Regularly damp cloth
- Checking the drain: Make sure water drains properly
- Change disposable filtersEvery 2-3 months depending on use
Annual professional maintenance
- Complete inspection: Checking all components
- Preventive cleaning: Before clogging becomes a problem
- Calibrating settingsOptimization for your specific use
- Performance testEnergy efficiency measures
Warranty on wall unit cleaning
60-day performance guarantee
Your unit should operate better than before cleaning. If not, we'll come back at no charge to identify and correct the problem.
30-day anti-odour guarantee
If odours return within a month of cleaning, we repeat the free antimicrobial treatment.
Visual cleanliness guarantee
If you still see dirt after our visit, we'll be back within 48 hours to clean up what we missed.
Savings with regular cleaning
Reduced power consumption
A clean unit consumes 15-30% less electricity. On a summer bill of 200$/month, that's 30-60$ in monthly savings.
Extended service life
Annual cleaning can extend the life of your unit. 3-5 years. Avoid replacing 1500-3000$ any longer.
Avoid costly repairs
Frozen coils, burnt-out motors, compressors damaged by overload - problems that cost 500-1200$ to repair.
Emergency service for problem units
Some situations require rapid intervention:
- Toxic odors that affect health
- Water leakage that damage walls or floors
- Excessive noise that disturb neighbors or family
- Breakdown before the heatwave or cold snap
Our team can intervene in less than 24h for emergency situations.
Return your wall unit to its original performance
Stop putting up with a malfunctioning and smelly unit. A professional cleaning will make it as good as new.
Free quote with on-site inspection
Call now: 514-214-7492 Online: https://vortexair.ca E-mail: info@vortexair.ca
7-day/week service - 24-hour emergency response - 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Ventilation Vortex Air – Spécialistes en unités murales depuis plus de 10 ans Over 800 units cleaned - Certified technicians - All makes and models
FAQ – Nettoyage d’unité murale (climatiseur et thermopompe)
Pourquoi mon climatiseur mural sent mauvais dès que je l’allume?
Dans la majorité des cas qu’on voit sur le terrain, l’odeur vient des moisissures installées sur les serpentins et dans la turbine. Humidité + poussière = cocktail parfait. Beaucoup de clients pensent que ça va “passer”, mais en réalité, plus on attend, plus l’odeur s’incruste et se propage dans toute la pièce.
Est-ce normal que mon unité fasse plus de bruit qu’avant?
Non, pis c’est souvent un signe clair d’encrassement. Quand la turbine est déséquilibrée par la poussière collante, le moteur force, vibre et commence à faire des bruits étranges. On a déjà vu des moteurs brûler juste parce que personne n’a nettoyé l’unité pendant des années.
À partir de quand un nettoyage devient vraiment nécessaire?
Si votre unité a plus de 12 mois sans nettoyage professionnel, elle en a probablement besoin. Au Québec, avec la poussière intérieure, l’humidité et l’utilisation intense l’été (et l’hiver pour les thermopompes), l’encrassement arrive plus vite que les gens pensent.
Est-ce que nettoyer juste les filtres est suffisant?
Honnêtement, non. Les filtres, c’est juste la surface. Le vrai problème se cache derrière : serpentins, ventilateur, bac de condensation. On a souvent nettoyé des unités avec des filtres “propres”, mais l’intérieur était complètement noir de saleté.
Qu’est-ce qui arrive si je ne nettoie jamais mon unité murale?
Trois choses qu’on voit souvent :
- La performance chute (ça refroidit ou chauffe moins).
- La facture d’électricité monte.
- Des pièces internes lâchent prématurément.
Bref, vous payez plus cher pour un confort pire.
Does cleaning really help with allergies?
Oui, et c’est flagrant. Quand on travaille chez des clients avec allergies ou enfants, ils nous disent souvent que l’air devient plus léger dès les jours suivants. Une unité sale redistribue spores, bactéries et particules fines dans toute la maison.
Est-ce risqué de nettoyer soi-même une unité murale?
Très. On a vu des cartes électroniques grillées à cause d’un mauvais nettoyage maison, ou des ailettes écrasées qui réduisent l’efficacité à vie. Une unité murale, c’est fragile à l’intérieur. Sans protection adéquate, les dégâts arrivent vite.
À quelle fréquence recommandez-vous le nettoyage?
En pratique :
- Salon principal : une fois par année
- Chambre ou bureau : aux 12–18 mois
- Cuisine, fumeurs ou animaux : aux 6–9 mois
On ajuste toujours selon l’usage réel, pas une règle “mur à mur”.
Est-ce que toutes les marques se nettoient de la même façon?
Non. Une Mitsubishi, une Daikin ou une LG n’ont pas la même conception interne. On adapte notre démontage et nos produits selon la marque et le modèle. C’est là que l’expérience fait toute la différence.
Combien de temps prend un vrai nettoyage complet?
En général entre 90 minutes et 2 heures par unité. Quand c’est fait en 30 minutes, c’est rarement un nettoyage en profondeur. Nous, on démonte, on lave, on désinfecte et on teste — pas de raccourci.
Le nettoyage peut-il vraiment réduire ma consommation électrique?
Oui, et on l’a mesuré sur le terrain. Une unité propre consomme souvent 15 à 30 % moins d’électricité parce qu’elle n’a plus besoin de forcer pour atteindre la température demandée.
Comment savoir si le nettoyage a vraiment été bien fait?
Après un bon nettoyage, l’unité est plus silencieuse, l’air sort plus fort, les odeurs disparaissent et la température se stabilise plus vite. Si rien n’a changé… c’est que le travail a été bâclé. Un nettoyage doit se ressentir, pas juste se facturer.
