Montreal's hot, humid summers put your wall-mounted air conditioner to the test. Between months of intensive use and accumulated humidity, your unit can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
After 10 years of cleaning thousands of wall units in Greater Montreal, we see the same problems all too often: families coughing without understanding why, Hydro-Québec bills skyrocketing, and appliances breaking prematurely.
Mohamed and Omar from Ventilation Vortex Air explain why regular maintenance of your wall-mounted air conditioner is not a luxury, but a necessity.
The importance of wall unit maintenance
Weather conditions in Montreal
Montreal is quite unique when it comes to climate. Our summers can be really humid - we're often talking 80% of humidity and more for weeks on end.
This constant humidity, combined with long periods of air conditioner use (sometimes 12-14 hours a day in July and August), creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of mold and bacteria in your unit.
With each cycle, your unit draws warm, humid air from your home. Without regular cleaning, this moisture accumulates in the filters and evaporator.
Impact on health and comfort
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. In our practice, we often meet families from the Plateau or Ahuntsic who call us because their children are developing respiratory problems in summer.
Worst of all, many people think it's normal to have allergies in summer. But when their unit is cleaned and the symptoms disappear, they realize the problem was their air conditioner.
Signs that your wall unit needs cleaning
Unpleasant odors when the unit is running
Smell a musty odor when your air conditioner starts up? This is often the first sign that mold is growing in your unit.
This smell usually comes from the evaporator or condensation tray, which has not been cleaned for a long time.
Reduced or less powerful airflow than before
If you have to lower the temperature more than before to get the same comfort, your unit is working harder for less results.
A clogged filter forces the fan to push air through a barrier of dust and debris. Result: less air circulates in your room.
Unusual noises or whistling
Strange noises often come from a fan forcing through clogged filters or debris that has accumulated in the indoor unit.
We've already found leaves, animal hair and even children's toys in wall units!
Black spots (mold) on or around the unit
Visible black spots around your unit are a red flag. Mould visible on the outside often indicates much greater contamination on the inside.
Sudden rise in electricity consumption
Has your Hydro-Québec bill gone up for no apparent reason? A dirty wall unit can consume up to 25% more electricity than a clean unit.
The risks of neglecting to clean your wall unit
Respiratory health problems
The mold and bacteria that accumulate in your air conditioner can aggravate asthma, trigger allergies and cause respiratory irritation.
Children playing near the wall unit breathe this contaminated air directly. We've seen families in Laval where the children had recurring asthma attacks in the summer, and all went well after a good cleaning of their air conditioner.
Higher energy consumption
A dirty wall unit has to work up to 40% harder to maintain the same temperature. On a summer electricity bill of 150$, that's 60$ more per month.
Multiply that over 3-4 months of intensive use, and you're easily paying 200-250$ more per summer.
Reduced device lifetime
A well-maintained wall-mounted air conditioner can easily last 12-15 years. Without maintenance, units break down after only 6-8 years.
Replacing a wall unit costs between 3000$ and 5000$ including installation. Compare that to the cost of an annual cleaning at 150-200$, and the choice is quickly made.
The benefits of professional cleaning with Vortex Air
Immediate improvement in indoor air quality
After our thorough cleaning, our customers often tell us that the air smells fresher from the very first use.
Mould, bacteria and all the debris that accumulates in the filters and evaporator are removed. Your unit can finally do its job: filter the air efficiently.
Energy savings and lower bills
A clean unit operates at full capacity. On average, our customers see a 15-20% reduction in electricity consumption after our service.
For a Brossard family spending 200$ per month on electricity in the summer, that's 35-40$ in savings every month.
Extending the life of the wall unit
Preventive maintenance is like changing the oil in your car. It costs less than replacing the engine!
Our customers who have their units cleaned every year keep their air conditioners running 3-4 years longer than the average.
Our specialized cleaning process for wall units in Montreal
Free inspection and full assessment
Mohamed or Omar will come to your home 7 days a week to inspect your unit free of charge. We check the condition of the filters, the evaporator, the condensate pan and all the mechanical parts.
This inspection allows us to give you a fair price and identify any potential problems.
Deep cleaning with INVC/NADCA-certified tools
We take your unit apart piece by piece. Filters, evaporators, fans - everything goes through with our certified products and specialized equipment.
Our 5 certified technicians use techniques approved by HVAC industry trade associations.
Disinfection and elimination of bacteria/molds
We apply an antimicrobial treatment that's safe for your family and pets. This treatment eliminates existing mold and prevents its recurrence.
Final check and personalized advice
Before you leave, we test your unit to make sure it's working perfectly. We also give you practical tips on how to keep your air conditioner clean longer.
When should you clean your wall unit?
Early summer before heavy use
Ideally in May or early June, before the hot weather sets in. Your unit will be ready to perform all summer long without a hitch.
After a prolonged period of inactivity
If your air conditioner has been closed all winter, we recommend that you clean it before using it for the first time. Dust and moisture accumulate even when the unit is not running.
Every 12 months for normal residential use
For an average family that uses its air conditioner 3-4 months a year, annual cleaning is generally sufficient.
Every 6 months for condos, buildings or businesses
In environments with more air circulation or intensive use, two cleanings per year guarantee optimum performance.
Why choose Ventilation Vortex Air in Montreal?
Our unique differentiators
Free inspection 24/7 - Mohamed and Omar are even available on weekends to assess your needs at no charge.
Certified and experienced technicians - Our team of 5 technicians follows INVC standards and is working towards NADCA certification.
Fast service in Greater Montreal - We can usually respond within 24-48 hours of your call, even during busy summer periods.
Owners involved in the field - Mohamed and Omar personally take part in the work and ensure the quality of the service.
Areas served
We cover the whole of Greater Montreal: Ahuntsic, Villeray, the Plateau, NDG, Outremont and all the boroughs.
On the South Shore: Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Greenfield Park and surrounding municipalities.
On the North Shore: Laval, Terrebonne, Saint-Jérôme, Rosemère and surrounding towns.
Our 500+ satisfied customers testify to our speed and quality of service throughout the region.
Frequently asked questions about wall unit cleaning
How long does a complete cleaning take? Between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the condition of your unit. We take the time needed to get the job done right.
Can I use the unit immediately afterwards? Yes, as soon as we finish the service. We test the unit before we leave to make sure everything's working perfectly.
How much does service cost in Montreal? Our prices range from 150$ to 250$, depending on the complexity of the cleaning. Inspection and quotation are always free of charge.
What's the difference between home cleaning and professional cleaning? We have the equipment and certified products to completely disassemble your unit and clean inaccessible parts. In-house cleaning is generally limited to visible filters.
Breathe easier today - request your free inspection
Your family deserves to breathe clean air all summer long. The longer you wait, the more molds and bacteria accumulate in your wall unit.
Get a free inspection now - Call Mohamed and Omar on 514-214-7492 to make an appointment that suits your schedule.
Book online at vortexair.ca - Guaranteed response within 2 hours during business hours.
Download our free guide See "5 signs that your wall unit needs cleaning" to quickly identify problems before they become serious.
More than 500 families in the Greater Montreal area trust us to help them breathe easier. Join them and discover the difference a clean air conditioner can make to your comfort and health.
