Optimisation CVAC : comment un réglage simple a permis à un immeuble commercial de Laval d’économiser 20 % d’énergie

Fine-tuning HVAC systems for major savings: the story of a commercial building in Laval

In commercial real estate, the HVAC system is often the biggest contributor to a building’s operational costs. Yet, surprisingly, one of the most cost-effective interventions isn’t replacing the equipment—it’s optimizing how it runs. This was exactly the case for a commercial building in Laval, where AirGreen’s HVAC expertise led to a 20% energy reduction, thanks to a simple, strategic adjustment.

The context: rising costs and tenant discomfort

The owner of a mid-size office building in Laval, housing nearly a dozen companies, contacted us with two concerns: a steadily increasing energy bill, and recurring complaints from tenants about fluctuating indoor temperatures, particularly during shoulder seasons.

Upon inspection, our technicians discovered a central rooftop heat pump (thermopompe centrale)—a Lennox 5-tonne R-410A unit—functioning properly, but not optimally. There were no signs of major mechanical failure, but the system was running on factory default settings, with no regard for the building’s actual usage patterns.

Diagnosis: a system that worked... too hard

Our team conducted a full CVAC performance audit, during which we monitored:

• Compressor cycling frequency

• Fan speeds versus occupancy levels

• Indoor temperature fluctuations

• Outdoor temperature responses

We quickly found that the heat pump was operating at 100% capacity during low-occupancy periods, notably early mornings, evenings, and weekends. There was also no zoning logic, so the entire system would run based on a single thermostat located near a south-facing wall—a notorious hotspot.

The solution: smart optimization, not overhauling

Instead of recommending costly equipment replacements, we implemented targeted reprogramming and recalibration, including:

• Adjusting the thermostatic setpoints and introducing a modulating schedule based on actual business hours

• Integrating a smart control module with multi-zone management capability

• Calibrating fan speeds to match occupancy and outdoor air temperature

• Relocating the primary thermostat to a neutral zone to better represent average indoor conditions

We also provided a custom maintenance plan to ensure the system stays optimized year-round, with quarterly performance reviews.

Results: 20% less energy, greater comfort

Within three months of implementation, the client saw:

• A 20% drop in energy consumption, verified via Hydro-Québec billing records

• Fewer tenant complaints about comfort, especially in corner offices and meeting rooms

• Extended equipment lifespan due to reduced strain and better cycling logic

• A better indoor air experience, with more even temperatures and less humidity fluctuation

Why this matters for commercial buildings in Laval

This project is a prime example of how AirGreen’s HVAC optimization services are tailored to the real operating conditions of each building. In Laval, where temperature swings are frequent and buildings vary in architecture, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work.

We help building owners and managers get the most out of their existing equipment, often saving them thousands without the need for expensive retrofits.

Common mistakes to avoid in commercial HVAC operations

Many commercial property managers unknowingly fall into these traps:

• Running systems at full speed 24/7, regardless of occupancy

• Not reviewing thermostat placement, leading to poor decision-making by the system

• Skipping seasonal recalibrations, especially during spring and fall transitions

• Neglecting maintenance, resulting in decreased efficiency over time

At AirGreen, we make it easy to avoid these pitfalls through personalized diagnostics, technical support, and performance-driven adjustments.

Tailored HVAC services for Laval’s commercial real estate

Whether you manage a multi-tenant office building, a commercial plaza, or a light industrial space, our approach adapts to your unique needs. In Laval, we’ve worked on everything from high-efficiency rooftop units to integrated VRF systems, and we always prioritize:

• Comfort for occupants

• Lower operational costs

• Extended lifespan of HVAC assets

• Eligibility for grants and energy efficiency programs

Grants and energy programs: maximizing ROI

While this project didn’t involve equipment replacement, many of our commercial clients in Laval are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert or commercial energy retrofit programs when larger upgrades are needed.

We assist you in preparing:

• Energy audits

• ROI forecasts

• Technical justifications

• Equipment specifications aligned with rebate programs

This ensures you get the maximum financial return on every HVAC-related investment.

AirGreen: your HVAC optimization partner in Laval

At AirGreen, we believe the best HVAC systems are not just efficient—they’re intelligently operated. Our experience across Laval’s commercial sector proves that small adjustments can lead to major savings, and that with the right partner, your existing system can be a high-performance asset.

Let us help you unlock your building’s full potential with proven optimization strategies designed for Québec’s commercial buildings.