Optimizing your existing commercial heating system: the most effective strategies you can apply today
At AirGreen, we understand that many businesses in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and South Shore are looking to improve the efficiency of their heating system without necessarily investing in a brand-new HVAC system. The good news? It’s absolutely possible to lower your energy costs, improve thermal comfort in your building, and extend the life of your current equipment by applying targeted strategic methods.
Here are 7 technical and practical tips, drawn from our field experience in hundreds of commercial buildings across Quebec, to optimize the performance of your current heating system—without replacing it.
1. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and maintained
Regular maintenance of your commercial heating system is the first key to efficiency.
We've seen many cases in Longueuil and Laval where clogged filters, dusty ducts, or dirty heat exchangers were reducing efficiency by over 30%. At AirGreen, our technicians perform comprehensive HVAC maintenance, including:
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Cleaning coils and filters
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Checking airflow and static pressure
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Calibrating thermostats
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Inspecting all mechanical and electrical components
One client located on the North Shore in Blainville saw their energy bill drop by 18% after our maintenance intervention on their gas central heating system combined with a heat pump.
2. Optimize regulation with programmable or smart thermostats
A smart thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature based on the building’s occupancy schedule, avoiding unnecessary heating during off-hours.
We recently installed a multi-zone connected thermostat system in a distribution center in Brossard, compatible with their existing heating. The result? A 22% reduction in consumption in a single winter—without replacing any major equipment.
3. Improve insulation and seal thermal leaks
Poor insulation cancels out any efforts to improve energy performance.
We’ve helped several small businesses in Montréal and Saint-Lambert identify thermal leaks through thermographic inspections. By sealing gaps in windows, warehouse doors, or drop ceilings, their heating systems became significantly more efficient.
4. Rebalance airflow in your ductwork
An imbalance between different zones can cause unnecessary overload on certain parts of the system. In a daycare facility in Repentigny, our technicians recalibrated the balancing dampers and repositioned some air registers. The result: better heat distribution and improved comfort without increasing system capacity.
5. Bleed hot water radiators and check system pressure
In buildings equipped with hot water boiler systems, trapped air in the radiators or incorrect pressure levels can drastically hurt performance. During a service call in Longueuil, a hotel was suffering from recurring cold spots: after a full radiator bleed and a pressure adjustment, thermal comfort was immediately restored.
6. Install heated vestibules or air curtains
In buildings with high foot traffic, heat loss from frequent door openings can be enormous. We recently installed thermal air curtains in a veterinary clinic in Laval, reducing heating demand by over 25% during peak traffic hours.
7. Monitor consumption with energy performance tracking tools
Finally, to get a clear view of your energy efficiency, we recommend installing a monitoring system. One of our logistics clients in Saint-Hubert was able to identify an abnormal nighttime load thanks to a simple telemetry module. After correcting the hourly programming, their gas usage dropped significantly.
Practical advice: mistakes to avoid that could sabotage your efforts
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Waiting until equipment breaks down to take action
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Neglecting thermostat calibration during initial setup
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Forgetting to adapt heating to only used zones (e.g., unused warehouse areas)
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Installing high-performance equipment… but failing to maintain it
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Ignoring persistent drafts or non-insulated windows
Why choose AirGreen to optimize your commercial heating?
At AirGreen, we serve the entire Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore regions, helping businesses optimize the energy efficiency of their HVAC systems. Our certified technicians and consulting engineers work hand-in-hand with building managers, business owners, and architects to create tailored solutions that improve thermal performance, extend the lifespan of equipment, and significantly reduce costs.
We always prioritize an economical, durable, and strategic approach, even when replacing the system isn’t feasible in the short term.
A real-world example of successful optimization in Montréal
In an office building located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal area, our team identified multiple weak points in warm air distribution through the ducts. Through a complete recalibration, targeted duct insulation, and the addition of connected zone thermostats, the client saved over $4,200 in a single heating season.
Looking to boost the efficiency of your heating system without replacing it?
Contact AirGreen today for a free evaluation and customized recommendations for your building. We’ll help you implement concrete, measurable, and immediately beneficial solutions to improve comfort and reduce operating costs.