An Emergency HVAC Installation in the Heart of a Winter Storm
As winter reached its peak in Montréal, a record-breaking cold snap hit the region in the middle of January. Temperatures plummeted to below -30 °C, putting intense pressure on residential and commercial heating systems. At AirGreen, we received a flood of urgent calls, especially from businesses whose buildings were at risk of freezing. One of these emergency cases stood out: a rapid, strategic response at a commercial building in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie district, where the central heating system had just failed—threatening the operations of several tenant businesses.
A Critical Situation: Heating System Failure in the Middle of the Night
Around 3 a.m., the building manager contacted us: the central heating system — an old failing gas unit — had just gone down. The interior temperature had already dropped to 9 °C and several areas were facing the risk of frozen pipes. Given the urgency, our 24/7 emergency response team mobilized immediately.
We dispatched two of our most experienced technicians, specialized in complex commercial HVAC solutions. In the middle of a snowstorm, overnight, they conducted a full diagnostic of the existing system to determine if a temporary repair was possible. The result: the unit was beyond repair and needed to be replaced immediately.
Strategic Choice: Installation of a Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G + BOVB36HDN1M20G (IDS Premium) 36,000 BTU System
Fully aware of the need for a reliable, high-performance heating system that could be installed quickly, we recommended the Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G + BOVB36HDN1M20G system — an IDS Premium model using R-454B refrigerant, known for its high energy efficiency, even in extreme temperatures. With 36,000 BTU, this system was perfectly sized to meet the building’s heating demands.
Fortunately, thanks to our nearby warehouse, we had the unit in stock. Less than three hours after the initial emergency call, our team was already starting the installation of the new system.
Logistical and Technical Challenges: Installing During -30 °C Temperatures
Working in deep cold presents numerous challenges:
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Handling refrigeration equipment carefully: at -30 °C, every step must be executed with extreme precision to avoid thermal shock and protect electronic components.
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Technician safety: our teams were equipped with appropriate thermal gear, with scheduled breaks to prevent hypothermia.
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Access to the technical room blocked by snow: we had to clear a safe path to transport the system without damaging the unit.
Despite these constraints, the installation was completed in less than 10 hours, including the removal of the old system, site preparation, electrical and refrigerant connections, pressure testing, leak testing, and full commissioning.
Immediate Result: Comfort Restored and Building Secured
As soon as it was turned on, the new Bosch system started distributing consistent and even heat throughout all areas of the building. Thanks to its inverter compressor, it quickly adjusted to the indoor temperature without consuming excessive energy. The client highlighted the reliability, performance, and quiet operation of the system — even in such extreme conditions.
This intervention allowed us not only to protect the structural integrity of the building, but also to ensure continuity of commercial operations, preventing substantial financial losses for the tenants.
Why We Chose the Bosch IDS Premium for This Installation
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Cold-climate performance: operates efficiently down to -30 °C, perfect for Montréal winters.
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Inverter technology: delivers significant energy savings by modulating power output.
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R-454B: next-generation refrigerant with a low global warming potential.
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Eligible for grants: up to $5,000 in available government rebates depending on the case.
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Exceptional warranty: up to 10 years on parts and labor with our AirGreen program.
Testimonial from the Property Manager
“I’ve never seen a team move that fast and work that efficiently. AirGreen not only answered our emergency call in the middle of the night, but they also installed a complete new system in a single day. Thanks to them, our tenants experienced no damage.”
AirGreen’s Tips for Avoiding Critical Heating Failures in Winter
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Preventive HVAC maintenance in the fall: check electrical connections, filters, and refrigerant levels.
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Proactive replacement of aging systems: don’t wait until it’s too late.
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Emergency plan: for commercial buildings, we strongly recommend a maintenance contract with priority intervention.
Our HVAC Expertise Across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
This story is just one example of our ability to respond quickly, even in extreme conditions, and to deliver custom HVAC solutions that are reliable and built to last.
Whether you're a property manager in Laval, a business owner in Longueuil, or responsible for a building on the North Shore, you can count on AirGreen for professional, efficient HVAC installations eligible for government grants.
We proudly demonstrate our know-how every day through real-world projects, real challenges, and tangible results.
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If you’re looking to protect your commercial building with an HVAC installation tailored to the climate realities of the Montréal region, or if you need a reliable partner for system maintenance or upgrades, AirGreen is here for you.