Why Rethinking Your Commercial Heating System Is More Urgent Than Ever
In a context where energy costs are skyrocketing and businesses in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore must balance performance, compliance, and sustainability, commercial heating is far more than just a comfort—it's a strategic lever. At AirGreen, we face real-life situations daily where poor installation or maintenance severely impacts the operations of a business, warehouse, or office building. This article reveals 5 surprising statistics that should prompt you to reconsider your HVAC heating priorities.
1. 68% of Commercial Heating Systems in Operation Have Exceeded Their Optimal Lifespan
A Canadian study shows that nearly 7 out of 10 systems are still running past their expected service life (usually between 15 and 20 years). The problem? A 30% to 50% drop in energy efficiency, more frequent breakdowns, and a higher risk of non-compliance with environmental regulations.
At AirGreen, we recently replaced an old system in East Montréal in a commercial garage that had been running on heating oil since 1989. Our team installed a Bosch BOVA R-454b central heat pump—a modern, eco-friendly solution eligible for a $5,500 grant—and it resulted in a 42% reduction in annual heating costs.
2. Poor HVAC System Design Can Lead to a 25% Heat Loss in Large Buildings
In many commercial buildings in Laval or Longueuil, the issue isn't the system itself but rather poor sizing or poorly insulated ductwork. An unbalanced network can cause up to 25% heat loss, particularly in peripheral or poorly ventilated areas.
We recently corrected a system in a Boucherville warehouse where upstairs offices remained cold despite the heat pump’s theoretical capacity. Thanks to 3D thermal flow modeling, the addition of zoning systems, and re-insulating the ducts, we reduced thermal loss to under 5%.
3. Businesses That Upgrade Their HVAC Heating System Save an Average of 20% on Operating Costs
Far from being an expense, installing a new high-efficiency HVAC system is a profitable investment from year one. Replacing an outdated unit with a central heat pump or a high-efficiency gas system can generate average savings of 20%, while also increasing the property value of the building.
In Terrebonne, the owner of a medical complex entrusted AirGreen with a full upgrade. We replaced two old gas boilers with a hybrid Goodman R-32 system, combining energy efficiency with rapid response. The result: over $8,300 saved in the first year, along with significantly improved comfort.
4. 80% of HVAC Service Calls Are Due to Lack of Preventive Maintenance
At AirGreen, four out of five service calls we receive for winter heating failures could be avoided with regular HVAC maintenance. In winter, a clogged filter or faulty sensor can shut down the entire system, causing costly downtime—especially for customer-facing businesses or tenant-occupied buildings.
That’s why we’ve launched a custom preventive maintenance program, tailored to our commercial clients’ schedules and constraints. In Saint-Eustache, a pharmacy avoided two consecutive winters of recurring outages simply with a bi-monthly check-up of their rooftop unit.
5. Inefficient Heating Systems Can Emit Up to 12 Extra Tons of CO2 Per Year
In a world increasingly focused on environmental performance, businesses are being held accountable. An inefficient or outdated heating system, especially one using oil or standard gas, can emit up to 12 extra tons of CO2 per year—the equivalent of three gas-powered cars running year-round.
AirGreen offers ENERGY STAR certified HVAC solutions like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 range, ideal for small businesses and offices across the North Shore. In Blainville, a hair salon cut its carbon footprint in half with this technology.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Commercial Heating Projects?
A Trusted Expert in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore
We proudly serve diverse environments including auto garages, restaurants, warehouses, government buildings, and condo towers. Our certified technicians deliver precise and secure installations, with attention to detail and the flexibility to adapt to any technical or architectural challenge.
Honest and Personalized Advice
Every project begins with a complete thermal analysis, followed by transparent recommendations. We always prioritize value for money, and we assist our clients with grant applications (Hydro-Québec LogisVert, federal, municipal, etc.).
Reliable and Available After-Sales Service
Our customer service is available 24/7 during winter months. A breakdown won’t wait—especially when your premises need to remain open. Thanks to our local parts inventory and network of partners, we guarantee fast intervention, even during peak periods.
Practical Advice: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes?
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Don’t delay replacing a system that’s clearly at the end of its lifespan—the hidden costs are often higher than immediate investment.
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Don’t skip annual maintenance, even if everything seems to be working fine.
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Choose a contractor specialized in commercial HVAC, not residential—the stakes, standards, and equipment are very different.
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Take full advantage of available grants—AirGreen can help you maximize them, often ranging between $4,000 and $7,500 depending on the project.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Rethink Your Priorities
What we see on the ground is clear: too many businesses still underestimate the impact of an outdated or poorly designed commercial heating system. The numbers speak for themselves, and the potential savings are real, immediate, and measurable. At AirGreen, we believe a well-heated, well-ventilated, and well-maintained building is one that performs better, is more profitable, and more sustainable.
Are you a commercial building owner in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore? Contact us today for a free and personalized evaluation of your HVAC system.