When heating reliability becomes a critical priority in commercial settings
In the heart of a brutal Quebec winter, as temperatures plummeted to -35°C, a business located on the North Shore of Montreal faced a complete breakdown of its commercial heating system. During the cold season, such a failure means far more than discomfort: it endangers equipment, temperature-sensitive inventory, and, most importantly, employee safety.
At AirGreen, we were urgently called in to resolve the situation. This type of intervention allows no room for error — it requires a fast, accurate response, and above all, an experienced team. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a high-intensity commercial HVAC repair, carried out under extreme conditions.
The situation: a critical emergency on the North Shore
The call came in on a Thursday morning at 6:45 AM. An industrial building in Blainville, home to a pharmaceutical warehouse, was experiencing a complete shutdown of its central heating system. The existing unit, a 12-year-old rooftop Lennox system, failed to start despite multiple reset attempts. The building manager — already a client of ours for regular maintenance — contacted us immediately through our dedicated commercial emergency line.
We mobilized a response team of two senior HVAC technicians, each equipped to diagnose and repair central heating systems from Lennox, Trane, and York — the most common brands in Quebec’s industrial sector.
Fast and accurate diagnostics
Upon arrival, our technicians immediately secured the area, measured the indoor ambient temperature (which had dropped below 8°C), and began a comprehensive diagnosis of the heating system. The verdict: a thermal safety relay had tripped due to internal overheating, caused by a clogged combustion fan and a worn-out ignition sensor.
This scenario highlights a common issue in commercial settings: the crucial importance of preventive HVAC maintenance. Despite annual upkeep, dust accumulation combined with voltage fluctuations had weakened the system.
Our technical intervention: precision, speed, and rigor
We immediately:
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Replaced the ignition sensor (compatible Lennox SureLight model).
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Cleaned and realigned the combustion fan.
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Reset the smart control system (Honeywell VisionPRO).
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Checked all safety circuits.
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Performed a full cold restart test.
The entire intervention took 3 hours, non-stop, despite the extreme cold. We used a temporary portable heater (courtesy of AirGreen) to maintain the ambient temperature in the warehouse’s most sensitive areas during the repair.
The result: full heating restored before noon
Thanks to our mobile HVAC diagnostic equipment, we confirmed that the system was operating at full capacity by 11:15 AM. Indoor temperatures returned to 21°C in under 90 minutes.
The client, relieved, told us he was impressed by the speed and precision of the intervention. He decided to upgrade his maintenance contract to include additional preventive visits in January and February, which are critical months on the North Shore.
Key takeaway: preventive maintenance is your best protection
Quebec’s extreme weather imposes unique demands on commercial heating systems. Here are mistakes to avoid:
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Postponing seasonal maintenance until the last minute.
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Underestimating the cold’s impact on electronic components.
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Not having an emergency protocol in place in case of breakdown.
And most importantly, you must work with a reliable local partner.
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial heating needs?
We operate across the North Shore, as well as in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the South Shore, offering 24/7 availability for commercial clients. Our technicians are certified to work with major brands, including:
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Lennox
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York
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Trane
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Bosch
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Goodman
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Carrier
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Rheem
Our fleet is fully equipped for emergency interventions, even during the worst freezing rain or cold snaps. Our services include:
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Complete commercial HVAC maintenance
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Emergency repairs and troubleshooting
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Installation of central heating systems: gas, electric, or heat pumps
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Guidance on eligibility for energy efficiency grants (e.g., LogisVert, ÉcoPerformance PME)
Local expertise, serving your peace of mind
This -35°C intervention is a powerful example of our commitment to protecting local commercial operations, even in the most demanding conditions. At AirGreen, we believe that a reliable heating system doesn’t just depend on the quality of the equipment — it’s built on the expertise of those who install and maintain it.
In conclusion: be ready before winter hits
If you manage a commercial building or warehouse on the North Shore, or anywhere in Greater Montreal, don’t let the cold catch you off guard. Choose a partner like AirGreen, known for its speed, efficiency, and unmatched HVAC technical expertise.
Contact us today for a commercial maintenance contract or a technical evaluation of your existing system.
