Smart Facility Managers: What Every Building Operator Needs to Know About Commercial Heating Maintenance

Mastering Commercial Heating Maintenance: A Strategic Must for Buildings in Greater Montréal

In commercial sectors across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, keeping heating systems running efficiently isn’t just a matter of comfort — it’s an operational and financial imperative. At AirGreen, we understand that for property managers, maintenance directors, or facility operators, mastering HVAC maintenance is a powerful tool to prevent breakdowns, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of heating equipment.

Why Is Commercial Heating Maintenance So Critical?

In commercial buildings — whether office towers, retail spaces, restaurants, senior residences, or industrial facilities — the heating system is the heart of operations. A faulty central heat pump, gas boiler, or forced-air unit can halt key activities, drive away customers, or jeopardize occupant safety.

Here are the key consequences of poor maintenance:

• Unexpected breakdowns during extreme cold spells.

• Increased energy consumption due to clogged filters or poor calibration.

• Shortened equipment lifespan (sometimes by several years).

• Non-compliance with insurance requirements or health regulations.

That’s why we strongly recommend all facility managers establish a structured preventive maintenance plan, in collaboration with a specialized company like AirGreen.

Key Components to Monitor in a Commercial Heating System

A commercial central heating system contains several elements that require regular inspection:

1. Air Filters

Often overlooked, filters clog quickly — especially in urban areas like Montréal or Longueuil, where air quality can be impacted by traffic or industrial activity. Dirty filters reduce airflow and force systems to consume more energy.

2. Heat Exchangers

A clogged or obstructed heat exchanger significantly lowers heating efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures excellent energy performance, especially for brands like Goodman, Trane, or Lennox, commonly used in commercial buildings on the South Shore.

3. Controls and Thermostats

Poorly calibrated or malfunctioning thermostats misread temperatures, causing over- or under-heating. This affects not just comfort but also electricity bills.

4. Ducts and Fans

Blocked ducts or defective fans result in uneven heat distribution, creating cold spots throughout buildings — particularly problematic in large complexes in Laval and the North Shore.

Case Study: Full Maintenance at a Medical Centre in Saint-Léonard

One of our recent projects was in a medical centre in Saint-Léonard, where a Bosch BOVA 60, 60,000 BTU central heating system showed signs of weakening. The facility served sensitive patients, making thermal comfort critical. During our inspection:

• We identified a clogged HEPA filter in the main duct system.

• Wall-mounted controls were improperly calibrated, displaying temperatures off by 3°C.

• The heat pump fans were spinning slowly due to dust buildup in the bearings.

We performed a full cleaning, replaced the filters, recalibrated the control system, and updated the central unit's software. The result: a 21% immediate reduction in monthly energy consumption.

The Tangible Benefits of an AirGreen Maintenance Contract

An HVAC maintenance contract with us includes:

• Scheduled visits for inspection, cleaning, and system calibration.

• Priority access in case of breakdowns – especially vital during peak winter periods in Montréal or Laval.

• Upgrade recommendations (like replacing outdated units with more efficient, subsidized heat pumps).

• Peace of mind, with full documentation to meet audit or insurance requirements.

We service a wide range of buildings throughout the South Shore, from Longueuil to Brossard, and across the North Shore, from Boisbriand to Terrebonne.

What Does a Typical Maintenance Visit Look Like?

Here are the steps we follow during a standard maintenance appointment:

1. Visual inspection of indoor and outdoor units.

2. Checking electrical connections and circuit breaker safety.

3. Testing pressure and temperature levels.

4. Cleaning filters, coils, and fans.

5. Calibrating thermostats and testing heating cycles.

6. Providing a detailed status report with actionable recommendations.

Each service is tailored to the type of system: central heat pump, rooftop commercial unit, gas boiler, or hybrid central air conditioner.

Grants and Savings: Another Key Reason to Maintain

Proper maintenance also helps preserve eligibility for incentive programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert or Transition Énergétique Québec grants. Poorly maintained systems can disqualify applications for upgrades or replacements.

Moreover, well-maintained systems consume up to 30% less energy, representing thousands in annual savings for a commercial property.

Our Best Advice for Property Managers

• Schedule two maintenance visits per year: one in fall before heating season, one in spring after winter ends.

• Never delay an inspection if you hear strange noises, smell unusual odors, or experience slow startups.

• Train your in-house maintenance staff to spot early warning signs of failure.

• Invest in smart equipment, like connected thermostats for remote system management.

Why Trust AirGreen?

At AirGreen, we specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial HVAC systems across the Greater Montréal area. Our certified technicians know the specific details of every system — whether it’s a Bosch central unit, a Fujitsu heat pump, or a Lennox boiler.

Our approach is rooted in transparency, precision, and a deep commitment to the long-term performance of your systems.