Poor winter preparation can be extremely costly for a commercial building. Every year, property managers across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and North Shore face broken, inefficient or completely failed commercial heating systems as soon as the first cold hits. At AirGreen, we’re often called in on emergency jobs to fix what could have been easily avoided with more proactive oversight. Here’s a full breakdown of the most common mistakes, supported by real-world examples from our fieldwork, along with concrete advice to secure your HVAC installations.
Neglected maintenance: the number one cause of winter breakdowns
Preventive maintenance is the key to reliable performance in a commercial heating system. And yet, we far too often see a total lack of regular follow-up, especially in multi-tenant buildings or industrial facilities.
Real-life example: office building in Laval
At the end of November, a property manager called us in a panic: a 15-year-old Goodman forced-air system, never once serviced, had completely shut down. The result: indoor temperatures below 15°C, tenant complaints, and a full system replacement required. Regular annual maintenance could have extended the life of the equipment by several years—and saved over $9,000.
Our advice
Schedule a full HVAC maintenance visit every fall. At AirGreen, we check filters, fans, burners, gas pressure, and run combustion tests to guarantee peak equipment performance.
Lack of strategic planning for aging systems
Many commercial buildings in Montreal and the North Shore still rely on outdated central heating systems, some installed over 20 years ago. These units consume more energy, require more frequent repairs, and risk sudden, total failure.
Testimonial: industrial manager in Longueuil
A warehouse manager overseeing 12,000 sq. ft. in Longueuil contacted us after a complete shutdown of a gas-fired Lennox system. No replacement planning had been done. The result: a full week of intensive work, major operational disruptions, and an urgent switch to a new Bosch BOVA 5-ton high-efficiency system, eligible for a $4,300 LogisVert subsidy.
Our recommendation
Have all systems over 10 years old professionally assessed. We offer energy audits to measure system performance, anticipate replacements, and help you plan timely upgrades.
Poor insulation: the silent killer of commercial heating systems
Inadequate insulation causes HVAC systems to overwork, leading to faster wear and tear and skyrocketing energy bills. This is especially common in older industrial buildings or commercial complexes on Montreal’s South Shore.
Example: shopping center in Brossard
A FUJITSU AIRSTAGE KZAH system installed by our team last winter in Brossard wasn’t keeping the main entrance warm. The real issue? A poorly insulated glass atrium causing massive heat loss. Once we sealed the area and upgraded the weatherproofing, the system worked perfectly—without any modifications to the unit.
Our solution
Thermal audits performed by AirGreen identify heat loss points, help optimize heating performance, and allow us to recommend simple structural fixes.
Overlooked auxiliary components: thermostats, ductwork, fans
An HVAC system isn’t just the heat pump or furnace. Faulty thermostats, clogged ducts, or miscalibrated fan motors are often the real culprits behind poor performance.
Problem solved in Montreal
A 60-room hotel downtown had a solid central HVAC system, but guests constantly complained about inconsistent room temperatures. During our inspection, we found that over 40% of the motorized dampers were jammed and several thermostats were malfunctioning. Replacing 12 thermostats with smart models and repairing the duct system fully restored indoor comfort.
AirGreen tip
Have your entire air distribution network inspected. Our technicians check ductwork, motorized valves, temperature sensors, and control interfaces during every service visit.
Equipment incorrectly sized for the building
A unit that’s too small or too large for the heated area will never perform optimally. It will short-cycle, consume excess energy, and wear out much faster.
Practical case in Sainte-Thérèse
A property manager asked us to evaluate a 24,000 BTU Gree heat pump that had been installed recently. Despite the unit’s quality, it couldn’t heat the 3,500 sq. ft. of commercial space properly. Our assessment? The original installer had failed to perform a thermal load calculation. We proposed adding a second Gree Multi-Zone unit to balance the heating load and ensure optimal comfort.
Key takeaway
A professional thermal evaluation is essential before any installation. At AirGreen, we precisely assess your building’s heating needs based on layout, usage, and construction materials.
Ignoring available subsidies: wasted savings
Many property managers still overlook the subsidy programs available for upgrading heating systems. That’s a costly oversight.
What not to do: ignore LogisVert
We recently modernized the HVAC system of a commercial property in Saint-Lambert, replacing an outdated oil boiler with a 5-ton Trane central heat pump. With our help, the client secured a $5,400 grant. Without our guidance, they wouldn’t have even known the funding existed.
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial heating needs?
At AirGreen, we serve Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore with professional, reliable, and tailored services. Our technicians are trained to work on all major brands: Fujitsu, Gree, Lennox, Bosch, Goodman, Trane, Carrier, and many more. Every solution we provide focuses on energy efficiency, long-term reliability, and client satisfaction.
What you can do right now
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Schedule a full inspection of your heating system
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Request a free thermal evaluation
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Check your eligibility for HVAC subsidies
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Avoid costly breakdowns: call AirGreen before winter sets in