A well-prepared winter season: your best defense against commercial heating emergencies
When winter sets in across Quebec, freezing temperatures wait for no one. For businesses in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, a single heating failure can disrupt an entire day of operations, cause financial losses, and negatively impact the comfort of both employees and customers. At AirGreen, we understand the real stakes when it comes to the reliability of commercial heating systems. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive checklist to help you prevent emergencies, optimize equipment performance, and ensure uninterrupted operations—even during the coldest days of the year.
Why is a checklist essential for your commercial heating?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the world of commercial HVAC, this saying couldn’t be more accurate. Too often, businesses overlook simple checks that could help avoid a major breakdown in the middle of January. This proactive checklist allows you to spot issues before they turn critical.
Check #1: Complete inspection of the heating system
To be performed: each fall, before the peak of the heating season.
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Check the burners to avoid soot or dirt buildup that can hinder combustion.
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Inspect the heat exchangers for cracks or blockages.
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Examine the air ducts for any obstruction or debris accumulation.
At AirGreen, we conduct thermographic inspections to detect invisible heat losses—a cutting-edge method that ensures your unit runs at optimal performance.
Check #2: Calibration and performance of thermostats
A miscalibrated thermostat can lead to excessive energy consumption or lack of comfort. This is especially common in multi-zone buildings (offices, warehouses, shared spaces).
What to do:
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Test each heating zone independently.
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Make sure smart thermostats are properly communicating with the central system.
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Update software if you use an automated control system.
Check #3: Condition of filters and ventilation
Clogged filters are the most frequent cause of avoidable commercial heating failures. A dirty filter can reduce airflow, force the fan to work harder, and shorten the system’s lifespan.
What to do:
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Replace filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Inspect fans and motors.
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Check air vents for blockages.
Check #4: Testing safety components
Systems running on natural gas or oil include several safety devices: valves, CO sensors, pressure switches.
At AirGreen, we systematically test:
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Carbon monoxide detectors.
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Pressure relief valves.
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Critical temperature sensors in the mechanical room.
These elements are vital to prevent serious emergencies, especially in commercial buildings open to the public.
Check #5: Assessing energy efficiency
Just because a system works doesn’t mean it works efficiently. A consumption analysis is essential to detect performance losses.
Recommended actions:
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Compare this year’s energy bills to last year’s.
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Install a BTU meter (thermal energy meter).
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Watch for frequent startup cycles (short-cycling), which indicate strain on the system.
Check #6: Checking hot water tanks and hydronic loops
In systems using hot water or glycol, leaks or air in the pipes can significantly reduce efficiency.
What to do:
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Check pressure in hydronic loops.
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Inspect circulator pumps.
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Ensure no air is trapped in the system (bleed as needed).
AirGreen uses endoscopic inspection cameras to detect internal micro-leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Check #7: Evaluating the specific needs of your building
Every commercial building is unique: surface area, insulation quality, occupancy, type of activity.
We adapt our preventive maintenance based on:
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The type of equipment (central heat pump, boiler, rooftop unit).
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The number of zones to heat.
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Exposure to prevailing winds or sunlight.
Case Study: successful preventive maintenance in Longueuil
One of our clients, a medical center in Longueuil, contacted us for a preventive inspection of their 5-ton Goodman central heat pump system. Thanks to our checklist, we discovered:
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A filter completely clogged with dust.
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A thermostat miscalibrated by 4 degrees.
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A circulation pump about to fail.
The service call took half a day, cost less than $500, and prevented a complete system failure that could have forced the cancellation of several patient appointments during a cold snap.
Tangible benefits of following this checklist
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Lower risk of unexpected breakdowns.
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Extended equipment lifespan.
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Energy savings through better performance.
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Increased safety for staff and occupants.
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Better overall HVAC system performance.
What we recommend at AirGreen
At AirGreen, we firmly believe that prevention is an investment, not an expense. That’s why we offer custom commercial HVAC maintenance contracts, which include:
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2 annual visits (fall and spring)
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Priority service during emergencies
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Detailed reports after every visit
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Discounts on parts and labor
We serve clients throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore with punctual, reliable teams available 24/7 for critical situations.
Conclusion: Be ready before the deep freeze
Commercial heating failures in winter are often avoidable. With AirGreen’s preventive checklist, you have a strategic tool in hand to protect your business, ensure team comfort, and maintain energy efficiency. Contact us today to schedule your preventive HVAC service and avoid unpleasant surprises this winter.