A CVAC Maintenance Intervention That Changed Everything in Laval
At AirGreen, we know that regular HVAC maintenance can make all the difference between a system that runs quietly in the background and a sudden breakdown with costly consequences. Recently, our team was called in for a routine maintenance visit at a shopping mall in Laval, a high-traffic location where thermal comfort is crucial—for both customers and shop owners. What seemed like a standard check quickly turned into a critical intervention that narrowly avoided a major central heating system failure.
A Scheduled Inspection in a Sensitive Environment
The mall in question houses more than 40 shops and restaurants, all heavily dependent on a centralized HVAC system to maintain a comfortable environment, especially during Québec’s harsh winter months. When we arrived on site, everything appeared to be functioning normally. The goal of our visit: to carry out preventive maintenance on a series of central heat pumps by Trane, connected to a network of air handling units (AHUs) strategically distributed across various wings of the building.
Details of the HVAC Equipment Inspected
The system in place included:
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Three Trane XL16i central heat pumps, each with a 5-ton capacity (60,000 BTU).
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One main air handling unit equipped with a variable speed motor.
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Digital control systems with smart thermostats connected to a centralized management platform.
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A network of metal ductwork serving multiple independent zones.
The equipment was relatively recent (less than 5 years old) but had not undergone a full maintenance check in over 18 months—a timeframe far too long in such a high-demand environment.
What We Discovered During the Maintenance Visit
From the outset of our inspection:
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The air filters were clogged with a buildup of dust and textile fibers from clothing stores.
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The evaporator coils showed signs of scaling and localized corrosion, impairing heat exchange.
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A faulty temperature sensor in a key zone was sending incorrect readings, forcing the heat pump to operate under excessive load.
But the most alarming discovery came when we checked the refrigerant pressure in one of the units. We identified a slow leak that had gone unnoticed by the building staff and could have led to a complete failure of the central heat pump within weeks—in the middle of February.
Actions Taken by the AirGreen Team
Our certified team immediately:
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Cleaned the coils and replaced air filters across all AHUs.
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Repaired the refrigerant leak and rebalanced the circuit by recharging the R-410A fluid to optimal levels.
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Replaced the faulty sensor and recalibrated the control system to ensure accurate ambient temperature readings.
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Checked all electrical connections, lubricated moving components, and updated the software on the centralized management system.
What This Intervention Prevented
Without this preventive maintenance, the shopping mall would have faced:
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A heating outage in an entire wing of the building, with rapidly dropping temperatures during the peak of winter.
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A disruption of commercial activities, leading to lost revenue for tenants.
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A potential need to replace the central heat pump, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
By investing in a planned HVAC maintenance program, the property manager not only avoided a critical situation but also extended the life of the equipment by several years.
Why HVAC Maintenance Is Crucial for Commercial Buildings
1. Reduced Risk of Unexpected Breakdowns
Maintenance helps detect anomalies before they result in major equipment failure.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
Well-maintained systems consume less energy, reducing monthly operating costs.
3. Better Indoor Air Quality
Proper maintenance removes contaminants (dust, allergens, mold) from ducts and filters.
4. Compliance with Safety Standards
In public or commercial buildings, fire safety and health protocols also depend on proper HVAC maintenance.
AirGreen: Your Trusted Partner in Commercial HVAC for Laval
At AirGreen, we bring deep expertise in the maintenance, repair, and installation of commercial HVAC systems, whether in Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore. We service all major brands on the market: Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Carrier, York, Fujitsu, and more.
Our custom maintenance programs are designed to:
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Fit the needs of your specific building.
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Stay within your budget constraints.
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Maximize the longevity of your equipment.
A Valuable Lesson for All Property Managers
This real-life story from Laval illustrates a simple but often overlooked truth: preventive HVAC maintenance is an investment, not an expense. It protects your assets, ensures occupant comfort, and minimizes the risk of major failures.
If you manage a commercial building and haven’t yet implemented a preventive maintenance program, now is the time. And at AirGreen, we’re ready to support you with precision, responsiveness, and proven expertise.