An emergency call in the middle of the night in Montréal: how our team acted fast to restore heating in a hotel in distress
In the world of commercial heating, there’s no room for the unexpected—especially when it comes to guest comfort in a hotel in the middle of January. At AirGreen, we understand better than anyone that in commercial environments like hotels, a single incident can lead to major financial losses, bad reviews, or worse, a full evacuation of the building. That’s exactly what we prevented thanks to a fast and expertly handled intervention in a downtown Montréal hotel.
The context of the call: a sudden and total heating system failure
It was 3:12 AM when our emergency service received a call from a manager of a 120-room hotel, reporting a complete breakdown of the central heating system. The outdoor temperature was -21°C, and the first guest complaints had already started arriving at the front desk. The hotel, located in the Ville-Marie district, relied on a central forced-air system, using a Goodman brand air handler, model ARUF61, connected to a high-efficiency outdoor heat pump.
The emergency was clear: restore the system before sunrise, avoid early checkouts, and protect the hotel’s reputation.
Our emergency response protocol: speed, expertise, and efficiency
Upon receiving the call, two certified commercial HVAC technicians were dispatched immediately. They arrived at 3:48 AM and began a thorough inspection of the system. The preliminary diagnosis revealed a critical failure in the indoor blower motor—a core component of the Goodman ARUF61—which was preventing warm air from circulating throughout the building.
Technical issue: real-time blower motor replacement
At AirGreen, we know the technical characteristics and common issues of models like the Goodman ARUF61, especially their ECM-type motors, which are vital to the proper function of variable-speed air handler systems. Fortunately, our parts warehouse located nearby in the Plateau-Mont-Royal district was stocked with a compatible replacement motor. One of our technicians was sent to retrieve it while the other continued with electrical diagnostics and disassembly of the unit.
A custom repair in under 2 hours
The motor replacement took place between 4:35 and 5:50 AM, including realignment of the drive shaft, calibration of the electronic control module, and a restart in test mode. We also took advantage of the system downtime to inspect and clean the coils, which are often overlooked during annual maintenance—this allowed us to restore optimal thermal efficiency.
Immediate results and full return to normal before sunrise
By 6:07 AM, the system was fully operational again. All floors of the hotel were receiving stable and even heating, and the room temperatures reached the desired 21°C in under 20 minutes.
The hotel’s manager, relieved and impressed by our quick response, confirmed that not a single guest had checked out early. Even better, several positive reviews on booking platforms mentioned the quality of the service and comfort, a situation that could have turned into a disaster for their online reputation.
Technical details of the intervention
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Brand: Goodman
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Model: ARUF61 (Air Handler)
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Capacity: 60,000 BTU
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System Type: Air handler paired with an outdoor heat pump
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Location: Commercial hotel, Ville-Marie district, Montréal
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Time of call: 3:12 AM
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Duration of intervention: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Component replaced: ECM blower motor
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Tools used: Multimeter, motor puller, Goodman diagnostic interface
Why this type of failure is critical in the hotel sector
In a residential setting, a heating failure is a serious issue. In a commercial environment like a hotel, it’s a full-blown emergency. A loss of heat impacts:
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Immediate guest comfort
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Plumbing systems (risk of freezing)
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The hotel’s online reputation
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Overall building safety
Prevention over reaction: the importance of commercial HVAC maintenance
This successful intervention highlights the crucial importance of regular preventive maintenance, especially in hotel environments. At AirGreen, we offer custom maintenance contracts for commercial HVAC systems, including:
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Seasonal inspections
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Electronic component testing
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Blower motor checks
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Thermal performance analysis
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Coil and duct cleaning
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in both emergencies and routine care
Our intervention that night wasn’t a one-off. It showcases our ability to respond quickly, solve problems efficiently, and minimize losses for our commercial clients. Whether you own a residential building, manage a shopping centre, or run a hotel, we’re ready to respond 24/7, anywhere in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.
Practical advice for hotel managers
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Have your air handler units inspected at least twice per year
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Keep a log of HVAC incidents to better anticipate failures
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Install smart temperature sensors to detect heat loss early
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Always have a trusted HVAC partner available for emergencies, like AirGreen
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial heating services?
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24/7 emergency interventions
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Certified technicians experienced in commercial HVAC
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Spare parts stocked in multiple strategic locations
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Transparent, fast, and efficient service
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Full coverage: Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
Trust AirGreen to ensure the performance and reliability of your heating system—even in the most critical situations.