Neglecting your commercial heating system can cost far more than just discomfort
In the harsh winters of Greater Montréal, where temperatures can easily drop below -20°C, ensuring your commercial heating system is running smoothly isn’t optional — it’s essential. Too often, building managers or business owners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore skip over key maintenance steps, thinking they’re saving money. In reality, these oversights can lead to costly breakdowns, energy waste, unexpected repair bills, or even complete shutdowns of your operations.
At AirGreen, we’ve seen first-hand — through dozens of commercial heating service calls — the real consequences of these errors. Here, we’re sharing the 5 most common maintenance mistakes, along with practical tips to avoid them and protect the performance of your central heat pump or commercial furnace.
1. Skipping regular preventive maintenance
The most common mistake is putting off routine maintenance of your heating system. Whether you have a commercial heat pump, gas boiler, electric furnace, or a forced-air system, every system requires professional inspection at least once a year — ideally before winter hits.
The consequences:
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Risk of breakdown during extreme cold
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Strain on the compressor or heat exchanger
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Reduced energy efficiency
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Unexpected repair costs
Real case: In Brossard, a restaurant experienced a total failure of their Fujitsu Airstage central heat pump, simply because they hadn’t replaced the filters or had the indoor coil inspected. The result: two days of closure and over $1,200 in repair costs.
2. Neglecting air filter and duct cleaning
Clogged filters block proper airflow, putting excess strain on your system and leading to premature wear. Likewise, ventilation ducts collect dust, allergens, and debris that reduce overall performance.
What you should do:
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Clean or replace filters every 1 to 3 months
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Have your ducts inspected and cleaned every 2 to 3 years, or more often depending on the environment
Our experience: In Laval, an office building’s Goodman R-32 system had been underperforming for months. After a full duct cleaning and HEPA filter replacement, the monthly energy bill dropped by 18%.
3. Ignoring unusual noises or smells
A metallic noise, a burning smell, or even abnormal vibrations are all early warning signs that a component is damaged. Too often, these signs are ignored until the system completely shuts down.
Watch for:
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Banging, grinding, or intense humming
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Persistent burning dust smell
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Frequent shutdowns or restarts
Concrete example: In a high school on the North Shore, a rumbling sound from the Bosch BIVA R-454B furnace was ignored. Three weeks later, the blower motor failed, resulting in more than $2,500 in replacement costs.
4. Delaying thermostat calibration
A poorly calibrated thermostat can cause your system to run more than needed or misread the ambient temperature. In commercial buildings, where thermal regulation is often centralized, this can lead to major energy waste and discomfort for occupants.
Best practices:
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Check thermostats at the start of each season
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Install smart programmable thermostats for better control
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Have temperature sensors checked by a professional
AirGreen recommendation: During a recent job in Longueuil, we installed a smart thermal management system for a medical center equipped with Gree Multi Zone heat pumps. The result: 22% savings on their heating bill in the very first month.
5. Hiring uncertified technicians
Installations or maintenance performed by unqualified professionals can reduce your system’s efficiency, void the manufacturer’s warranty, or create safety risks. A wrong electrical connection or pressure setting can have serious consequences.
Why choose AirGreen:
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All our technicians are certified HVAC professionals by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec
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We have proven expertise in installing complex commercial systems: Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, Goodman, Lennox, and more
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We offer customized service in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the South Shore and North Shore
The importance of a customized maintenance plan
Every commercial building has unique needs. That’s why at AirGreen, we offer custom HVAC maintenance contracts, tailored to the square footage, type of occupants (offices, retail, restaurants, etc.), and the type of system installed.
What’s included in an AirGreen maintenance plan:
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Seasonal inspection visits
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Electrical component, motor, and heat exchanger checks
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Filter, coil, and duct cleaning
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Energy performance diagnostics
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Full report and expert recommendations
A worry-free winter thanks to proactive maintenance
In short, commercial HVAC maintenance isn’t an expense — it’s an investment in the longevity, safety, and profitability of your business. With every service call, our goal is to reduce your risk, improve comfort, and optimize your operating costs.
We provide fast service throughout Greater Montréal, with a strong focus on service quality and customer follow-up. Don’t wait until your system breaks down in the middle of a cold snap — schedule your maintenance with our experts today.
Want to avoid these costly mistakes? Reach out to our team today to set up a tailored commercial maintenance program. At AirGreen, we specialize in commercial heating systems in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.