A faulty heating system can cause much more than just cold drafts in a commercial space. When the HVAC heating system isn’t functioning properly, it can quickly become the root cause of degraded indoor air quality, affecting both occupant health and overall business performance. At AirGreen, we’re frequently called to commercial buildings across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore, where poor air quality impacts comfort, productivity, and the establishment’s reputation.
The critical importance of a well-maintained commercial heating system
A high-performing commercial heating system does more than maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It also ensures proper air renewal, filters out harmful particles, and maintains healthy humidity levels. As soon as the system starts to show signs of failure — unusual noises, uneven heat distribution, clogged filters, or persistent odors — indoor air quality can quickly deteriorate.
Symptoms of poor air quality in a commercial building
We’ve often been called in to resolve cases where occupants of commercial buildings were suffering from:
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Frequent headaches
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Increased fatigue or decreased productivity
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Eye, nose, or throat irritation
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Exacerbated allergies or respiratory problems
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Persistent unpleasant odors
These symptoms are often linked to poorly maintained, outdated, or misconfigured heating systems.
Case study: an AirGreen intervention in Laval
One of our clients in Laval, owner of an 8,000 square foot professional service center, reached out to us for an urgent HVAC inspection. Employees were complaining about headaches and a stuffy indoor atmosphere. Our team discovered an 18-year-old commercial gas furnace, with HEPA filters completely clogged with dust and ductwork heavily obstructed.
Our solution:
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Complete duct cleaning
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Replacement of air filters
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Thermostat recalibration for even airflow
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Installation of CO2 and relative humidity sensors
The results were immediate: improved heat distribution, fresher air, fewer employee complaints. This case clearly demonstrates how a neglected heating system can negatively impact health and productivity.
Why is air quality so critical in a commercial environment?
In commercial spaces or offices, indoor air often circulates in a closed loop. Without adequate filtration, fine particles, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even carbon dioxide (CO2) can build up quickly. These contaminants have a direct impact on:
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Concentration and cognitive performance
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Workplace safety (especially with high CO2 levels)
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Customer comfort perception
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Your business’s reputation
AirGreen’s solutions for optimized air quality
At AirGreen, we offer comprehensive commercial heating solutions to ensure exceptional indoor air quality, no matter the season:
1. Regular preventive maintenance
We recommend biannual maintenance for all commercial central heating systems, including:
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Heat exchanger inspection
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Carbon monoxide testing
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Duct cleaning
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Static pressure and airflow verification
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Replacement of specialized filters
2. Modernization of outdated equipment
Replacing an old heating system not only saves on energy costs, but also:
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Reduces pollutant emissions
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Enhances air filtration
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Increases climate control accuracy
For example, modern systems like the Bosch BOVA R-454B or high-efficiency Goodman furnaces offer higher air exchange rates and significantly quieter operation.
3. Integration of air purifiers
For sensitive environments (clinics, schools, wellness centers), we offer integrated purification systems (UV, bipolar ionization, etc.) directly connected to the heating system.
The link between poor air quality and business productivity
Poor air quality can be a costly burden for businesses:
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Increased absenteeism
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Higher staff turnover
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Decreased customer satisfaction
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Reduced energy performance of the building
In one of our projects in Longueuil, a retail business was experiencing lower foot traffic during winter. After investigation, we discovered that a musty smell caused by poorly insulated ductwork was driving away customers. A complete HVAC system upgrade solved the issue, immediately increasing customer visits.
Legal risks and compliance concerns
A poorly maintained commercial heating system can also expose a business to:
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Fines for non-compliance with ventilation standards
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Workplace health complaints from CNESST (Quebec’s occupational health agency)
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Insurance complications in the event of an incident tied to faulty ventilation
At AirGreen, we ensure all systems are compliant with Canadian commercial ventilation standards, while optimizing your system for long-term performance.
Our interventions across the North Shore and South Shore
On the North Shore, in industrial buildings in Boisbriand and Blainville, we’ve had to correct outdated direct-combustion systems that were releasing pollutants into the indoor environment. On the South Shore, in schools and community centers in Brossard and Saint-Lambert, the challenge was poor winter ventilation leading to excessive humidity levels.
In every case, our approach is consistent:
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Precise diagnostics
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Tailored recommendations
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Standards-compliant installation or servicing
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Ongoing follow-up and expert advice
Conclusion: Air quality isn’t a luxury — it’s a priority
An efficient and well-maintained commercial heating system is essential for ensuring healthy indoor air quality, reducing health risks, improving user comfort, and supporting your business’s performance. At AirGreen, we combine cutting-edge technology, local expertise, and a personalized approach to provide clients across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore with impeccable quality service.
Contact us today for an HVAC inspection or to discuss custom solutions for your commercial environment.