Plan ahead for winter to ensure performance, comfort, and savings in your commercial buildings
As fall settles in across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, the cooler temperatures serve as a reminder that it’s time to pay close attention to your commercial heating system. For building managers, business owners, or facility operators, preventive maintenance and proper preparation of your HVAC system are essential steps to ensure optimal performance throughout the winter.
At AirGreen, we assist hundreds of commercial clients every fall by inspecting, optimizing, and securing their heating systems. Here’s our detailed guide to the essential steps to take this fall, based on real-world experience and the many service calls we’ve completed across Greater Montréal.
Why prepare your commercial heating system in the fall?
Fall maintenance is far more than just a check-up. It’s a preventative strategy to avoid breakdowns, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of your equipment.
Risks of an unmaintained system:
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Overheating of components or mechanical failures
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Excessive energy consumption due to poor efficiency
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Discomfort for occupants (customers, employees)
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Production downtime or temporary closures in industrial facilities
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Higher emergency repair costs during winter
Benefits of fall preparation:
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Optimized energy efficiency
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Increased reliability during cold periods
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Compliance with safety and insurance standards
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Lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially with newer systems using R-32 or R-454B refrigerant
Step 1: Full system inspection by a certified technician
The first and most crucial step is a comprehensive visual and functional inspection of your heating equipment. At AirGreen, our certified technicians assess all components: furnaces, central heat pumps, commercial rooftop units, coils, filters, ductwork, and more.
What we check:
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Condition of the burner, heat exchanger, and blower
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Gas, oil, or refrigerant leaks
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Blockages in the ducts or clogged filters
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Electronic controls, thermostats, automation systems
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Belts, motors, bearings, electrical connections
We also detect signs of wear or obsolescence that could require replacement before winter. For instance, in a warehouse in Saint-Hubert, we replaced a 15-year-old inefficient rooftop unit in the fall with a Goodman central heat pump (R-32) 60,000 BTU, improving energy performance by more than 35%.
Step 2: Cleaning and servicing key components
After the inspection, a thorough cleaning ensures optimal operation. This includes washing the coils, replacing air filters, dusting motors, and lubricating moving parts.
At AirGreen, we use products specially formulated for commercial environments to extend equipment lifespan and reduce noise and vibrations.
Step 3: Calibration and performance testing
Before completing the service, we run dynamic performance tests: start-up, shutdown, temperature control, and static pressure readings in the ductwork.
This helps detect potential airflow imbalances, which are common in large buildings. For example, in an office building in Old Montréal, we had to manually adjust the distribution dampers to ensure consistent temperatures across floors.
Step 4: Verifying energy compliance and available grants
Many businesses are unaware that their HVAC system may be eligible for rebates for upgrades or energy-efficient improvements. In the fall, we verify whether your equipment qualifies for programs such as:
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Hydro-Québec's LogisVert (applicable in certain commercial cases)
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ÉcoPerformance Program for industrial buildings
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Tax credits for switching to natural gas or dual-energy systems
For instance, a retail business in Laval received $4,200 for replacing its oil furnace with a Bosch BOVA 5-ton heat pump with R-454B refrigerant, which qualified due to its high energy performance.
Step 5: Planning for replacement or modernization if needed
If your system shows signs of aging (high energy use, frequent repairs, louder operation), fall is the perfect time to plan for a system upgrade.
We guide you in selecting the right new system, whether it’s a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 central heat pump, a Carrier rooftop unit, or a multi-zone setup. We perform a detailed heating load analysis based on square footage, insulation, building use, and budget constraints.
Step 6: Setting up an annual maintenance contract
The best way to avoid winter emergencies is to enroll in a preventive maintenance plan. At AirGreen, we offer tailored contracts for all types of commercial facilities.
Benefits:
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Scheduled visits in fall and spring
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Priority service in case of breakdown
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Reduced service call fees
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Detailed maintenance history for insurance or audit purposes
The AirGreen approach: expertise, proximity, and efficiency
Based in Montréal, we serve the entire Greater Montréal area, including Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore. Our expert commercial heating technicians work in all types of facilities: retail, schools, government buildings, factories, office towers, senior residences, and more.
Every service call is documented with photos, technical reports, and clear recommendations. We adapt our schedule to minimize business disruptions.
Practical tips to apply internally this fall:
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Check programmable thermostats (according to business hours)
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Bleed radiators (if applicable)
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Clear access to outdoor units
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Monitor unusual noises or odors
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Maintain a stable temperature to avoid frequent cycling
Conclusion: Fall is a strategic season for your commercial heating system
At AirGreen, we believe fall is the best season to stay one step ahead of winter. With thorough preparation, you ensure comfort, safety, and savings throughout the cold months.
Contact us now to schedule an inspection of your commercial HVAC system. Our team responds quickly in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore with reliable, professional service tailored to your specific needs.