A heating outage in a commercial space can quickly turn into an operational, logistical, and financial nightmare. Beyond the immediate discomfort for employees and customers, a heating failure in the middle of winter in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore or North Shore can lead to significant economic losses. At AirGreen, we were recently called in for an emergency intervention at a business in Laval facing exactly this critical situation. This real case study highlights the tangible consequences of a heating failure and demonstrates how our commercial HVAC team responded quickly and effectively.
A Heating Failure in Mid-January: A Building Manager’s Worst-Case Scenario
The case in question took place in a shopping plaza in Laval, on a Monday morning in January, with outdoor temperatures around -18°C. The building manager contacted us urgently after discovering that the central heating system had completely shut down across the entire building, affecting three commercial units, including a restaurant, a clothing store, and a hair salon.
Symptoms of the failure:
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Indoor temperature dropped below 14°C in under two hours
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Excessive condensation on windows
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Immediate complaints from business owners and customers
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Risk of frozen pipes in some unheated areas
Fast Diagnostics: A Key Advantage of AirGreen
Upon arrival, our team performed a complete diagnostic of the central heating system, which turned out to be an old forced-air Lennox unit, over 15 years old. The main blower motor had burned out, causing a total system shutdown. The mechanical room hadn’t been serviced in years.
Response time: less than 2 hours from the call to on-site diagnosis.
The Real Costs of a Heating Failure for a Business: More Than Just the Repair
The direct and indirect economic impact of this failure became immediately apparent:
Direct costs:
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Estimated lost revenue: over $7,500 for the day (according to the tenants)
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Forced closure of two units for 24 hours
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Emergency repair fee (temporary): $950
Indirect costs:
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Damaged reputation: customer complaints posted on social media
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Loss of cold-sensitive inventory: some salon products had to be thrown out
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High energy use from temporary space heaters
AirGreen’s Solution: A Strategic Three-Phase Approach
We proposed a three-step plan to address the immediate failure and also prevent future incidents:
1. Immediate (Temporary) Repair:
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Installation of a compatible replacement blower motor (sourced from a local supplier in Montréal)
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Partial system reactivation to restore heat to critical areas
2. Full System Replacement Recommendation:
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Recommendation of a high-efficiency Goodman central heating system using R-32 refrigerant
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Proposed model: Goodman GMVM970803BN, 80,000 BTU, 97% efficiency, with integrated smart thermostat
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Eligible for LogisVert rebates and commercial energy efficiency programs
3. Preventive Maintenance Plan:
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Setup of an annual commercial HVAC maintenance contract
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Scheduled visits: twice a year with full system checks
The Result: A Modernized System and Restored Peace of Mind
One week after the initial failure, our team returned to install the new Goodman system, including:
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Replacement of the central unit
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New compatible heat pump
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Upgraded ductwork system
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Training for the building manager on the smart thermostat
The entire installation was completed in less than 48 hours, outside of business hours to minimize disruption. Since then, the client has enjoyed a more efficient, more economical system with full service coverage.
Key Takeaways from This Real-World Case
Don’t Underestimate the Real Cost of a Breakdown
The financial and operational consequences go far beyond the price of a simple repair. Every hour without heating in winter can lead to major losses.
The Importance of Regular Commercial HVAC Maintenance
A preventive maintenance plan prevents 80% of critical failures. At AirGreen, we recommend service before winter and after the cold season for all commercial heating systems.
Act Quickly with a Local Partner
Thanks to our strong presence throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, we respond fast, with locally available parts and recognized emergency expertise.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Commercial Heating Systems?
At AirGreen, we understand that commercial heating is a strategic cornerstone of your business operations. That’s why we offer:
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Fast interventions across Greater Montréal
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Tailored solutions based on your real needs
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Proven expertise with systems from Goodman, Fujitsu, Gree, Arcoaire, Bosch, and more
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Clear guidance on available rebates to help upgrade your systems
We support property managers, commercial landlords, and building operators at every step—from diagnostics to ongoing maintenance. This real case from Laval once again demonstrates our commitment to sustainable, efficient, and professional commercial heating solutions.