A freezing office in Montréal, an HVAC emergency during a blizzard, and a team that doesn't back down
In the heart of Montréal's harsh winter, as the city was buried under an exceptional snowstorm, we received an urgent call from a building manager responsible for a three-story office building in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. The central heat pump system, which provided heating for the common areas and office rentals, had suddenly stopped working early in the morning, while the outdoor temperature hovered at -26 °C, with a wind chill factor bringing it down to -35 °C.
A critical failure at the worst possible time: the emergency call
The manager, visibly stressed, explained that several employees had already left the premises, unable to work under such conditions. Indoor temperatures were dipping as low as 12 °C in certain areas of the building. The culprit: an 18-year-old central HVAC system, whose reliability had been questionable for some time. Despite a few repairs in the past, the unit now appeared completely beyond repair.
A fast response thanks to AirGreen’s logistical coordination
At AirGreen, we know some situations can’t wait. Less than an hour after the call, our technical team was on-site. We started with a thorough diagnostic of the old system—an outdated American central heat pump whose compressor had completely failed. While the ductwork was still in decent condition, the electronic control system displayed multiple critical errors.
Our recommendation: immediate replacement with a Bosch BOVA 60 R-454B system
Given the state of the equipment and the client’s immediate needs, we recommended replacing the old unit with a Bosch BOVA 60 R-454B central heat pump, paired with a Bosch BVA 60 air handler, a combination perfectly suited for mid-sized commercial buildings. This system is compatible with the new R-454B refrigerant, which is more eco-friendly and compliant with upcoming environmental standards.
Features of the new installed system:
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Brand and model: Bosch BOVA 60 R-454B with indoor unit BVA 60
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Capacity: 60,000 BTU/h
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Refrigerant: R-454B (low global warming potential)
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SEER rating: 20 SEER / 10 HSPF
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Type: Inverter central heat pump
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Warranty: 10 years on parts, 10 years on the compressor
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Grant eligibility: Yes, LogisVert program – Up to $6,500
A project completed in 48 hours despite extreme conditions
Early the next morning, our commercial HVAC installation team returned to the building with the new equipment, transported via our heated trailer. The biggest challenge? Working on the flat rooftop, partially iced over and exposed to 60 km/h winds. Using our hydraulic lift and reinforced safety measures, we successfully removed the existing unit and installed the new Bosch outdoor heat pump, built to operate reliably in temperatures as low as -30 °C.
Meanwhile, inside the building, our technicians removed the old air handler and replaced it with the new Bosch model, which fit seamlessly into the existing ductwork. We also upgraded the central thermostat to a smart Wi-Fi-compatible model, enabling the building manager to control the temperature remotely.
The result: warm offices, a satisfied property manager, and a maximized grant
The system was fully up and running within 48 hours of the initial breakdown. Once restarted, the interior temperature quickly rose to 21 °C, to the great relief of the tenants. On top of that, with our administrative support, the client submitted a successful application for a LogisVert grant from Hydro-Québec, receiving a $6,500 rebate for the Bosch BOVA 60 R-454B central system.
Client testimonial: professionalism, speed, efficiency
"We thought we’d have to shut down the building for a week. AirGreen handled everything—from recommendation to installation—in just two days. Their team worked non-stop, even in the storm. This is real professional HVAC service."
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial HVAC emergencies?
At AirGreen, we understand that in business, every minute matters. A heating failure in the middle of winter can disrupt productivity, upset tenants, and even damage your property. That’s why we offer a 24/7 emergency commercial HVAC service across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Our strengths include:
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Tailored solutions to fit your building and your budget
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Proven expertise in central heat pump systems from Bosch, Fujitsu, Gree, Lennox, and more
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A team trained for extreme emergencies, even during snowstorms
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Full support for energy grant applications
Tips for preventing HVAC breakdowns in winter
To avoid situations like this one, we recommend that building managers and property owners:
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Have their HVAC systems inspected in the fall, before the cold sets in
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Watch for unusual noises, loss of efficiency, or odd smells
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Ensure filters and ductwork are clean
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Consider signing up for an annual maintenance contract with a trusted company like AirGreen
Emergency interventions are not the exception—they're our standard
This intervention in Ahuntsic-Cartierville is just one example among many. From Laval-des-Rapides to Brossard, Blainville to Longueuil, our teams mobilize every day to deliver reliable, fast, and efficient HVAC solutions, built for Québec’s demanding climate.