Protecting your commercial building while ensuring efficient heating is about more than just comfort. It’s a responsibility—to your employees, your customers, and the long-term success of your business. At AirGreen, we know that safety in commercial heating is an absolute priority, especially during the long winter months in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. From the risk of fire due to poor maintenance to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s critical to follow strict practices and rely on commercial heating systems that fully comply with HVAC (CVAC) standards.
Hidden risks: a real threat in commercial buildings
In a commercial setting, a failure or malfunction in the heating system can quickly escalate into an emergency. Poorly maintained or improperly installed heating equipment is often the cause of serious incidents:
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Fires caused by electrical or thermal issues
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Gas leaks
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Carbon monoxide (CO) buildup, an invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas
These incidents are more than just health risks—they can lead to business closures, financial loss, and reputational damage. At AirGreen, we’ve been called numerous times in emergencies to fix installations that weren’t up to code, especially in office buildings or retail stores on the South Shore.
Why HVAC compliance is essential
The National Building Code and Québec’s Safety Code strictly regulate commercial heating installations. These regulations cover:
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Approved types of heating systems
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Minimum required ventilation
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Safe distances between equipment and combustible materials
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Detection of hazardous gases
At AirGreen, every installation we carry out is in full compliance with the latest regulations, ensuring a safe and code-compliant environment for your occupants. We often collaborate with municipal inspectors and engineering firms to ensure flawless installations in areas like Laval or Old Longueuil, where local codes are particularly rigorous.
Case study: complete heating system upgrade in Laval
Recently, we were called in to replace an outdated heating system in a commercial building in Laval. The existing system, over 20 years old, was in poor condition with perforated ducts and incomplete combustion causing CO emissions.
Our solution:
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Complete removal of the old unit
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Installation of a Lennox G61MPVT central gas furnace with high efficiency (95% AFUE)
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Addition of smart carbon monoxide detectors integrated into the building management system
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Ductwork recalibration for optimal airflow
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Final certification by a mechanical engineer post-installation
Thanks to this intervention, the client was able to reopen quickly, with full compliance and peace of mind.
Key tips to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
1. Schedule yearly inspections
Annual preventive maintenance helps detect:
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Cracks in heat exchangers
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Soot buildup blocking exhaust paths
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Ignition or combustion failures
Our AirGreen teams thoroughly inspect every component: burners, heat exchanger, ductwork, thermostats, pressure switches, safety sensors.
2. Install reliable, mandatory detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory in any commercial space heated with gas or oil. Proper installation and regular testing are essential.
We recommend models that connect to your building’s control panel or central alarm system.
3. Use certified heating systems
Every unit we install is certified by organizations like CSA, ULC, and AHRI, ensuring safety, performance, and energy efficiency.
4. Prioritize proper ventilation
A poorly designed ventilation system can trap combustion gases indoors. Our technicians calculate required airflow based on room usage, occupancy, and installed equipment, fully in line with ASHRAE 62.1 standards.
Common mistakes to avoid in commercial heating
Even small errors can have serious consequences. Here’s what we frequently encounter during service calls:
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Improvised or oversized connections
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No mechanical ventilation in technical rooms
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Clogged filters causing overheating
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Uncertified or makeshift installations
AirGreen is often called to bring non-compliant installations up to code, especially those installed without permits or improperly sized. At a business in the Plateau Mont-Royal, an oversized unit caused frequent shutdowns and inconsistent comfort. We replaced it with a Bosch BGH96 modulating furnace, perfectly calibrated to the space.
AirGreen’s role: prevention, installation, and safety
Our approach stands out through:
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Precise, transparent diagnostics
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Honest advice tailored to your actual needs
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Careful planning of each installation or replacement
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Dedicated after-sales service, with automatic maintenance reminders
We work with a wide range of commercial equipment, from hydronic boilers to rooftop units, and central commercial heat pumps by Fujitsu or Gree, to offer you the most suitable solution.
Grants and code compliance: a winning combination
Several grant programs are available to help property owners modernize their systems while enhancing safety. Programs like LogisVert or Énergir’s subsidies cover part of the installation or conversion costs.
We help you put together the grant application file, with all the required technical documentation.
In summary: invest in safe heating
Commercial heating should never be taken lightly. It’s a strategic investment in safety, compliance, and energy savings.
At AirGreen, we have one clear mission: ensuring the safety and performance of your commercial HVAC systems across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.
Book an appointment with our experts today for a full inspection, a free diagnostic, or a quote for a compliant replacement.