Your commercial air conditioning system plays a critical role in the comfort, productivity, and even safety of your team and your customers. At AirGreen, we frequently intervene across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to resolve breakdowns that could have been prevented. Here are five major warning signs your HVAC system might give off before a total failure. Spotting these signs early can save you time, money, and help avoid serious commercial disruptions.
Noticeable drop in cooling performance
One of the first indicators of an impending issue is a clear decrease in your system’s cooling performance. If your employees are complaining about the heat or you’re noticing inconsistent temperatures throughout your space, that’s a red flag.
We recently stepped in at a boutique in Longueuil where the Gree U-Match 36,000 BTU wall-mounted unit was struggling to maintain a stable temperature. Upon inspection, we discovered a refrigerant leak that had drastically reduced its efficiency. Our swift intervention restored comfort to the store and helped avoid a complete system failure that could’ve impacted their sales.
Unusual or excessive noises coming from your system
Modern commercial air conditioners are designed to operate quietly. So, any strange or loud noises like banging, squeaking, or whistling should raise immediate concern.
In Laval, a medical clinic equipped with a Fujitsu KZAH 60,000 BTU system contacted us due to concerning squeaking noises from the outdoor unit. Our quick diagnosis revealed a fan issue that was on the verge of causing a complete breakdown. Replacing the part in time allowed us to prevent a total service interruption—critical in a sensitive environment like healthcare.
Persistent unpleasant smells from ducts or units
A lingering odor coming from your commercial AC can be a sign of serious problems—like mold, moisture infiltration, or even electrical overload. These odors don’t just affect comfort, they can signal real health risks for occupants.
At a restaurant on the South Shore equipped with a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium 48,000 BTU system, a worrying burnt smell was noticeable as soon as you walked in. Our in-depth inspection identified an electrical overload caused by a failing compressor. A rapid response prevented a major breakdown and a potentially long restaurant shutdown.
Sudden spike in energy consumption
If your electricity bills are rising without any obvious reason, your commercial air conditioning system could be the culprit. A poorly maintained or failing HVAC system will use more energy to deliver the same level of cooling.
We recently resolved this issue in an office building in Montréal fitted with a Trane IntelliPak 80,000 BTU central system. By analyzing the building’s energy data, we spotted an abnormal power consumption trend. A full maintenance revealed clogged filters and dirty coils were putting unnecessary strain on the unit. After a deep cleaning and system tune-up, the client saw an immediate drop in their energy bill.
Irregular operating cycles or frequent starts and stops
Your system should follow a consistent cycle to maintain a stable indoor temperature. If you notice it starts and stops frequently, or that the cycles are abnormally short, there’s likely a serious malfunction.
A pharmacy on the North Shore with a Lennox Energence 30,000 BTU central system contacted us after noticing these erratic cycles. After thorough diagnostics, we identified a faulty thermostat and partial compressor failure. Fixing these quickly helped the business avoid a major service interruption.
Tips to prevent major breakdowns of your commercial air conditioning
Here are a few practical tips to make sure those warning signs don’t turn into a full system failure:
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Regular maintenance: Schedule routine inspections to catch early issues.
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Filter replacement: Replace filters regularly to maintain air quality and energy efficiency.
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Proactive inspections: Call in a professional at the first sign of trouble to avoid costly breakdowns.
At AirGreen, our team of certified HVAC experts responds quickly and efficiently to protect your investment and ensure ongoing comfort.
Why reacting fast can save you from costly downtime
Every minute counts when something goes wrong with your commercial air conditioning system. A prolonged outage can affect productivity and lead to serious financial losses, especially during peak summer months.
Our experienced team is trained to identify the root causes of these issues quickly. We offer emergency HVAC service across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to keep your operations running smoothly.
Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major breakdown. Contact AirGreen today for a professional inspection of your commercial air conditioning system.