Anticipate Heatwaves: Protect Your Commercial Air Conditioning in Montreal
Summers in Montreal are known for significant rises in temperature, sometimes reaching extreme heatwaves. For commercial businesses, these periods of intense heat put commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems under serious strain. At AirGreen, we understand just how costly breakdowns or malfunctions can be in terms of lost business, employee discomfort, and customer dissatisfaction. That's why we've prepared this article, offering seven essential tips to ensure your commercial air conditioning withstands Montreal’s heatwaves.
1. Schedule Regular and Thorough HVAC Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is essential to avoid breakdowns during heatwaves. At AirGreen, we recommend regular maintenance visits, particularly in the spring, right before the hot season begins. This includes:
-
Inspecting and cleaning air filters
-
Checking evaporator and condenser coils
-
Verifying refrigerant levels
-
Conducting comprehensive assessments of electrical and mechanical components
For example, during a recent intervention in Laval, we identified a clogged filter on a 36,000 BTU Toshiba commercial air conditioning system, significantly affecting its performance. A simple preventive maintenance session fully restored the unit's efficiency ahead of the heatwave.
2. Optimize Your Building’s Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation plays a critical role in protecting your HVAC system. If your building suffers significant thermal loss, your air conditioning system will have to work overtime, leading to increased wear and higher energy costs. Our AirGreen teams regularly intervene in Montreal and Longueuil to improve commercial building insulation, including:
-
Reinforcing roof and exterior wall insulation
-
Installing thermal films on windows
-
Performing energy audits to identify weak points
3. Avoid Overloading Your Commercial Air Conditioner
During a heatwave, it might be tempting to set your indoor temperature extremely low. However, at AirGreen, we advise our commercial clients in Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore to set thermostats at a reasonable temperature, generally around 23°C to 24°C. This greatly reduces the risk of compressor overload, ensuring greater longevity for your equipment.
4. Regularly Check Airflow Around Outdoor Units
In Montreal and on the North Shore, our teams frequently encounter commercial HVAC systems whose outdoor units are obstructed by debris or vegetation. Poor airflow causes overheating of essential components. Regularly check the condition of outdoor units, especially after windy or stormy conditions, to ensure optimal operation during extreme heat.
5. Invest in Efficient and Suitable Commercial Air Conditioning
Not all commercial air conditioning systems perform equally under Montreal’s heat conditions. Recent models like the Gree U-Match, Fujitsu Airstage, and commercial units by Lennox and Trane offer superior energy performance and reliability. At AirGreen, we regularly install these highly reputable brands for businesses in Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil, ensuring better resilience during temperature spikes.
6. Take Advantage of Subsidy Programs in Montreal and Quebec
Did you know that the Quebec government and Hydro-Québec offer significant subsidies for upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems? At AirGreen, we assist our commercial clients in Montreal and the surrounding region in identifying and securing these subsidies, significantly reducing the costs associated with installing or upgrading existing systems. For example, the ÉcoPerformance program can cover a substantial portion of your expenses if you choose high-efficiency models.
7. Train Your Staff on Proper Air Conditioning Usage Practices
Lastly, well-maintained commercial air conditioning also requires responsible usage. Train your employees in simple yet effective habits, such as closing doors and windows when the air conditioner is running, avoiding extreme thermostat adjustments, and promptly reporting any abnormalities or performance drops. These everyday actions reduce the risk of breakdowns during critical periods.
AirGreen: Your Reliable Partner for Commercial Air Conditioning in Montreal
At AirGreen, our hands-on experience in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and both North and South Shores allows us to precisely anticipate challenges associated with heatwaves and offer sustainable solutions tailored to each commercial client. Our recent commercial air conditioning installations in shops, offices, and restaurants reflect our unique expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re considering a new installation, upgrading an existing system, or simply require thorough preventive maintenance, AirGreen is ready to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and peace of mind throughout Montreal’s summer months.