HVAC Optimization: How a Simple Adjustment Helped a Commercial Building in Laval Save 20% on Energy

Fine-tuning HVAC systems for major savings: the story of a commercial building in Laval

In commercial real estate, the HVAC system is often the largest contributor to a building’s operational expenses. Yet, surprisingly, one of the most cost-effective interventions isn’t replacing the equipment — it’s optimizing how it operates. This was exactly the case for a commercial building in Laval, where AirGreen’s HVAC expertise led to a 20% reduction in energy consumption, thanks to a simple, strategic adjustment.

The context: rising costs and tenant discomfort

The owner of a mid-sized office building in Laval, home to nearly a dozen businesses, contacted us with two key concerns: a steadily increasing energy bill, and ongoing complaints from tenants about inconsistent indoor temperatures, particularly during shoulder seasons.

Upon inspection, our technicians found a central rooftop heat pump (central heat pump) — a 5-ton Lennox R-410A unit — operating properly, but not optimally. There were no signs of mechanical failure, but the system was running with factory default settings, completely disconnected from the building’s real usage patterns.

Diagnosis: a system that worked... too hard

Our team carried out a full HVAC performance audit, during which we monitored:

• Compressor cycling frequency

• Fan speeds in relation to occupancy levels

• Indoor temperature fluctuations

• System response to outdoor temperature changes

We quickly realized that the heat pump was running at full capacity during low-occupancy hours, especially early mornings, evenings, and weekends. What’s more, there was no zoning logic, meaning the entire system responded to a single thermostat placed near a south-facing wall — a known hotspot.

The solution: smart optimization, not expensive upgrades

Instead of recommending costly equipment replacement, we made targeted programming and calibration changes, including:

• Adjusting the thermostat settings and implementing a modulation schedule based on actual business hours

• Integrating a smart control module with multi-zone management capability

• Recalibrating fan speeds to match occupancy levels and outdoor temperatures

• Relocating the main thermostat to a neutral zone that better represented average conditions

We also developed a custom preventive maintenance plan to keep the system optimized throughout the year, with quarterly performance reviews.

Results: 20% less energy, improved comfort

Within three months of implementation, the client observed:

• A 20% drop in energy usage, confirmed through Hydro-Québec’s billing data

• Fewer tenant complaints, particularly in corner offices and meeting rooms

• Extended system lifespan thanks to reduced wear and better cycling control

• A more comfortable indoor environment, with even temperatures and less humidity fluctuation

Why it matters for commercial buildings in Laval

This project is a perfect example of how AirGreen’s HVAC optimization services are tailored to the real operating conditions of every building. In Laval, where temperature shifts are frequent and buildings vary in layout, cookie-cutter solutions simply don’t work.

We help property owners and managers maximize their existing HVAC systems, often saving thousands of dollars without needing major retrofits.

Common mistakes to avoid in commercial HVAC management

Many commercial property managers unknowingly fall into these traps:

• Running systems at full speed 24/7, regardless of building use

• Not re-evaluating thermostat placement, leading to skewed system responses

• Neglecting seasonal recalibrations, especially during spring and fall transitions

• Skipping maintenance, which gradually erodes system efficiency

At AirGreen, we help you avoid these mistakes through precise diagnostics, expert guidance, and performance-based adjustments.

Tailored HVAC services for Laval’s commercial buildings

Whether you manage a multi-tenant office space, a retail plaza, or a light industrial facility, our methods adapt to your specific needs. In Laval, we’ve worked with everything from high-efficiency rooftop units to integrated VRF systems, always prioritizing:

• Occupant comfort

• Lower operational costs

• Longer HVAC equipment life

• Eligibility for grants and energy efficiency incentives

Grants and energy programs: boosting your return on investment

While this project didn’t involve replacing the system, many of our commercial clients in Laval qualify for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert or commercial retrofit programs when they do undertake larger upgrades.

We assist you with:

• Energy performance audits

• Return-on-investment forecasts

• Technical justifications

• Equipment documentation that meets eligibility requirements

This ensures you receive the maximum financial return on any HVAC investment you make.

AirGreen: your HVAC optimization partner in Laval

At AirGreen, we believe that the best HVAC systems aren’t just efficient — they’re smartly operated. Our experience across Laval’s commercial sector shows that small, strategic changes can drive major savings, and with the right team, your existing system can become a high-performance asset.

Let us help you unlock your building’s full energy potential with proven HVAC optimization strategies designed for Québec’s commercial environments.