Skyrocketing electricity bills… and offices still uncomfortable
In Montréal, during the peak of summer heat waves, many businesses reach out to us with the same concern: although their air conditioning system appears to be functioning, their offices remain uncomfortable and their energy bills are soaring. At AirGreen, we’ve documented multiple real-life cases where an improperly installed or poorly maintained HVAC system doubled summer energy consumption. Here’s why — and how to avoid it.
Case Studies: Three Air Conditioning Mistakes in Commercial Buildings in Montréal
1. An Undersized System at a Law Office in Downtown
In a historic building in Old Montréal, a law firm had installed a 3-ton central air conditioner, supposedly sufficient for their three floors. However, with the addition of computer stations, printers, and south-facing glass walls, the actual thermal load far exceeded the system’s capacity.
Result:
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The system ran non-stop without ever reaching the setpoint.
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Energy consumption doubled compared to the average for a similar-sized space.
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General discomfort and a noticeable drop in productivity.
Following our audit, we recommended upgrading to a 5-ton Midea Evox G3 central heat pump, equipped with Inverter regulation and zoned temperature control.
2. Clogged Filters and Neglected Maintenance in a Medical Clinic in Rosemont
A recently renovated clinic contacted us in July after noticing a 40% spike in their Hydro-Québec bill. On site, our team discovered:
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Filters hadn’t been replaced in over a year.
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Coils were caked with dust.
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The ductwork had several significant leaks.
Cooled air was no longer circulating effectively, forcing the heat pump to run continuously to compensate. A simple HVAC maintenance service, along with the installation of MERV 13 filters and duct repairs, led to a 35% drop in energy use the very next month.
3. Mismatched Wall Units in a Commercial Space in Griffintown
In a clothing boutique cooled with two 12,000 BTU wall-mounted units of a generic brand, the owners constantly complained about poor comfort despite regular upkeep. Upon inspection, we found:
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Poorly placed units, installed too high and aimed toward display windows.
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No return air system, leading to inefficient air circulation.
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Heavy compressor usage during peak hours, with massive energy demand spikes.
We replaced the units with two 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted air conditioners, featuring occupancy sensors and variable-speed compressors. Result: restored comfort and 28% energy savings in the very first summer.
How Bad Air Conditioning Drives Up Your Bills
Bad air conditioning isn’t just a matter of discomfort. It has a direct financial impact, particularly:
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Overconsumption caused by prolonged cycles or systems failing to reach setpoints.
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Thermal leaks due to poor duct insulation or aging equipment.
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Unbalanced airflow, forcing some zones to overcompensate.
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Loss of seasonal efficiency (SEER) when units run outside of optimal conditions.
In summer, air conditioning can represent up to 60% of a commercial building’s energy use. An inadequate or poorly adjusted system multiplies these costs without delivering comfort.
Signs Your Air Conditioning System Isn’t Optimized
Managing a commercial space, office, or public venue in Montréal or on the South/North Shore? Watch out for these warning signs:
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Your wall or central units run non-stop, without cycling off.
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There are noticeable temperature differences between rooms.
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Your staff or customers complain about lack of comfort, even with A/C running.
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Your summer electricity bills are much higher than regional averages.
What to Do? The AirGreen Approach
At AirGreen, we offer a comprehensive HVAC analysis and optimization service for commercial buildings in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore.
Step 1: Complete HVAC Audit
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Assessment of actual thermal loads
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Inspection of ducts, filters, and units
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Evaluation of energy use and losses
Step 2: Targeted Recommendations
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Suggestions for properly sized equipment: Gree wall-mounted heat pumps, Bosch central systems, Lennox air conditioners, and more
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System calibration and air balancing
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A custom annual HVAC maintenance plan
Step 3: Installation and Follow-Up
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Installation by our certified technicians, with full documentation
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Post-installation performance monitoring
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Support for accessing government grants (LogisVert, Hydro-Québec, etc.)
Efficient Air Conditioning = Sustainable Savings
With a well-designed air conditioning system, you can:
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Cut your energy costs by up to 40%
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Deliver consistent comfort to everyone in the space
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Extend the lifespan of your equipment
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Increase your building’s value in the eyes of tenants and visitors