Finding yourself without heat in the middle of January in Montréal or Laval isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. At AirGreen, we understand how critical a reliable heating system is for homes across Greater Montréal, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. And yet, many people wait until their system completely gives out before considering a replacement. In this article, we’ll share 5 clear signs it’s time to say goodbye to your old heating system — before a breakdown turns your winter into a nightmare.
A heating system showing signs of fatigue: don’t ignore the warning signals
During our service calls across Montréal and surrounding areas, we often meet clients who could’ve avoided a full breakdown with a proactive replacement. Here are the most common symptoms we see.
1. Frequent repairs are piling up
If you’re calling your HVAC technician more than once a winter, your heating system is likely on its last legs. Each repair might seem minor — a finicky thermostat, an overheating motor, an odd noise — but the cumulative cost can quickly exceed that of a full replacement.
Real example: in Laval, a duplex owner was having his old gas furnace repaired three times every winter for the past two years. After a full assessment, we replaced it with a Bosch BOVA R-454B central heat pump, known for being reliable, quiet, and eligible for Hydro-Québec subsidies. The result? A 38% reduction in energy costs in the first season alone.
2. A noticeable drop in performance
When your system runs without delivering the usual warmth, it’s not a coincidence. If you notice that certain rooms in your home stay cold even though the thermostat is set normally, your system might no longer be keeping up with demand. Internal wear and tear (heat exchanger, blower, sensors) reduces efficiency.
At AirGreen, we recently replaced a 20-year-old unit in Longueuil with a 36,000 BTU Goodman R-32 central heat pump. Before the upgrade, the homeowner relied on space heaters in three different rooms. After installation, comfort was restored throughout the house, and heating bills dropped by 30%.
3. Rising energy consumption
Another often overlooked signal: your power bill. If you notice a steady increase in your heating costs, your system is likely working harder to compensate for lost efficiency. Older systems can lose up to 40% of their energy performance compared to newer models.
Pro tip: compare your heating bills from the past three years. If there’s a rising trend without a clear explanation (like changes in insulation or weather), it’s a red flag. It might be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency central heat pump — like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32, which performs excellently even at -25°C.
4. The system is getting old
Generally speaking, a heating system has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Beyond that point, even if it’s still running, it becomes less reliable, louder, more energy-hungry, and most importantly ineligible for current rebate programs.
For instance, on the North Shore, we recently replaced a 28-year-old oil furnace. The homeowner was able to benefit from the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program by switching to a 48,000 BTU Zephyr central heat pump — something that wouldn’t have been possible if they had simply replaced the furnace with a similar model.
5. Strange noises, smells, or poor air quality
A heating system that rattles, bangs, vibrates, or gives off a strange odor isn’t just annoying. It could signal a failing motor, blower, or combustion issue — sometimes even dangerous. Similarly, if the air feels dry, dusty, or irritating, your system may no longer be filtering air properly.
We recently helped a family in Brossard whose children had worsening asthma symptoms due to a poorly maintained system. After installing a Comfortmaker central heat pump with integrated HEPA filtration, the air quality dramatically improved, and the kids’ symptoms eased within weeks.
Smart replacement: don’t wait until it breaks down
Replacing your heating system before it completely fails not only prevents discomfort, but also allows you to plan the work calmly, choose the right equipment, maximize available rebates, and benefit from better service (with shorter delays outside peak season).
Benefits of a proactive replacement:
-
Maximum rebate eligibility, especially if planned in advance (up to $5,000 depending on model and location)
-
Tailored installation, based on your space and heating needs
-
Optimized choice of brand and model (Bosch, Goodman, Fujitsu, Gree, etc.)
-
Smooth planning without urgency or compromise
-
Extended warranties on new equipment
At AirGreen, we don’t just replace a unit — we re-evaluate your entire HVAC needs
When you reach out to us, we conduct a full analysis of your space, your heating and cooling needs, your budget, and your eligibility for grants and rebates. Our approach is personalized, honest, and technical, backed by hands-on installations across the entire Greater Montréal region.
Our certified teams are on the ground every week in Laval, Longueuil, Saint-Jérôme, Boucherville, Terrebonne, Châteauguay, Repentigny, and beyond. Every project is carefully assessed, optimized, and carried out to the highest standard.
Need a free assessment or honest advice?
Don’t let winter catch you off guard. If you recognize any of the 5 signs we’ve covered, it’s time to act. Contact us today for a complete, transparent diagnosis. At AirGreen, we don’t just replace — we enhance your comfort, your energy efficiency, and your daily life.