Keeping your heating system in top shape throughout the winter isn’t a luxury in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or South Shore — it’s a necessity. When temperatures drop well below zero, a heating failure is not just uncomfortable, it can become a real issue for your health, safety, and even your home’s structure. At AirGreen, we understand how essential preventive and thorough maintenance is to avoid costly emergencies and keep your HVAC equipment performing efficiently.
Here are our 7 essential heating maintenance tips, based on our field experience throughout Greater Montréal, to help you get through the winter without any unpleasant surprises.
Check and replace air filters regularly
A clogged filter not only impacts your indoor air quality but also your system’s efficiency. A forced air heating unit or central heat pump that’s not breathing properly has to work harder, uses more energy, and is more likely to break down.
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AirGreen Tip: Check your filters every month during winter. Replace or clean them based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or whenever they look dirty.
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Real-life installation: On a recent visit to Longueuil, we replaced a saturated filter on a Lennox central heat pump (36,000 BTU). The result: immediate improvement in airflow and reduced noise levels.
Get your system inspected every fall
An annual preventive maintenance visit by a professional is one of the best investments you can make to avoid breakdowns during a snowstorm. It allows early detection of wear and tear, faulty parts, and ensures optimal performance.
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At AirGreen, we inspect the heat exchanger, motor, thermostat, electrical connections, and much more.
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Example: In Laval, a client with a Bosch BOVA R-454B HVAC system avoided a blower motor failure thanks to a proactive inspection.
Clear your air ducts and vent grills
Blocked grills, dirty or poorly maintained ducts can significantly reduce comfort and energy efficiency. Poor airflow creates cold spots in your home and overburdens your system.
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AirGreen Tip: Make sure all vents are free from obstructions like furniture or curtains.
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Technical advice: A professional duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years also helps reduce allergens and airborne contaminants.
Check your thermostat and its settings
A miscalibrated or poorly used thermostat leads to unnecessary energy use, or causes your system to cycle too often, which speeds up wear and tear.
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AirGreen Tip: Program lower temperatures at night or when you’re away. Check regularly to make sure the thermostat responds properly to commands.
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During a recent installation in Montréal, we replaced an old mechanical thermostat with a smart Ecobee model on a Gree FLEXX 48,000 BTU central heat pump, resulting in energy savings of over 20%.
Keep outdoor units clear
For heat pumps, the outdoor unit must stay free of snow, ice, leaves or debris. A blocked unit restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can damage the system.
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AirGreen recommends: In heavy snow, clear the unit manually and avoid pouring hot water on it.
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Real installation: In Sainte-Thérèse, we installed a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 24,000 BTU heat pump on an elevated wall mount to prevent snow accumulation — a crucial detail in heavy snowfall areas.
Check refrigerant levels
Low refrigerant levels reduce heating capacity and could signal a leak. This impacts overall system performance and can cause compressor failure.
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Technical tip: Only a certified professional can handle refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B, used in today’s high-efficiency systems.
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Case study: In Brossard, a client with a Goodman R-32 central heat pump reported weak heating. A simple refrigerant top-up after a microleak detection fully restored system capacity.
Don’t ignore strange noises or smells
Squeaking, whistling, burning smells or musty odors should never be ignored. These warning signs can point to electrical issues, failing motors, blockages, or combustion problems.
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AirGreen reflex: Contact us as soon as these symptoms appear. It’s usually less expensive to fix the issue early.
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Recently in Boisbriand, a reported grinding noise on a Haxxair central heat pump turned out to be a misaligned blower motor. A quick repair avoided any performance loss.
Why choose AirGreen for your heating maintenance?
We go far beyond the basics. Our team conducts in-depth inspections, cleans, adjusts and optimizes every part of your system. Our certified technicians operate throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore with professionalism and punctuality.
Each visit includes photo documentation, a full report, and clear recommendations. We explain every step of the work — because at AirGreen, we believe in transparency and trust.
Bonus tips for a hassle-free winter
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Invest in an annual maintenance plan. It’s the best way to avoid emergencies.
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Request a free evaluation of your system if you notice a performance drop.
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Take advantage of available subsidies, like those from Hydro-Québec, to replace old equipment.
Our promise for your comfort
With our experience installing the most reliable brands — Goodman, Bosch, Fujitsu, Gree, Haxxair, Lennox and many more — we ensure safe, reliable, and energy-efficient heating all winter long.
Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Contact us today to schedule your personalized heating maintenance visit.