This Longueuil Homeowner Learned Too Late This Costly Heating Maintenance Mistake (Don’t Be Like Him!)

One simple oversight that came with a big price: what this real-life story teaches us about heating system maintenance

At AirGreen, we help homeowners every week who — sometimes too late — realize how critical regular HVAC maintenance truly is. In Longueuil, on the South Shore, one homeowner recently learned that lesson the hard (and expensive) way: a complete system breakdown in the middle of February, all because of a maintenance mistake that far too many Quebecers still make.

His story perfectly illustrates how preventable heating failures can be, and it’s a clear reminder of why annual checkups matter. Here’s the full account of our service call — including practical advice, maintenance pitfalls to avoid, and a real demonstration of AirGreen’s expertise in action.

The context: a single-family home, an aging system… and no follow-up in 5 years

The client, who had lived in a residential neighbourhood of Longueuil for about ten years, was using an outdated central heat pump that had been installed before he purchased the home. No HVAC maintenance had been performed in over five years.

When we were called, the heat pump had completely shut down. The indoor temperature was 13°C, right in the middle of February, with an outdoor temperature of -17°C. The homeowner assumed it was a minor electrical issue. The reality was quite different.

AirGreen’s diagnosis: heavy dirt buildup, ice formation, and a burnt-out fan motor

Our certified technicians quickly identified the problem: massive buildup of dirt and dust in the coils and filters, restricting airflow. Even worse, the fan motor had been running at maximum power without sufficient ventilation, causing it to overheat and burn out.

We also found:

• Advanced wear on the compressor due to poor lubrication.

• A clogged outdoor drain line, leading to ice accumulation.

• Signs of mold in the air ducts.

All of these issues could have been easily prevented with annual preventive maintenance.

Recommended solution: full replacement with a modern, energy-efficient heat pump

Given the system’s age and condition, repairs would have only provided a short-term fix. We recommended installing a MIDEA EVOX G3 Central Heat Pump | 3 Tons | R-410A, known for its reliability at -30°C and exceptional energy performance.

The new system was installed in just 2 days:

• Full removal of the old heat pump.

• Deep duct cleaning with antimicrobial treatment.

• Setup of a smart thermostat with remote access.

• Custom adjustments based on the home’s layout.

The result: a comfortable indoor temperature of 21°C by the next day, and a system fully optimized for the years to come — with a signed annual maintenance contract.

What you can learn from this mistake

This situation is far from unique. Here are the 5 most common heating maintenance mistakes we see among our clients across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore:

1. Skipping yearly maintenance visits.

2. Neglecting air filter cleaning.

3. Forgetting to check outdoor drain lines.

4. Leaving a poorly calibrated thermostat.

5. Ignoring small noises or malfunctions.

Each of these can lead to breakdowns, higher energy bills, or even health risks.

Why HVAC maintenance matters — even with a new heat pump

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that new heat pumps don’t require maintenance. That’s simply false.

Even the top models — such as Bosch, Midea, or Fujitsu heat pumps — require:

• Refrigerant pressure checks.

• Cleaning of coils and evaporators.

• Compressor functionality inspections.

• Thermostat calibration.

At AirGreen, every HVAC maintenance contract includes a complete inspection, a detailed report, and personalized recommendations.

Subsidies and savings: another reason to prioritize maintenance

In the Longueuil homeowner’s case, his new installation qualified him for a $4,272 LogisVert grant, which we handled on his behalf. And with a high-efficiency heat pump now in place, his energy consumption is projected to drop by 40% compared to the previous system.

Proper maintenance also helps:

• Protect manufacturer warranties.

• Avoid costly repairs.

• Extend the system’s lifespan by several years.

Don’t let a simple oversight put your winter comfort at risk

If you live in Longueuil, Montréal, Laval, the South Shore or the North Shore, a quick service call can save you from a serious problem. At AirGreen, we respond quickly, with certified technicians, high-end equipment, and transparent customer service.

Call AirGreen today to schedule your heating system maintenance.