Heating breakdowns never happen at the right time. They often strike in the heart of winter, just as the temperatures drop and thermal comfort becomes essential—if not critical. At AirGreen, we are frequently called for emergency interventions in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore, to handle situations where a heating system has failed, testing the resilience of families and building occupants alike. In this article, we’ll walk you through a real-life heating failure case that occurred in Montréal, detailing the actual costs, technical issues, response time, and how we solved the problem efficiently.
A Freezing Winter in Montréal: An Emergency Call for a Critical Heating Failure
At the end of January, during an extreme cold spell in Montréal, we received an emergency call from a homeowner in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. His central forced-air heating system, installed more than 15 years ago, had stopped blowing warm air. Indoor temperatures had dropped to 14°C. The situation was becoming concerning, especially for the children and elderly residents of the home.
On-Site Diagnosis: Pinpointing the Cause of the Failure
Our certified technicians arrived on-site within three hours. Once there, we performed a full system diagnostic. The setup included a Goodman electric furnace (18 kW), paired with a standard wall-mounted thermostat, without smart capabilities or remote monitoring. After thorough inspection:
-
The blower motor was seized.
-
The main contactor showed burn marks.
-
A thermal safety switch had tripped, preventing the system from restarting automatically.
This type of breakdown is common in urban environments, where dust, lack of maintenance, and normal wear accelerate component failure.
Financial Impact: A Breakdown That Can Get Costly
Here’s an estimate of both direct and indirect costs related to this failure, depending on the decision made by the client:
Option 1: Immediate Repair of the Existing System
-
On-site diagnostic: $189
-
Blower motor replacement: $425
-
New contactor + labor: $175
-
Full system restart: included
-
Recommended preventive maintenance: $139 (optional)
Total: $789 to $928
Option 2: Complete Replacement of the Heating System
-
New central heating system (Goodman R32 or Bosch BOVA R-454b): $4,800 to $7,200
-
LogisVert government grants: up to $5,000 (depending on the model chosen)
Net cost after grants: approx. $2,200 to $3,500
The client opted for immediate repairs, due to the season and his budget. However, we scheduled a comprehensive energy assessment for spring, with plans to consider a more efficient long-term solution.
Time Factor: A Critical Variable
In this type of situation, every hour matters—not just for comfort, but to avoid:
-
Frozen water pipes
-
Interior humidity issues (impacting walls and flooring)
-
Productivity loss if the building is commercial
At AirGreen, our promise is clear: rapid response, even during peak demand. Our teams are strategically located across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, ensuring optimal reactivity.
Tips to Avoid This Kind of Breakdown
Here are some practical recommendations we share with all of our clients:
-
Mandatory annual HVAC maintenance: Preventive maintenance helps detect worn or faulty parts.
-
Replace air filters every 3 months: A clogged filter can cause system overheating.
-
Install a smart thermostat: Get early alerts when a failure starts to occur.
-
Inspect the electrical panel: Some heating problems are caused by electrical issues.
An AirGreen Service Means More Than Just a Repair
What sets us apart is our field expertise and customer commitment. In this specific case:
-
The client received a detailed report with photos of the defective parts.
-
We presented a short-term solution (repair) and a long-term plan (replacement + grants).
-
We offered a priority installation for the spring season, including a Bosch BOVA R-454b central heat pump system.
Client Testimonial
"I thought I’d have to go a week without heating, but the AirGreen team showed up within a few hours. They explained everything clearly, gave me options, and the heat was back the same day. I’m now planning to upgrade my whole system with them this spring." — Michel D., Montréal
Our Service Areas: Local, Reliable, Efficient
We offer fast service in the following sectors:
-
Montréal (all boroughs)
-
Laval
-
Longueuil
-
North Shore: Blainville, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Boisbriand
-
South Shore: Brossard, Saint-Hubert, Saint-Lambert, Longueuil, Boucherville
Our teams are ready to handle any kind of HVAC breakdown, whether it involves wall-mounted heat pumps, central systems, or wall-mounted air conditioners.
In Conclusion: How Much Does a Heating Breakdown Really Cost?
The cost of a heating failure isn’t just about the repair bill. You also have to factor in:
-
Time spent without heating
-
Secondary damages (freezing, humidity)
-
Stress and disruption for the occupants
-
Loss of energy efficiency in an aging system
When you entrust your HVAC system to AirGreen, you’re guaranteed a fast, reliable service focused on long-term performance. A heating breakdown is never convenient—but if managed properly, it can also be an opportunity to reimagine your comfort for the future.