Optimizing thermal comfort while controlling energy costs in large commercial spaces is a challenge many businesses in Laval face every winter. At AirGreen, we've seen countless clients struggle with poor designs or HVAC systems that are simply not suited to the complexity of spacious, high-traffic buildings. In this article, we break down the most common heating mistakes in large commercial buildings—and most importantly, how to avoid them for good with a professional, rigorous, and customized approach for every building.
The heating challenge in large surface commercial buildings
Commercial buildings like warehouses, distribution centers, showrooms, or supermarkets present unique constraints: very high ceilings, large volumes, multiple areas with different purposes (offices, storage zones, customer spaces, etc.). A poorly designed heating system can lead to:
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Cold or overheated zones
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Excessive energy costs
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Premature wear and tear of HVAC equipment
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Constant complaints from staff or customers
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Lost productivity due to thermal discomfort
At AirGreen, we’ve helped many building managers in Laval fix these issues—often caused by mistakes that could have been avoided during the initial planning or installation phase.
Mistake #1: Choosing an undersized wall-mounted heat pump
A common issue we encounter in commercial buildings in Laval is the installation of wall-mounted heat pumps or central systems that are not properly sized. An undersized system will run constantly without ever reaching the desired temperature, which:
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Increases electricity consumption
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Shortens the lifespan of the unit
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Creates ongoing discomfort
Our approach at AirGreen always starts with a comprehensive thermal assessment of the space before making any recommendations. We analyze the square footage, air volume, occupancy rate, automatic doors, frequent entrances, insulation, sun exposure, and much more. This attention to detail ensures the HVAC system is precisely selected.
Mistake #2: Ignoring hot air stratification
In large spaces with high ceilings (often more than 12 feet), hot air naturally accumulates up top, away from the people below. Many conventional systems suffer from thermal stratification, making heating ineffective.
At AirGreen, we use advanced solutions such as:
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Thermal destratifiers (industrial ceiling fans)
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Low-velocity air distribution systems
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Strategically placed multi-point smart thermostats
This ensures an even distribution of heat throughout the building, even in the farthest corners.
Mistake #3: Skipping preventive HVAC maintenance
Even the best system loses efficiency without regular maintenance. In Laval, we've seen many commercial clients suffer from rising energy costs simply due to:
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Clogged filters
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Dirty coils
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Misconfigured thermostats
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Leaks in the ductwork
Our customized commercial maintenance plans ensure complete servicing at regular intervals: cleaning, calibration, performance inspections, and more. This guarantees optimal performance even during extreme cold spells.
Mistake #4: Using a single system for zones with different needs
In large commercial buildings, it's risky to rely on a single heating system for all areas (warehouses, offices, meeting rooms). This leads to temperature conflicts and unnecessary energy use.
Our team designs distinct thermal zones, each with its own sensors and controls. This allows for:
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Improved energy efficiency
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Optimal comfort based on use
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Remote smart management via connected thermostats or centralized control platforms
Real-life case study in Laval: Thermal redesign of a 30,000 sq ft warehouse
One of our clients, an auto parts distributor based in Chomedey, Laval, had suffered for years with freezing temperatures in their shipping area, despite a major investment in a central furnace. After our diagnostics, we identified:
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Poor positioning of air vents
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Severe thermal stratification
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A heating system located too far from critical areas
AirGreen’s solution implemented:
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Added thermal air curtains at the main entrance
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Installed HVLS destratifiers
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Integrated a Bosch BOVA R-454B central heat pump with 60,000 BTU capacity for the shipping area
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Set up a zoned control system with remote access
The result: consistent temperatures between 19 and 21°C across all zones, a 28% reduction in heating costs, and a return on investment in under 3 years.
Mistake #5: Overlooking available grants
Many businesses in Laval don’t take advantage of government grants and incentives to upgrade their HVAC systems. At AirGreen, we support every client with their Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant application, which can provide several thousand dollars depending on the equipment installed.
Practical tips to avoid heating mistakes
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Always call a certified professional for thermal evaluations
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Divide the space into intelligent thermal zones
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Schedule seasonal HVAC preventive maintenance
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Leverage smart technology to adjust temperature based on actual usage
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Choose high-efficiency systems from brands like Goodman, Bosch, Fujitsu, or Gree
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial HVAC projects in Laval?
At AirGreen, we stand out for our:
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Technical expertise in complex systems (central heat pumps, zoned climate control, industrial ventilation)
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Customized solutions tailored to each building
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Transparency in pricing, timelines, and available grants
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Local presence in Laval, with a responsive, dedicated team
Whether you're looking to upgrade your heating, replace an old system, or set up a maintenance plan, we provide long-lasting, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.
In summary, heating large commercial spaces in Laval effectively requires a custom-engineered solution, high-performance equipment, rigorous maintenance, and in-depth understanding of the building’s specific characteristics. With our hands-on experience and customer-focused approach, AirGreen is your trusted partner for eliminating commercial heating mistakes for good.
