Étude de cas : comment un immeuble de bureaux à Laval a réduit ses coûts de chauffage de 30 %
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Case Study: How an Office Building in Laval Reduced Its Heating Costs by 30%

Lower Energy Bills and Increased Performance: A Successful AirGreen Project in Laval

In the commercial sector, efficient heating of an office building is both a financial and environmental concern. At AirGreen, we recently completed a central HVAC heating system installation in Laval, with the goal of improving occupant comfort while significantly reducing the building’s operational costs. The result? A dramatic 30% reduction in heating costs in less than one year.

Here’s how we did it—what challenges we faced, what solutions we implemented, and why this installation is a model for businesses across the North Shore and throughout the Greater Montréal area.

Building Profile and Initial Situation

The property is a 4-storey mixed-use building located in Laval, housing several commercial tenants, a mix of closed and open office spaces, a conference room, and a partially occupied basement. The existing heating system dated back to the 1990s: a central oil-fired boiler with aging and poorly insulated ductwork.

Key issues identified:

  • Extremely high heating bills during the winter months.

  • Uneven thermal comfort between areas (overheating in the east, persistent cold in the north).

  • Lingering combustion odors in the hallways.

  • Noisy system and difficult maintenance access.

  • Ineligible for government energy rebates.

Project Goal: Improve Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Our objective was clear: replace the outdated system with a modern central heat pump, delivering both high performance and energy savings, while ensuring consistent comfort across all floors and qualifying the client for available subsidies.

Heat Pump of Choice: Goodman R-32 5 Ton

After a comprehensive analysis of the building’s thermal needs, layout, and rebate eligibility through LogisVert and the ÉcoPerformance Program, our team recommended and installed a Goodman R-32 central heat pump, 5 tons (60,000 BTU).

Why This Unit?

  • Seasonal energy efficiency ratings (SEER 17 / HSPF 10).

  • Uses R-32 refrigerant: lower environmental impact and better thermal conductivity.

  • Compatible with existing ductwork after adjustments.

  • Inverter technology ensures quiet, modulated operation.

  • Delivers strong heating performance even down to -25°C—ideal for Laval and the North Shore.

  • Simplified maintenance with easy access to components.

Installation Process: Customization and Optimization

1. Complete Thermal Study and Simulations

First, our team conducted a detailed analysis of the building’s heat loads, including heat loss, sun exposure, and the presence of IT equipment in the offices.

2. Removal of the Oil Boiler

The removal of the old system required coordination with a decontamination team to safely extract oil tanks in compliance with Quebec’s environmental standards.

3. Partial Ductwork Refurbishment

We inspected and upgraded the duct system: added insulation to key sections, replaced outdated grilles, and calibrated airflow for each zone. This allowed us to rebalance the thermal comfort throughout the space.

4. Central Heat Pump Integration

The heat pump was installed on the rooftop with a reinforced structure to absorb vibration. A network of smart thermostats was integrated into the building’s existing infrastructure for zoned temperature control.

5. Final Testing and Optimization

Real-world tests enabled us to fine-tune the modulation curve of the system for optimal performance from the first cold snap.

Results Measured After One Year

  • 30% reduction in heating bills over the winter season (compared to the previous year).

  • Significant improvement in comfort reported by all tenants.

  • No more combustion odors.

  • Noticeable reduction in ambient noise in hallways and offices.

  • Confirmed eligibility for a $3,900 rebate through the LogisVert program.

Testimonial from the Property Manager

"AirGreen completely transformed our building. We never imagined a new HVAC system could have such an impact on our costs and tenant satisfaction. The team’s professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail were outstanding."
— Mr. Dufresne, Property Manager, Laval

Why Choose AirGreen?

We combine technical expertise, a deep understanding of the Quebec market, and on-the-ground experience to deliver tailored HVAC projects that match every building’s needs.

Our approach is built on:

  • Thorough thermal analysis for every project.

  • Certified energy-efficient products suited to our climate.

  • Transparent customer service, from initial quote to post-installation support.

  • Optimization for securing available subsidies and tax credits in Quebec.

Similar Projects Completed by AirGreen

  • Installation of a Bosch BOVA 5-ton heat pump in a Longueuil warehouse, integrated with a hydronic distribution network.

  • Complete HVAC renovation in a medical center in Montréal, using a multi-zone Fujitsu system.

  • Central heating upgrade in a 12-unit residential building in Saint-Eustache, featuring Gree Extreme units.

Practical Tips for Commercial Building Managers

  • Don’t underestimate energy losses caused by poorly insulated ductwork.

  • The initial cost of a new system can often be offset by available government rebates.

  • Prioritize Inverter systems for better performance and steady indoor comfort.

  • Always entrust your projects to a certified, experienced HVAC contractor like AirGreen.

Conclusion

This project in Laval clearly shows that with a well-designed and well-executed installation, you can achieve substantial heating cost savings while enhancing comfort and increasing tenant value in a commercial building. At AirGreen, we’re proud to support building managers in adopting modern, efficient, and sustainable HVAC solutions tailored to the realities of Greater Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.

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