When winter hits hard in Montréal, the North Shore, or even Longueuil, it shows no mercy to heating negligence. At AirGreen, we were recently called for an emergency intervention that reminded us once again how crucial preventive HVAC maintenance really is. This is the true story of a homeowner in Laval whose winter turned into a nightmare… simply because they neglected their heating system.
A distress call during a heavy snowstorm
On January 10, right in the middle of a major snowstorm, our team received an emergency call from a resident in Boucherville, on the South Shore. The indoor temperature in their home had suddenly dropped, falling below 13°C, while the outdoor temperature hovered around -27°C.
The client told us their central heating system – a Goodman unit around 12 years old – had completely stopped working. The radiators were ice cold, and no warm air was circulating. By the time we arrived, the damage was already extensive: pipes had burst in the basement, flooding two rooms. A critical situation caused by something that could have been easily avoided.
Diagnosis: a central heat pump suffocated by dust
After a thorough inspection, our HVAC technician discovered that the outdoor unit of the Goodman central heat pump was completely clogged with debris, dead leaves, and a thick layer of ice. Even worse: the air filter hadn’t been changed in over three years. The heat exchanger was dirty, the indoor fan was gunked up, and the thermal sensors were showing erratic readings.
The system, unable to breathe or regulate its temperature, had shut down entirely after overloading, triggering a safety shutdown. A silent disaster, entirely caused by a lack of preventive HVAC maintenance.
The financial consequences of a neglected system
On top of replacing defective components, the client had to call in a plumber to fix the burst pipes, dry out the soaked hardwood floor, and hire a renovation crew to restore the basement family room. The total bill came to more than $12,000.
And all of it could have been avoided with an annual maintenance visit from AirGreen, which costs less than $250.
Our fast solution: a new, high-efficiency central heat pump
Given the extent of the damage and the unit’s age, our team recommended a complete system replacement. The client chose a Bosch BOVA 36 kBTU central heat pump, equipped with environmentally friendlier R-454B refrigerant, featuring a variable-speed IDS Premium compressor, and boasting excellent energy efficiency (SEER 20 / HSPF 10.5).
Technical details of the installation:
-
Brand: Bosch
-
Model: BOVA 36k with BVA indoor unit
-
Capacity: 36,000 BTU
-
Refrigerant: R-454B
-
Efficiency: Eligible for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program up to $5,000 in grants
-
Installation duration: 1.5 days with full commissioning
On-site challenges and AirGreen's fast response
The biggest challenge with this installation was the urgency combined with the extreme winter conditions. We had to clear a significant amount of snow to access the outdoor unit, install a new preheated concrete slab, and safely remove the old system.
Our team worked from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first day to restore heating as quickly as possible. Thanks to our local warehouse in Longueuil, we were able to deliver the Bosch heat pump the same day.
What this story teaches us
HVAC maintenance: a vital investment, not an option
Many homeowners believe that as long as the system is running, there’s no need for maintenance. This story clearly proves how wrong that logic is. A poorly maintained heating system can not only fail without warning but also cause significant property damage.
Warning signs to watch for:
-
Sudden temperature fluctuations
-
Increased electricity consumption
-
Unusual noises
-
Frequent system restarts
If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to call us right away.
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Greater Montréal
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell equipment. We support our clients before, during, and after every installation. Whether you’re in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or South Shore, we have dedicated teams for installation, repairs, and above all, preventive maintenance for your heating systems.
What sets us apart:
-
Certified technical team
-
Fast emergency response
-
Personalized follow-up after installation
-
Direct access to the best local grants
-
Tailored advice for every home or commercial building
Practical recommendations
-
Have your heating system inspected before every winter
-
Replace filters every 3 to 6 months
-
Keep the outdoor unit clear of obstructions (ice, snow, leaves)
-
Subscribe to an AirGreen maintenance plan, which includes an annual visit and preventive diagnostics
Conclusion
Quebec winters are harsh, but your HVAC system doesn’t have to be your worst enemy. This client’s story from Boucherville is a stark reminder of what can happen when a central heating system is neglected.
At AirGreen, we’re here to make sure that never happens to you. Call us today to schedule your maintenance, get a quote for a Bosch, Fujitsu, or Gree central heat pump, or for any heating emergency.
Protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind: trust AirGreen.