Preventive HVAC inspection: a winter story that could have ended in disaster
When we think of heating emergencies, we often picture a system breaking down in the middle of a snowstorm, freezing tenants, or a business forced to shut down. But sometimes, a simple preventive HVAC inspection is all it takes to avoid a true catastrophe. That’s exactly what happened this past winter in a residential duplex in Saint-Hubert, on the South Shore, during a routine call made by our team at AirGreen.
A harsh winter and a proactive customer
In January, one of our clients, the owner of an older but well-maintained duplex in Saint-Hubert, contacted us to schedule her annual inspection of the central heating system. The home was equipped with a Goodman central heat pump, 36,000 BTU, powering a forced-air system over ten years old. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary: the previous winters had gone smoothly, and there had been no warning signs.
But this year, the cold had arrived earlier than expected—and much more severe. Forecasts were calling for temperatures of -25°C the following week. That inspection call couldn’t have been timed better.
A hidden issue invisible to the naked eye
Upon arrival, our certified technicians carried out a full diagnostic of the HVAC system: filters, ducts, heat pump, compressor, thermostat, and blower units. At first glance, everything looked in order. But a deeper thermal inspection revealed a sneaky issue: a significant drop in performance during the heat pump defrost cycle.
Our experts pinpointed a faulty temperature sensor, critical to the proper operation of the outdoor unit’s defrost mode. Had this gone unnoticed, the heat pump would have failed to remove the ice buildup on the outdoor unit. The direct result: complete system shutdown due to overload, potential short circuit, and total loss of heating in the house—right in the middle of an extreme cold snap.
Quick action, disaster avoided
At AirGreen, we know that every minute counts—especially in winter. We immediately replaced the faulty temperature sensor with a genuine Goodman part and reprogrammed the system to reset the defrost cycles. The repair took just 90 minutes, and the customer had a fully functional system again, with zero downtime.
We also took the time to insulate certain exterior duct sections with reinforced thermal insulation, effectively reducing heat loss during intense cold periods.
The consequences avoided: far more than just discomfort
Without this inspection, the client would very likely have discovered the breakdown in the middle of the night—precisely when temperatures would have dropped below -20°C. A complete system failure could have:
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Forced a total heat pump shutdown.
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Caused a major spike in energy usage from the backup system.
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Resulted in frozen pipes, potentially leading to severe water damage.
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Endangered the tenants, some of whom were elderly and sensitive to cold.
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Required an emergency service call, with all the delays and extra costs that entails.
Thanks to this preventive inspection, none of that happened.
Why preventive HVAC inspections are essential
Too many property owners still underestimate the importance of getting their heating system checked before winter. And yet, a simple appointment with a qualified technician can:
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Detect worn or miscalibrated components.
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Optimize the system’s energy performance.
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Prevent unexpected and costly breakdowns.
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Extend the life of your heat pump or air conditioner.
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Guarantee the safety and comfort of occupants.
A concrete example of our real-world expertise
At AirGreen, every inspection visit is carried out with unmatched technical rigor and attention to detail. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including thermal imaging cameras, airflow meters, and refrigerant pressure readers, to provide a complete and precise assessment of your HVAC system.
This Saint-Hubert duplex story is just one among many. In 2024 alone, over 230 preventive inspections were completed by our teams across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore. And in over 20% of those cases, our interventions helped avoid critical failures.
What does a preventive inspection from AirGreen include?
Our inspections cover, among other things:
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Compressor check and refrigerant level verification.
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Inspection of defrost cycles and sensors.
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Thermostat cleaning and calibration.
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Leak detection in ductwork.
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Blower and motor inspection.
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Overall performance measurements (BTU, COP, SEER/HSPF).
Tips for homeowners and building managers
Whether you’re a condo owner, a rental property manager, or simply concerned with your family’s comfort, planning an annual inspection is a simple step that can make all the difference. Our recommendations:
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Schedule your HVAC inspection between September and November.
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Make sure the company handling your inspection is certified and experienced, like AirGreen.
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Request a complete post-inspection report, including all points checked and suggestions.
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Consider signing up for an annual maintenance contract to benefit from priority service and reduced rates.
Why trust AirGreen
Based in the heart of Montréal, we provide daily service to Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore. Our technicians are TEQ and EPA certified, receive ongoing training, and have in-depth expertise with the industry’s top brands: Goodman, Gree, Fujitsu, Bosch, Lennox, Trane, and many more.
We do more than just install equipment: we support our clients over the long term, providing personalized follow-up, energy optimization advice, and fast, efficient service when it matters most.
In conclusion
This inspection story from Saint-Hubert serves as a powerful reminder of how a simple checkup can prevent major consequences, both financial and personal. At AirGreen, we believe that anticipating means protecting. Protecting your comfort, your property, your investments—and sometimes even your loved ones.
Schedule your winter HVAC inspection with AirGreen today.