When Reality Is Stranger Than Fiction: Surprising Stories from Our Heating Service Calls in Montréal
At AirGreen, every heating service call is a unique experience. But sometimes, a few interventions stand out and turn into stories worth sharing. From unexpected installations in historic buildings on the Plateau-Mont-Royal to surprising discoveries behind wall panels, our work in HVAC in Montréal is as much about people as it is about technical systems. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of some of the most unusual situations our technicians have faced in the field.
A Hidden Heat Pump in a Century-Old Library in Old Montréal
The Challenge of Heritage Preservation
During a request for an installation in a heritage building in Old Montréal, the client wanted to replace an old, inefficient heating system without compromising the building’s historical aesthetics. The challenge? Integrating a central heat pump while preserving the original materials and architectural integrity.
Our technicians proposed installing a Goodman R-32 system with ductwork concealed in exposed beams and behind original moldings. The most surprising part? The main room featured an original built-in library, and behind it we discovered an old chimney flue—perfect for hiding part of the system.
A Boiler Room Full of… Pigeons in Montréal-Nord
A Service Call Like No Other
On a heating call for a central heating issue, our team found a boiler room taken over by pigeons that had made their nest inside the ventilation system. This unusual situation had completely blocked the airflow.
After securing the area and disinfecting it, we replaced the outdated system with a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b central heat pump, known for its efficiency and advanced filtration. We also installed bird-proof barriers to ensure this never happens again.
A Basement Installation That Turned Into a Puzzle in Rosemont
Ceilings Too Low, Custom Solutions Needed
In a single-family home in Rosemont, a client wanted to replace an old oil furnace with a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 central heat pump. The problem? The basement ceiling was barely 1.8 meters high, making standard ductwork impossible.
Our experts designed a custom solution using ultra-compact horizontal ducts and a reduced plenum, ensuring efficient air distribution while staying within the height constraints. The result? Optimal comfort without sacrificing any livable space.
A Phantom Leak in a Côte-des-Neiges Residence
When Technology Isn’t Enough, Instinct Makes the Difference
A customer called us about unexplained heat loss despite having a recently installed heat pump. No error codes, no unusual noises, no obvious clues.
Our team decided to dismantle the system piece by piece. After more than two hours of inspection, one technician noticed a slight temperature difference in a wall duct. Hidden behind that wall was a tiny refrigerant leak caused by a misplaced nail during a past renovation.
With a targeted repair and a full pressure test, the system was restored without requiring a full replacement.
A Heating Emergency… Caused by a Hedgehog in Outremont
Believe It or Not
In the middle of February, we received an emergency call from a home in Outremont. The heating had suddenly stopped. Upon arrival, our technicians found an obstruction in the outdoor unit of the central heat pump.
Once the vent cover was removed, we discovered a young hedgehog had taken refuge inside the unit to escape the cold. It had blocked the airflow, triggering the system’s safety shutdown. The animal was safely handed over to a wildlife shelter, and we restarted the system after a complete inspection.
What These Stories Reveal About Our Work
These amusing or touching stories mostly show the versatility of our technicians, who combine technical skill, keen observation, and adaptability in the most unexpected situations. Whether it’s in the historic neighborhoods of Montréal, duplexes on the South Shore, or modern homes in Laval, every service call is a new adventure.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Heating Needs?
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Fast and professional service throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
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Specialists in top brands like Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, Goodman, ThermoStat, Sharp, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker
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Expertise in securing Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants for energy-efficient installations
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A local, attentive, and highly experienced team that understands the unique reality of Québec buildings
True Stories That Reflect Our Commitment
Our technicians face unexpected situations, technical challenges, and surprising encounters every day. What sets AirGreen apart is our ability to turn each obstacle into a long-term solution for our clients. By choosing our team, you're getting a local, human, and highly competent approach to heating and HVAC in Montréal and surrounding areas.
Contact Us Today
Dealing with a tricky heating issue? Looking for a professional, reliable HVAC installation? Reach out to AirGreen. We respond quickly with custom solutions—even in the most unusual cases.