When the Heat Fails in the Middle of Winter in Montréal: Invisible But Very Real Consequences
Winter in Montréal is unforgiving. When a heating failure strikes, the consequences go far beyond simple thermal discomfort. At AirGreen, we’ve been called in to respond to numerous homes affected by extended HVAC system outages, especially during the deep freezes of January and February. Through these exclusive testimonials, we shed light on the real risks, the often underestimated damage, and the concrete solutions we implemented to restore comfort and protect Montréal homes.
Testimonial #1 – Ahuntsic: Water Infiltration Caused by Frozen Pipes
In a duplex in Ahuntsic, a malfunctioning electric furnace stopped working for over 36 hours while the outside temperature hit -24°C. The result: water pipes near exterior walls froze and burst. When the water started flowing, it quickly damaged the walls, flooring, and insulation.
Our intervention:
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Emergency installation of a Lennox 3-Ton Central Heat Pump with integrated electric backup
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Full basement dehumidification and material drying
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Installation of freeze sensors in high-risk areas
Testimonial #2 – Rosemont: A Passive House Became Uninhabitable in 12 Hours
In a high-efficiency renovated home in Rosemont, the owners relied entirely on a multi-split wall-mounted heat pump. A fault in the outdoor unit — caused by excessive ice buildup on the fan — shut the system down in the middle of the night. Within 12 hours, the indoor temperature dropped to 9°C, endangering the health of a child with asthma.
Solution provided by AirGreen:
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Replaced the unit with a Gree Extreme Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 24,000 BTU, designed for very cold climates
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Added a secondary electric heating system in critical rooms, with smart thermostats
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Set up an automated preventive maintenance schedule to avoid future ice accumulation
Testimonial #3 – Outremont: Floor Joint Cracking Due to Thermal Shock
In a luxury home in Outremont, a geothermal heat pump failure left the house without heat for two days during the holiday period. Indoor humidity rose to 78%, and the sudden temperature changes caused visible cracks in wood floor joints as well as condensation inside triple-pane windows.
Measures taken by our team:
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Immediate repair of the geothermal heat pump control module (Nordic system)
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Installation of a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) to stabilize humidity
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Planned upgrade of the entire system to include auxiliary heating
The Invisible Consequences of a Prolonged Heating Outage
Beyond material damage, a prolonged heating failure in Montréal can lead to:
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Structural deterioration (warped materials, cracks)
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Increased humidity, leading to mold growth
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Property value loss if repairs are poorly documented
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Higher energy costs when restarting the system
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Health risks, especially for seniors and children
Why a Simple Breakdown Can Turn Critical
A non-functioning HVAC system leaves your home completely exposed to extreme weather. In winter, indoor temperatures can plummet within hours, causing damage quickly. Worse, restarting a system after a breakdown is often when the most stress occurs, particularly on aging equipment.
AirGreen’s Recommendations to Prevent the Worst
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Service your equipment twice a year, especially before winter
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Install a secondary heating source in critical rooms (basement, bathroom)
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Use connected thermostats that alert you in case of unusual temperature drops
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Choose heat pumps designed for northern climates, such as Fujitsu XLTH or Gree Extreme series
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Set up SMS alerts connected to your HVAC system (we can help with that)
AirGreen: Your Ally When Heating Fails in Montréal and Across the North/South Shore
At AirGreen, we respond quickly throughout the region, including Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with specialized HVAC diagnostics teams, available 7 days a week.
We don’t just replace a heat pump or furnace — we deeply assess your home’s layout, insulation, ventilation, and weak points to offer a sustainable, energy-efficient, and tailored solution that fits your real-life needs.
A Well-Heated Home Is a Protected Home
The real-life stories shared by our clients highlight the importance of a reliable, well-maintained heating system, especially in Montréal, where the climate is extreme. Whether you own a condo, triplex, or century-old residence, never underestimate the impact of a prolonged heating outage. At AirGreen, we’re here to advise, protect, and respond quickly, with proven HVAC expertise in every corner of the city.
Heating failure in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North or South Shore?
Call AirGreen today. Our specialists are ready to restore comfort to your home — efficiently and without delay.