Technical expertise that truly makes a difference in the field
At AirGreen, our team of HVAC technicians regularly encounters situations that are, to say the least, unexpected. While many service calls involve common issues like faulty thermostats or clogged filters, others are far more unusual and require in-depth analysis, sharp expertise, and a healthy dose of creativity. In this article, we’re sharing 7 particularly strange heating failures that our experts successfully resolved in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore, and the North Shore.
These real-life examples show just how unique every installation or service call can be, and how our know-how truly makes a difference when it comes to ensuring our clients’ comfort, no matter the challenge.
1. A heat pump shut off... by a smoke detector
In a residential building in Longueuil, a FUJITSU KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump, 12,000 BTU, would stop working at the exact same time every evening. After a full system check, there were no mechanical issues to be found. Eventually, our technicians discovered that a smart smoke detector installed in the same room was sending a signal to the breaker connected to the heat pump due to infrared interference. The solution? Moving the detector, recalibrating the thermostat, and restoring full comfort. A rare and subtle issue, resolved with precision.
2. A central boiler “possessed”... by an old alarm system
In Montréal, inside a Plateau-Mont-Royal triplex, a central gas boiler was failing to start on certain days for no apparent reason. Upon inspection, our technicians found an old disconnected but still powered-up security system, which was blocking the boiler via a safety relay. This outdated device, forgotten during a past renovation, was still interacting with the boiler’s circuits. Once it was fully disconnected, the high-efficiency Goodman boiler (GMVC96 model) resumed normal operation.
3. An ice-cold room caused... by a wasp nest in the duct
In the North Shore, in a single-family home in Blainville, one of the basement rooms remained freezing cold despite a Bosch BOVA-60HDN1-M20G 36,000 BTU central heat pump that was properly calibrated and maintained. Our technicians inspected the airflow distribution and found a wasp nest partially blocking a duct in the crawl space. After safely removing and cleaning the duct, airflow was fully restored. A rather unusual situation that perfectly illustrates the surprises we encounter in the field.
4. A heating outage triggered... by a mouse infestation
In a building in Saint-Lambert, the Arcoaire 5-ton central heat pump was randomly shutting down. Our inspection revealed that mice had chewed through parts of the wiring, causing intermittent short circuits. After replacing the damaged wires and securing the conduits, we recommended the client call a pest control company. This type of failure can quickly become hazardous if left unaddressed.
5. A persistent bad smell caused... by a forgotten lunch bag
In Laval, a client complained of a foul odor circulating throughout the house via his Gree FLEXX 36,000 BTU central system. Despite a full system cleaning and filter replacement, the smell lingered. Finally, when dismantling a wall vent, our technicians found a decomposing lunch bag that had accidentally fallen into the duct during a renovation project. The bag was removed, the duct cleaned, and fresh air was restored.
6. A short-circuited wall-mounted heat pump due to... a Christmas tree
A client in Brossard called AirGreen in a panic after his Gree LOMO 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump tripped the breaker during Christmas Eve. Our technicians found that overloaded Christmas lights plugged into the same outlet as the heat pump had caused a power surge. The solution: updating the electrical circuit, installing a dedicated breaker, and resuming normal operation. A classic case of domestic overload, but with a holiday twist.
7. Inefficient central heating caused... by a book collection
In an old house in Vieux-Longueuil, a client felt that his Goodman R-32 central system wasn’t heating the living room properly anymore. After inspection, our technicians discovered that the vents had been partially blocked by a massive bookshelf installed against the walls, drastically reducing airflow. After repositioning the bookshelf and installing air deflectors, proper distribution was restored. A simple layout mistake that was compromising the entire system.
What these unusual cases teach us
These situations show that heating problems can sometimes stem from unexpected causes, requiring more than just technical expertise. At AirGreen, we believe our strength lies in our ability to investigate, understand the unique context of each service call, and solve not just the symptom, but the root of the issue.
Our certified HVAC technicians are trained to think outside the box, work thoroughly, and above all, deliver a human, punctual, and professional service. Whether you're located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or elsewhere on the North Shore or South Shore, we act fast to ensure your thermal comfort year-round.
Why choose AirGreen for your heating and HVAC needs?
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Over 15 years of expertise in heat pump and central system installation and maintenance
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Fast and professional service tailored to both residential and commercial buildings
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Full coverage of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
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Eligibility for Hydro-Québec LogisVert grants, depending on the installed system
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Emergency services available for unexpected breakdowns
Dealing with a strange heating issue?
At AirGreen, no case is too complex. Contact us today for a full inspection of your central heating system, wall-mounted heat pump, or HVAC air conditioner. Our interventions are precise, effective, and tailored to your unique situation.