Surviving a heating system failure during an extreme cold snap of -30 °C is not just about comfort—it’s a serious safety issue. Whether you’re in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, these emergencies happen more often than you'd think. At AirGreen, we frequently respond to critical situations right in the middle of winter. But what should you do during those long hours of waiting, especially when the mercury drops dangerously low? Here are 5 essential steps to take right away to protect your home, your loved ones, and your equipment while you wait for our technician to arrive.
Understand the risks of a heating failure in extreme cold
When a central heating system breaks down in the middle of a winter night, the impact is immediate: indoor temperatures plummet, pipes are at risk of freezing, comfort vanishes, and health can be affected—especially for seniors or young children.
Our service calls across Montreal and surrounding areas have shown us that every minute counts. That’s why we’re sharing the most effective actions you can take right away to prevent damage and stay safe.
1. Preserve the residual heat in your home
The very first step: preserve the heat that’s already inside your home.
Close all interior doors
This helps contain the warm air. Close off rooms that aren’t in use to focus heat retention in essential spaces like the living room or bedrooms.
Block drafts
Use towels, blankets, or draft blockers to seal off cold air entering under doors and around windows. Even a simple roll of paper can make a significant difference in preventing heat loss.
Close curtains and blinds
Thick curtains act as extra insulation. Close them as soon as night falls to slow down heat loss through your windows.
2. Safely heat a local area
Even without your central heat pump or gas heating system, it’s still possible to maintain a reasonable temperature in one or two rooms.
Use an electric space heater
If you have a certified portable heater, place it in a well-isolated, ventilated room and monitor it closely. Never leave a space heater running unattended, especially overnight.
Emergency tip: body heat
In extreme cases, gather everyone in the same room, sleep together under multiple blankets. The body heat effect can be very effective.
3. Protect your plumbing from freezing
During a prolonged outage, your pipes are at risk. A frozen pipe can burst and cause serious water damage.
Let water drip slightly
Let hot and cold water trickle from faucets in the most exposed areas (basement, exterior walls). Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Open cabinet doors in kitchen and bathrooms
This allows warmer air to circulate around pipes often installed against exterior walls.
If possible, shut off the main water supply
If you plan to leave your home or if the outage is likely to last, shut off your main water valve and drain the pipes to avoid damage.
4. Prepare your space for a faster service call
At AirGreen, our technicians work with precision and speed—even in extreme conditions. You can help us save valuable time when we arrive on-site.
Clear snow and ice from access points
Make sure the path to your outdoor unit (heat pump, outdoor system, basement entrance) is shoveled. This allows us to get in quickly and safely.
Clear the area around the furnace or heat pump
An uncluttered space around your HVAC unit gives the technician full access to all components. This speeds up diagnostics and repairs.
5. Call AirGreen as soon as possible
Last but not least: contact us at the first signs of trouble. Don’t wait until the indoor temperature drops to dangerous levels.
Early warning signs to watch for:
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Cold air blowing instead of warm.
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Strange noises from the central heat pump.
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System turning off frequently or failing to start.
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Unusual smells or carbon monoxide detector going off.
As soon as any of these signs appear, call AirGreen. Our emergency service covers all areas: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore, North Shore. We prioritize calls during extreme cold, especially for families and vulnerable individuals.
Real case: urgent intervention in Laval during a -32 °C morning
Last February, a family in Laval experienced a complete shutdown of their central Fujitsu heat pump at 4 a.m. The indoor temperature was dropping fast, and condensation began forming on the windows. Thanks to their quick call and our immediate phone advice (block drafts, turn on a portable heater in one room, let faucets run slightly), they were able to stabilize the situation.
Our technicians arrived by 7 a.m. The issue: a faulty outdoor sensor, caused by heavy ice buildup. We replaced the part, restarted the system, ran a full inspection—comfort was restored by 9 a.m. A great example of quick thinking by the client, fast action by AirGreen.
Be prepared next time: avoid being caught off guard
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Have your heating system serviced every fall.
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Invest in a smart thermostat that alerts you when the temperature dips unexpectedly.
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Always keep a safe backup heating source on hand.
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Keep our emergency HVAC service number handy—you may need it in the middle of the night.
Why choose AirGreen?
Because we’re used to dealing with Quebec’s extreme winters. Because we install and repair the best brands of central heat pumps, like Goodman, Bosch, Fujitsu, Gree, and many more. Because we respond quickly, with expertise, throughout the island and beyond.
And above all: because we understand our customers' reality. A heating failure isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of health, comfort, and safety.
Conclusion: the right reflex can save the situation
When facing a heating failure, every action matters. By taking the right steps right away, you protect your home and buy valuable time. And with AirGreen as your trusted HVAC partner, you're guaranteed a fast return to normal.