Getting your heating system ready well before winter hits is one of the smartest decisions any homeowner can make. At AirGreen, we've been helping hundreds of families and property managers across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore prepare their HVAC heating systems with care and precision. Here's our detailed, exclusive guide to walk you through every critical step before the first snowfall.
Why should you prepare your heating system in advance?
When temperatures suddenly drop in November, emergency heating calls skyrocket. Demand surges, wait times get longer, and the potential costs of an unplanned breakdown go through the roof. Planning ahead means avoiding:
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Sudden discomfort in your home or building
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The risk of a major breakdown in the middle of a cold snap
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Excessive energy consumption from a dirty or misconfigured system
The types of systems you should monitor closely
Each heating system type needs specific attention. These are the main systems we handle during residential and commercial HVAC service calls:
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Central heat pumps (e.g., Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman)
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Electric or gas furnaces
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Wall-mounted mini splits, often used as a primary or backup solution
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Baseboard heaters, generally without mechanical components but still part of hybrid systems
We tailor our approach to each technology, according to the brand, model, BTU capacity, and building layout.
The complete AirGreen checklist to prep your heating system
1. Complete visual inspection of components
Our certified technicians begin with a full assessment of the outdoor unit (if applicable) and the indoor equipment: ducts, filters, wiring, heat exchangers. We check for:
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Signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks
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Debris or blockages (leaves, snow, ice)
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Signs of overheating or dust accumulation
2. Deep cleaning
A professional cleaning of the heating system significantly improves performance and extends lifespan. Our service includes:
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High-pressure washing of coils for heat pumps
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Disassembly and cleaning of washable filters or replacement of disposable ones
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Dusting of fans, ducts, and air grilles
This step is essential for ensuring optimal airflow and preventing excessive electricity usage.
3. Check of electronic settings
We recalibrate thermostats, sync schedule settings, and test relays, breakers, and capacitors. Our diagnostic tools also allow us to assess:
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Start-up currents
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Air blowing temperature
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Refrigerant pressure levels (especially for newer generations like R-32 or R-454B)
We make precise adjustments, fully aligned with manufacturer specifications.
4. Energy efficiency performance evaluation
A high-performing heating system is an energy-efficient one. We use measuring devices to evaluate seasonal performance (HSPF), detect heat loss, and offer concrete improvement suggestions:
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Installing smart programmable thermostats
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Adjusting variable speeds on ECM motors
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Recommending upgrades when equipment is outdated
Case study: Preventive maintenance of a Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G heat pump in Laval
In a residential building in Laval, our team was recently called in for seasonal maintenance on a Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G central heat pump, using the eco-friendly R-454B refrigerant.
Context: The client wanted to optimize their system before the deep cold set in. The building, constructed in 2016, had well-insulated ductwork, but electric baseboards were sometimes kicking in, signaling a drop in efficiency.
Our intervention:
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Full inspection and cleaning of the outdoor coil (vegetative debris had built up)
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Recalibrated the programmable thermostat with reduced cycles of 2 minutes
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Checked R-454B refrigerant pressure, which was slightly low: we added refrigerant
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Cleaned the indoor air blower
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Advised insulation enhancements around the plenum
Result: an 18% improvement in airflow and a noticeable drop in the use of electric baseboards.
Common mistakes to absolutely avoid
Even with the best intentions, many homeowners fall into these traps:
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Waiting for the first snow before calling a technician
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Running the heating system without cleaning it
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Leaving the thermostat on manual mode without optimizing scheduling
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Assuming a heat pump doesn’t need yearly maintenance
At AirGreen, we emphasize this: preventive maintenance is key to a stress-free winter and long-term savings.
Why choose AirGreen to prep your heating system?
We're a local company rooted in the unique climate conditions of Greater Montréal. Our clients choose us for:
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Our HVAC expertise across all major brands (Fujitsu, Bosch, Gree, Goodman, Lennox, etc.)
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Our fast, personalized service on the North Shore, South Shore, in Montréal, Laval, and Longueuil
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Our ability to secure energy-efficiency grants
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Our clear, detailed reports after every service call
Our final recommendations for a worry-free winter
Here are our practical tips for all homeowners looking to avoid unpleasant surprises:
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Book your appointment before mid-October
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Clean or replace filters monthly during heating season
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Monitor for unusual noises or performance drops
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Program your thermostat based on your actual daily routine
And most importantly, trust certified, local HVAC professionals who can intervene quickly and effectively.
At AirGreen, we believe a comfortable winter starts long before the first snowflakes fall. With proactive preparation and comprehensive maintenance, we help you face the cold season with performance, reliability, and peace of mind.