When the Heat Fails in Winter: How to Respond Quickly and Smartly
In the heart of a Québec winter, a heating breakdown can turn an ordinary day into a real emergency—especially in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North Shore and South Shore. At AirGreen, we receive dozens of calls each year from clients suddenly left without heat at -20 °C. To help you manage this critical situation better, we’ve developed a proven 5-step method to act efficiently and protect your comfort—and that of your loved ones.
Step 1 – Stay Calm and Analyze the Signs of the Breakdown
The first reaction to a heating failure is often stress or panic. However, it's essential to stay calm and observe the symptoms. Is your central heat pump making unusual noises? Is the air blowing cold? Is the outdoor unit covered in frost? These early clues are crucial to understanding where the issue is coming from.
At AirGreen, we’ve found that in 40% of cases, these types of failures come from minor electrical issues, a misprogrammed thermostat, or an external blockage. A quick visual check could save you a lot of time.
Step 2 – Check the Basics (Fuses, Thermostat, Filters)
Before calling a professional, a few basic checks can save you precious time:
-
Thermostat: Make sure it’s set to "heat" mode and that the set temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
-
Fuses and Breakers: A power surge can sometimes cut off your heat pump’s circuit.
-
Air Filters: A dirty filter can cause overheating and trigger the system’s safety shut-off.
-
Outdoor Frost: Ice buildup on the outdoor unit can block the defrost cycle.
If in doubt, avoid taking anything apart yourself. A wrong move can damage the unit and void your warranty.
Step 3 – Contact a Certified HVAC Professional Quickly
If your checks don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call in a heating expert. Our team at AirGreen offers a 24/7 HVAC emergency service across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and the North and South Shores.
From the first call, our team asks the right questions to identify the source of the problem: system type (central heat pump, wall unit, furnace), installation age, last maintenance, etc. We then dispatch a specialized technician as quickly as possible.
Our service vehicles are equipped with parts compatible with the main brands we install or maintain, such as Fujitsu, Gree, Goodman, Bosch, Lennox, Arcoaire, and Comfortmaker.
Step 4 – Quick On-Site Intervention: Diagnosis and Repair
One of our recent cases in Laval illustrates this step perfectly: a client called us at 6 a.m. with -28 °C outside because her Lennox central heat pump wasn’t blowing warm air anymore. Less than an hour later, our technician identified a faulty defrost control board, replaced it immediately, and restarted the system.
Our certified technicians perform a full series of checks:
-
Refrigerant pressure test
-
Blower motor inspection
-
Defrost cycle testing
-
Electrical connection check
-
Inspection of insulated piping
Step 5 – Prevent Future Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance
Once the repair is done, prevention becomes the priority. Did you know that yearly maintenance reduces the risk of winter breakdowns by 40%?
At AirGreen, we offer preventive maintenance packages tailored to every system type. One of our clients in Longueuil, owner of a rental building with six Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pumps, noticed a significant drop in emergency calls since signing up for our annual maintenance plan.
We recommend:
-
Full cleaning of filters, coils, and fans
-
Refrigerant check (R-32, R-410A, or R-454B depending on the model)
-
Thermostat and sensor calibration
-
Outdoor unit inspection (frost protection, proper drainage)
Why Trust AirGreen for Your Heating Emergencies?
At AirGreen, we do more than just fix issues: we support you from start to finish, from emergency to prevention. Our expertise is built on hundreds of successful winter service calls, across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and North Shore.
We only install proven HVAC systems, eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants, such as the Bosch BIVA-R 454B, Fujitsu KZAH R-32 heat pumps, and Goodman R-32 central systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Heating Breakdown
-
Waiting too long to act
-
Forcing the system to restart repeatedly
-
Opening or handling the indoor or outdoor unit without expertise
-
Ignoring warning signs (noises, smells, error codes)
-
Postponing annual maintenance
Our Practical Tips to Stay Warm While You Wait for Help
-
Use safe space heaters in the main rooms
-
Close doors to unused rooms
-
Dress in layers and keep curtains closed to retain heat
-
Never leave children or pets alone with a portable heater
A Local, Human, and 24/7 Emergency Service
Our technicians aren’t just repair people. They know your neighbourhood, your needs, and understand the importance of fast, reliable, and transparent service. Whether you’re in Repentigny, Brossard, Boisbriand, Saint-Hubert, or downtown Montréal, we respond quickly with the right solution.
If your heating fails, don’t stay in the cold. Call AirGreen now for fast, reliable, and professional service across Greater Montréal.