When a Simple Heating Failure Turns Into an Extreme Ordeal for an Entire Family
Winter storms on Montreal’s North Shore can be intense, but when a heating system breaks down in the middle of the night, with snow pounding down and temperatures plunging, things can spiral out of control fast. At AirGreen, we were urgently called to assist a family in Blainville who were caught off guard by the sudden failure of their central heating system. This real story highlights not only the importance of regular HVAC maintenance but also the swift and professional response of our on-site technicians.
10:47 PM: A Blaring Alarm Wakes Up the Entire House
It all started one February evening as a snowstorm was hitting the North Shore. The central heating system—a Arcoaire electric furnace paired with a Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat—triggered a critical alarm. Within minutes, the temperature in the bedrooms dropped from 20°C to 16°C.
Mr. Tremblay, father of the family and resident of Blainville for 15 years, tried to reset the thermostat with no success. He contacted our emergency line. Thanks to our 24/7 service, a certified technician was dispatched immediately despite the snow-covered roads.
On-Site Diagnosis: Burnt Power Relay, Non-Functional Blower Fan
Upon arrival, our specialist found that the power relay in the furnace had burnt out, preventing the main blower from turning on. As a result, no warm air was being distributed, even though the heating elements were still functional. A buildup of dust and a ventilation failure had silently caused the unit to overheat.
This type of failure—common in older systems—can pose serious safety risks if not handled quickly.
The Intervention: System Shutdown, Immediate Repair, and Transition Plan
The service call was carried out in three steps:
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Complete power shutdown of the system to ensure safety
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Replacement of the burnt relay with a compatible Arcoaire spare part
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Cleaning of air filters and inspection of the main duct to remove obstructions
Thanks to our mobile HVAC parts inventory, the repair was completed without delay, and the family’s comfort was restored in less than 90 minutes.
Moving Toward a Hybrid Solution: Strategic Addition of a Fujitsu Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
Knowing their furnace was nearing the end of its lifespan, the Tremblay family accepted our recommendation to install a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump, rated at 12,000 BTU, in their family room to supplement their main heating system.
This installation brought several key advantages:
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Reduced furnace usage during fall and spring
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Lower annual heating bills, thanks to a high SEER rating
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Eligibility for a $1,370 LogisVert grant
Our technicians returned three days later for a complete, certified installation, including wall coring, electrical connection, and full system testing.
AirGreen: A Critical Presence on the North Shore—Even in the Worst Conditions
This event shows how a simple breakdown can turn critical when it happens during a snowstorm. Thanks to our established presence on the North Shore, we can respond quickly to calls in Blainville, Sainte-Thérèse, Boisbriand, Mirabel, and surrounding areas.
Our clients know that when they call AirGreen, they benefit from:
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A 24/7 emergency HVAC service
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A team equipped with compatible parts for popular brands like Arcoaire, Lennox, Goodman, and Fujitsu
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Personalized support, with professional advice, detailed quotes, and tailored solutions
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance: A Failure That Could Have Been Avoided
This breakdown could have been prevented with annual preventive maintenance. Our technicians could have identified the weakening relay, cleaned the ducts, and warned the family before winter set in.
We offer a custom HVAC maintenance plan for:
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Electric or gas furnaces
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Wall-mounted or central heat pumps
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Combined systems with integrated ventilation
AirGreen Is More Than a Service—We’re a Thermal Shield for Your Home
When you choose our expertise, you gain peace of mind, no matter the weather. Whether you need to repair a failing system, improve your energy efficiency, or add an efficient heat pump, our team supports you every step of the way.
Living on the North Shore and Worried About a Breakdown This Winter?
Contact AirGreen now. A preventive inspection could save you from a serious breakdown and hundreds of dollars in heating costs. Trust our experts to protect your comfort—even during a storm.