Furnaces are at the core of our residential and commercial heating systems in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the South Shore and North Shore. Yet, a troubling reality is emerging: based on our field observations at AirGreen, around 60% of the furnaces we inspect annually in the greater Montreal area have not received proper maintenance in the past 12 to 24 months. This can lead to serious consequences, ranging from performance drops to a higher risk of breakdowns or even indoor air contamination. So — are you concerned by this lack of maintenance? This article will help you find out.
A frequent lack of HVAC maintenance in Montreal
Across our hundreds of yearly service calls in Montreal, Laval, and surrounding areas, we often find that owners of forced-air or hot water furnaces (natural gas, oil, or electric) are unaware of essential HVAC maintenance guidelines. This neglect typically stems from a lack of information, limited time, or simply because the system seems to be working fine on the surface.
What are the risks of neglecting your furnace?
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System overheating: a clogged filter or dirty heat exchanger can cause the system to overheat and shut down frequently.
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Higher energy bills: a poorly maintained furnace may consume up to 25% more energy to deliver the same comfort level.
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Reduced equipment lifespan: a furnace without maintenance will have a noticeably shorter life expectancy.
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Compromised air quality: buildup of dust, mold, or even carbon monoxide leaks from an improperly adjusted burner.
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Loss of eligibility for grants and warranties: many manufacturers and incentive programs like Hydro-Québec or the LogisVert program require annual maintenance by a certified professional.
Case study: AirGreen intervention in Laval
Let’s look at a recent example from a family living in Laval-des-Rapides, whose Goodman natural gas furnace hadn’t been serviced in over three years. Their initial call was about a persistent burning smell every time the system started. After a detailed inspection, our technicians discovered:
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A completely blocked filter,
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Soot buildup in the burner,
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Partially obstructed ventilation,
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And a defective carbon monoxide detector.
We performed a full cleaning, replaced the filter, adjusted the combustion, and installed a new CO detector. The result: the family immediately regained comfort, improved air quality, and most importantly, saw an 18% drop in energy usage the following month.
Why do so many homeowners neglect their furnace maintenance?
Here are a few common misconceptions we hear regularly:
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“My furnace is working fine, so it doesn’t need maintenance.”
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“It’s just a cleaning, it’s not urgent.”
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“Maintenance is too expensive.”
At AirGreen, we bust these myths. Furnace maintenance is essential, affordable, and quick — it often helps avoid major repairs costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
What’s included in a professional AirGreen maintenance?
Our specialized HVAC heating teams provide service in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore with a comprehensive preventive maintenance, including:
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Inspection of all components (burner, heat exchanger, blower),
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Combustion testing and gas adjustment,
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Thermostat and electrical control checks,
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Air duct cleaning (optional but recommended),
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Carbon monoxide inspection,
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Filter replacement if needed.
This service always comes with a detailed report, allowing clients to track their system’s condition year after year.
Grants and warranties: maintenance is often mandatory
Many homeowners don’t realize that an annual certified maintenance is often required to keep their manufacturer’s warranty valid, especially with brands like Goodman, Lennox, Bosch, or Trane.
Furthermore, in the context of energy efficiency incentive programs (LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, etc.), a documented maintenance record may be required to access financial aid when replacing the unit.
Signs your furnace needs immediate maintenance
Here are a few red flags that it’s time to call us:
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Unexplained increases in your gas or electricity bills.
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The system starts and stops frequently (short cycling).
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Air coming out of the vents is lukewarm instead of hot.
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You hear unusual noises.
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There’s a smell of dust or burning.
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Your carbon monoxide detectors go off without clear cause.
At AirGreen, we respond quickly to assess the situation and ensure your HVAC system runs safely and efficiently.
Our recommendations for Montreal and surrounding areas
As HVAC experts working across the entire Greater Montreal region, we advise homeowners to:
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Schedule yearly maintenance, ideally in the fall.
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Replace the filter every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and filter type.
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Install a reliable carbon monoxide detector, and test it regularly.
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Don’t wait for a breakdown, as they tend to happen during the coldest days.
Why choose AirGreen?
We’re not just another HVAC company. We’re your trusted comfort partners. Our technicians are certified, experienced, and well-versed in the unique climate challenges of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and North Shore. Our approach is transparent, proactive, and focused on real client needs.
Be part of the 40% who take their furnace maintenance seriously — not the 60% who wait for it to fail. Book your service appointment now with AirGreen and make sure your heating system is ready to perform at its best for the winters ahead.