Neglecting a simple HVAC maintenance might seem harmless… until everything goes wrong. This real testimonial from a North Shore homeowner clearly illustrates why you should never overlook the importance of regular furnace maintenance. At AirGreen, we were called in for an emergency one freezing February morning for a situation that could have been completely avoided.
A Freezing Morning… and a Silent Furnace
Mr. Lavoie, owner of a single-family home in Blainville, reached out to us in a panic early one morning. His Goodman gas furnace, installed about six years ago, had completely stopped working. Outside, the temperature had dropped to -23 °C. The whole family was wrapped up in blankets, and the house was getting colder by the minute.
We immediately dispatched an emergency team for a North Shore HVAC intervention. Upon arrival, our technician quickly spotted several clear signs of prolonged lack of maintenance: clogged filters, a blocked heat exchanger, a fan overloaded with dust, and a faulty flame sensor.
The Deeper Issues: What We Discovered
Our inspection revealed multiple issues that had built up over time:
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Completely clogged air filters, preventing proper airflow.
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Soot buildup in the combustion chamber, affecting flame efficiency.
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Faulty pressure sensor, never replaced since the unit was installed.
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Excessive energy consumption recorded in previous months without the homeowner understanding why.
Every one of these problems was directly linked to the fact that the furnace had not been serviced in over three years. Mr. Lavoie admitted candidly: “I figured that as long as it heats, everything's fine. Big mistake…”
Repair and Restart of the Furnace
Our certified technicians:
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Fully cleaned the unit, including the blower, heat exchanger, and burner.
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Replaced the filters, flame sensor, and pressure sensor.
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Checked combustion parameters and adjusted gas flow for optimal energy performance.
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Tested the entire system to ensure a safe and efficient restart.
In less than two hours, Mr. Lavoie's house was warm again. More importantly, he understood why furnace maintenance should never be ignored again.
Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Essential
Here are a few critical facts we always share with our clients:
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Energy savings: a well-maintained system can reduce gas usage by 10 to 20%.
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Extended lifespan: a maintained furnace can last 15 to 20 years versus 8 to 10 without maintenance.
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Improved safety: preventing gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks.
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Avoid costly winter breakdowns that are both stressful and expensive.
Practical Tips from AirGreen to Avoid This Situation
At AirGreen, we emphasize setting up a personalized annual maintenance plan, especially for homes with natural gas HVAC systems. Here's what we recommend:
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Professional maintenance every fall, ideally between September and November.
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Filter replacements every 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
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Carbon monoxide testing by a licensed professional.
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Ductwork inspection to ensure proper heat distribution.
The AirGreen Experience: Expertise, Speed, and Professionalism
Our intervention at Mr. Lavoie's home is just one example among many. For over 15 years, we’ve been serving Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, offering maintenance, repair, and installation of central heating systems.
Our certified technicians are trained to work on all major brands, including Goodman, Lennox, Trane, Arcoaire, York, and Carrier. Our approach is based on thorough diagnostics, honest advice, and fast response times, even during emergencies.
Client Testimonial: “Lesson Learned”
“I’ll never make that mistake again. AirGreen not only saved me from a freezing night, but also taught me how important preventive maintenance is. Thanks to the whole team.”
Our HVAC Maintenance Packages: Tailored to Your Needs
AirGreen offers several maintenance plans designed to fit your system type:
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Annual Residential Plan: for single-family homes and condos.
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Multi-Season Plan: for homes with central heat pumps and furnaces.
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Emergency & Diagnostic Package: for interventions within 4 hours.
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Commercial HVAC Maintenance: for apartment buildings and small businesses.
A Reminder Not to Wait for Next Winter
Don’t follow in Mr. Lavoie’s footsteps. Don’t wait for your furnace to break down in the middle of winter. Instead, prevent problems before they arise with professional HVAC maintenance.
At AirGreen, we proudly serve Greater Montréal, from Saint-Jérôme to Brossard, including Laval, Longueuil, Repentigny, Terrebonne, and Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Call us today to schedule a complete inspection of your heating system. Peace of mind is priceless… especially when the temperature drops below zero.