Winter Scams: How to Avoid Falling into the Trap
Every winter in Montreal, hundreds of residential and commercial property owners fall victim to heating-related scams. Fake technicians, unfinished services, outdated equipment sold at inflated prices… the schemes are numerous and often hard to detect. At AirGreen, we’ve helped many clients who had bad experiences before turning to a reliable professional. Here, we share the 5 most frequent scams, real testimonies collected in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, along with our concrete solutions to avoid them.
This guide is for both first-time homeowners and experienced property managers who want to protect their investments and ensure efficient, safe, and long-lasting heating.
1. The Fake Repair Technician
Real Testimony – Montreal, Villeray Neighborhood
In the middle of January, Mr. Drouin receives a call from a so-called heating technician claiming an urgent inspection is needed on his furnace. The man arrives without a uniform, briefly inspects the unit, and then demands $340 in cash, claiming he just prevented a serious issue.
Why It’s a Scam
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No proof of affiliation with a legitimate company.
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No receipt, quote, or service report.
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False sense of urgency to induce panic.
AirGreen’s Solution
At AirGreen, our technicians are certified, wear a branded uniform, show an ID card, and each visit is documented with photos, quotes, and client follow-up. We also offer a free remote evaluation via photo or video call.
2. Selling Used or Outdated Heat Pumps
Real Testimony – Laval, Chomedey Area
Ms. Lambert had a wall-mounted 18,000 BTU heat pump installed by a company she found online. Weeks later, she discovered the model was from 2015, used a banned refrigerant, and came with no warranty.
Risks and Consequences
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High energy consumption.
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Not eligible for grants (LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, etc.).
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Frequent breakdowns with no coverage.
AirGreen’s Solution
We only install brand-new models, sourced directly from manufacturers like Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, Lennox, Midea. Every HVAC installation comes with a technical datasheet, warranty certificate, and we always verify grant eligibility based on your postal code.
3. Vague, Overpriced Maintenance Contracts
Real Testimony – Longueuil, Vieux-Longueuil Area
A property owner signs an annual maintenance contract for his central heat pump. Two years later, he realizes no visits were ever made, but his automatic payments continued.
How to Avoid This
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Demand a clear schedule, a report after each maintenance visit, and a clause for cancellation without penalty.
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Check the company’s reputation on Google, CAA, CMEQ, or RBQ.
Our AirGreen Guarantee
Our HVAC maintenance plans are transparent, with no automatic renewals, scheduled reminders, photo documentation for each cleaning step, and a detailed report sent by email. Our service covers Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore, and North Shore.
4. “Free” Estimates That Turn Into Invoices
Real Testimony – South Shore, Boucherville
A customer requests a free quote for a central heat pump. The technician arrives, spends 20 minutes onsite, and later sends a $180 invoice, claiming it was a “detailed assessment.”
Why It’s Abusive
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No mention of charges in advance.
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Aggressive tactic to pressure the customer into buying.
Our Policy
At AirGreen, all our HVAC quotes are 100% free. We even offer online estimates using your photos, videos, or floor plans. No surprises, no hidden fees.
5. Sloppy Installations by Unqualified Subcontractors
Real Testimony – North Shore, Terrebonne
After a rushed installation of a 24,000 BTU Gree Extreme heat pump, the customer notices strange noises, excessive condensation, and a drop in performance after just two weeks. The company sends back a subcontractor with no experience.
Serious Consequences
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Risk of early system failure.
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Manufacturer warranty voided.
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Possible mold or humidity issues.
Why Choose AirGreen
Our installers are trained in-house, follow strict procedures, and every project is supervised by a certified HVAC project manager. We never outsource blindly. Our team serves the entire Montreal area and surrounding region.
How to Protect Your Heating System This Winter
Simple Recommendations
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Always ask for certifications (RBQ, CMEQ, CAA, etc.).
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Read recent customer reviews.
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Refuse any payment without an official receipt.
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Never allow a visit without a clear written estimate.
AirGreen Bonus
Right now, we’re offering a free inspection of your existing systems with every request for a new heat pump or electric furnace quote. A concrete way to compare offers with full transparency.
Conclusion
The heating market in Montreal and its surroundings is vast, but not always transparent. During the winter season, protecting yourself from heating scams is essential to ensure comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. At AirGreen, we are committed to providing honest, transparent, and professional service—from consultation to installation, including custom HVAC maintenance.