Woken up in the middle of the night by a freezing cold house? It’s more common than you think—especially during the harsh winters of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. At 3AM, when everything is asleep and outdoor temperatures drop to extreme lows, a heating failure becomes more than just a minor inconvenience: it’s a true nightmare. At AirGreen, we understand that a residential or commercial heating emergency brings stress, discomfort, and even health risks. That’s why we offer a structured, fast, and professional service—even outside of regular hours.
A harsh winter reality in Montreal: when the heating fails in the middle of the night
In the middle of January, we received an emergency call from the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood in Montreal. A couple with two young children had just realized their central Goodman heat pump was no longer blowing warm air. At 3:12AM, the indoor temperature had dropped below 16°C and was still falling. Thanks to our 24/7 emergency line, our team was able to intervene quickly.
A quick diagnosis and effective solution
On site in under 90 minutes, our certified technician diagnosed an electronic board issue on a 60,000 BTU Goodman system installed a few years ago. Despite the hour, our service truck was equipped with compatible parts allowing for immediate repair. Result: heat restored before dawn, children warm, and parents relieved.
Why do breakdowns always seem to happen at night?
It’s no coincidence. Central heating systems work harder at night, when outdoor temperatures hit their lowest points. Undetected wear, neglected maintenance, or failing components can easily give out under the strain.
Here are the most common causes of overnight breakdowns:
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Clogged filters blocking warm airflow
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Faulty temperature sensor
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Misconfigured or disconnected thermostat
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Electrical issues on the control board
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Ice buildup on the outdoor unit of a heat pump
How can you avoid 3AM heating emergencies?
1. Schedule preventative HVAC maintenance
An annual maintenance visit by our experts can catch the early warning signs of a failure. We clean filters, check electrical connections, test sensitive components, and ensure everything runs smoothly—whether it’s a heat pump, electric furnace, or forced-air system.
2. Watch for subtle warning signs
Some early signs should never be ignored:
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Unusual noises
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Uneven temperatures
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Frequent short cycles
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Strange smells at startup
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Persistent frost on the outdoor unit
3. Install a reliable and properly sized system
A good system starts with accurate sizing based on square footage, insulation, and the specific needs of your building. We recommend proven brands like Goodman, Bosch, Fujitsu, and Gree, all compatible with Quebec regulations and LogisVert grants.
Case study: a Longueuil home saved from a total breakdown
A client in Longueuil contacted us after reading one of our articles about nighttime breakdowns. Taking no chances, he scheduled an inspection of his 48,000 BTU Gree central heat pump, installed in 2018. The verdict: a clogged coil that was about to cause a compressor failure. A simple cleaning and recalibration prevented a full shutdown—which would have hit during a snowstorm.
Available grants for upgrades or replacements
Did you know that several programs help lower the cost of proactive replacements?
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program: up to $5,000 in grants for upgrading to a high-efficiency unit
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Rénoclimat: financial assistance for global energy-efficiency improvements
We guide you through every step of the eligibility process.
What to do during a 3AM heating emergency?
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Call our AirGreen emergency line immediately
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Temporarily shut off the system if you hear unusual sounds
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Isolate key rooms to retain heat
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Avoid using unsafe heat sources (camping stoves, indoor propane heaters, etc.)
Our certified HVAC technicians are trained to act fast, diagnose effectively, and complete repairs on-site in 90% of cases.
Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC emergencies?
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24/7 service across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
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Stocked service trucks with compatible parts
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Experienced and accredited technicians
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Full support with government grants
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Quality commitment: every call is documented and followed up
Our tips for a stress-free winter
Before the deep freeze hits, make sure to:
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Schedule your annual HVAC tune-up with AirGreen
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Check the state of your filters and thermostat
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Assess your system’s age: if it’s over 10 years old, upgrading may be more economical than frequent repairs
A trusted network throughout Greater Montreal
Every winter, we handle heating emergency calls in areas such as:
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Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ahuntsic, Pointe-aux-Trembles
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Chomedey and Fabreville in Laval
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Boucherville, Brossard, Saint-Lambert
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Blainville, Boisbriand, Repentigny
Wherever the cold strikes, we’re ready to respond.
Conclusion: better to prevent than freeze
A 3AM heating failure doesn’t have to be your reality. At AirGreen, we go above and beyond to keep your winter nights cozy. With regular HVAC maintenance, professional installation, and swift emergency response, you can say goodbye to midnight chills.
Call us now to schedule your HVAC tune-up or emergency service. A winter without nightmares starts here.