When the heatwave strikes: how AirGreen saved the day with extraordinary interventions on the North Shore
Every summer, as the thermometers rise in the North Shore (Rive Nord) of Montréal, the need for fast, expert, and reliable air conditioning service becomes critical. During these intense heatwaves, where temperatures hover around 35°C with humidity indexes exceeding 40, many homes and businesses experience HVAC breakdowns that require urgent intervention. At AirGreen, our seasoned team is ready to act — and over the past few years, we’ve handled some truly extraordinary emergency calls that showcase our expertise, adaptability, and total commitment to customer comfort.
A record-breaking week of emergency calls during the 2023 heatwave
A daycare centre in Blainville without cooling – repaired within 4 hours
One of the most critical service calls occurred in Blainville, during the peak of July 2023. A private daycare centre with over 40 children under age 5 contacted us in a panic: their central air conditioner (Goodman, 3.5 tons) had suddenly stopped. Our team was dispatched immediately.
Diagnosis: defective capacitor and burnt-out contactor.
Solution: within 4 hours, we sourced the compatible parts from our warehouse in Laval and replaced the damaged components. We also took the opportunity to clean the condenser coils and optimize the unit’s airflow, restoring full function and ensuring a safe, cool space for the children.
Mirabel: complete replacement of a failed wall-mounted unit in the middle of a heat alert
A young family in Mirabel called us at 8 a.m., desperate. Their only source of cooling, a 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump from 2011, had stopped working overnight. The temperature in the bedrooms had exceeded 30°C, and their infant was showing signs of heat exhaustion.
Our response: we performed a full system evaluation by noon and determined that the old unit was beyond repair. By 3 p.m., a brand new Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU R32 was installed and functional. The family could enjoy a comfortable, cool night — and we assisted them with their $1,304 LogisVert grant application.
Why these emergency calls are becoming more frequent on the North Shore
Growing population and aging systems
With booming cities like Boisbriand, Terrebonne, and Saint-Jérôme, the North Shore has seen significant growth over the last decade. Many homes are still equipped with older R-22 systems, or poorly maintained units that fail under extreme heat. These systems aren’t just inefficient — they’re increasingly unreliable during heatwaves.
Climate change = more frequent and intense heatwaves
Montréal and its northern suburbs are experiencing more frequent temperature extremes than ever before. That’s why proper maintenance, timely upgrades, and rapid interventions are no longer optional — they’re vital. AirGreen’s emergency service structure ensures fast, structured, and effective response during these peak periods.
Behind the scenes: how AirGreen handles heatwave emergencies
Step 1: Prioritized dispatching
Every summer, we activate our emergency heatwave protocol, which includes a dedicated triage dispatcher trained to prioritize calls based on urgency: vulnerable clients (children, elderly), total system failure, or medical conditions come first.
Step 2: Pre-stocked equipment and mobile units
We keep an inventory of the most common capacitors, contactors, mini split circuit boards, and even several 12,000 BTU wall units ready for rapid deployment. Our mobile units are pre-loaded to minimize downtime and ensure same-day installation when needed.
Step 3: Transparent communication and real-time follow-ups
Our clients are kept informed at every step: estimated technician arrival time, progress updates, recommendations, and invoicing are all communicated via SMS or phone. During heatwaves, trust and clarity are essential.
Other unforgettable interventions on the North Shore
A luxury condo in Sainte-Thérèse with a flooded roof unit
During a stormy heatwave in August, a 4-ton rooftop unit at a luxury condo in Sainte-Thérèse was overwhelmed by both the heat and water accumulation. We intervened within 6 hours, drained the flooded unit, replaced the damaged control board, and restarted the system. The tenants were able to sleep in comfort that night.
A small retirement home in Rosemère saved just in time
At a 12-room retirement home in Rosemère, a multi-zone central system failed on the eve of a 36°C day. Thanks to a pre-emptive call and a maintenance plan already in place with AirGreen, we were able to replace the defective blower motor and restart the system by 10 a.m. — before the heat reached critical levels inside.
Key lessons and advice from AirGreen after years of urgent calls
Maintenance is not a luxury — it’s your first line of defense
The majority of emergency breakdowns we encounter could have been avoided with simple annual maintenance. At AirGreen, our plans include deep cleaning, part inspections, and refrigerant checks, significantly reducing the risk of failure when temperatures soar.
Choose the right equipment, and plan ahead
Installing the right BTU capacity, choosing models with Inverter compressors and R-32 refrigerant, and verifying hydro-rebates eligibility can save you time, stress, and money when it matters most.
Don’t wait for the crisis: our priority service contracts make a difference
Clients enrolled in our priority service contracts benefit from guaranteed response times, exclusive discounts on parts, and proactive alerts before extreme heat events.
Why AirGreen is the trusted HVAC partner on the North Shore
-
24/7 emergency HVAC service during heatwaves in Montréal, Laval, and the North Shore
-
Certified technicians ready to intervene, even on weekends and holidays
-
Same-day equipment replacement, subject to availability
-
Real-time communication and personalized support
-
Proven experience in high-stress, high-temperature situations