A botched HVAC cleaning can end up costing much more than a professional service would have in the first place. This real case that occurred in Laval perfectly illustrates how a local business, thinking they were saving money with a discounted HVAC cleaning service, ended up having to pay double due to overlooked consequences. At AirGreen, we were called in urgently to fix the damage caused by a subpar service. Here’s a technical and concrete account that shows the importance of relying on real professionals for HVAC cleaning in Greater Montreal.
When trying to save money turns into double the cost: a true story from Laval
A food distribution company located in an industrial sector of Laval recently hired a small business offering discount cleaning services for wall-mounted and ducted heat pumps. Their goal was to reduce maintenance costs on their centralized ventilation and air conditioning system. The listed price: 50% lower than the average. The result? Less than two weeks later, the outdoor unit stopped working, several areas of the building were poorly ventilated, and a persistent unpleasant odor spread throughout the offices.
AirGreen’s diagnosis: a superficial cleaning with serious consequences
When we arrived on-site, our team quickly identified several issues:
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Indoor filters neither replaced nor properly cleaned, leading to rapid clogging of the ducts.
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No bacterial or antifungal decontamination performed on the coils or drain pans.
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Outdoor unit obstructed, as the original service provider didn’t remove panels to access critical zones.
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Moisture buildup in the ducts due to an improper system restart after cleaning, creating ideal conditions for mold.
This situation led to a drastic drop in the system’s energy efficiency, an electricity overuse of nearly 20%, and potential health risks for employees.
Our intervention: full cleaning, disinfection, and system rebalancing
At AirGreen, we carried out a comprehensive procedure in compliance with strict professional HVAC cleaning standards:
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Full inspection using cameras to assess the true state of the ductwork.
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Disassembly of the outdoor unit and deep cleaning of the condenser and heat exchanger.
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Complete disinfection with certified products to eliminate mold and bacteria in the ducts and on the coils.
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Airflow verification, adjustment of dampers, and balancing of airflow for optimal ventilation.
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Indoor air quality testing before and after our intervention to ensure safe working conditions.
Common mistakes made during poorly done HVAC cleaning
This Laval case isn’t isolated. We frequently encounter the same mistakes from inexperienced service providers:
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Only visible areas are cleaned, with no intervention on critical internal components.
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No professional-grade disinfectants used.
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No performance or static pressure testing done.
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System restarted without ensuring airflow balance.
These poor practices lead not only to premature system failures, but also to degraded indoor air quality, a critical factor in both commercial and residential environments.
The real cost of poor maintenance: ROI of a professional cleaning
In this real-life scenario, the client initially spent $400 on a cut-rate service. After our diagnosis and full cleaning, they had to invest an additional $1,200 to restore proper HVAC function. In reality, if they had chosen a professional cleaning with AirGreen from the start, the total cost would have been only $850, all included, with a 12-month guarantee on the work performed.
Why choose AirGreen for HVAC maintenance in Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore?
At AirGreen, we never offer superficial solutions. Our HVAC maintenance services are designed to ensure:
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Optimal performance of your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
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Improved indoor air quality, crucial for occupant comfort and health.
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Real reductions in energy costs, thanks to smart, targeted maintenance.
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Fast, guaranteed interventions, carried out by certified technicians.
We serve all of Greater Montreal, including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our on-the-ground experience allows us to understand the specific needs of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in every zone.
Tips to avoid false savings in HVAC maintenance
Here are some recommendations to avoid falling into the cheap cleaning trap:
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Check the company’s certifications (RBQ, ventilation license, etc.).
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Request a detailed estimate outlining the steps and products used.
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Beware of offers that seem too good to be true without technical details.
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Prioritize experienced local companies that can intervene quickly if needed.
Client testimonial: back to normal thanks to a reliable team
“We learned our lesson. Calling a serious company like AirGreen allowed us to fix the issues, clean up the workspace, and lower our energy bill starting the very next month.”
Conclusion: HVAC cleaning is an investment, not an expense
A professional HVAC cleaning should never be viewed as a simple routine task. It is a strategic intervention to ensure the longevity of your system, occupant health, and optimized energy performance. At AirGreen, we are committed to delivering exemplary service, with no compromise on quality, in Laval and throughout Greater Montreal.