A night-time emergency in Montréal that highlights the importance of a reliable ventilation service
In the vibrant heart of Montréal, while the city was sinking into the calm of the night, an unexpected call came in to our team at AirGreen. A business owner in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood was facing a sudden failure of their ventilation system, threatening the integrity of their food inventory, the comfort of their night staff, and, above all, their ability to operate come morning. This kind of night-time intervention is rare, but when the need arises, we always show up.
When every minute counts: urgent response to a failing HVAC system
At 2:17 AM, our on-call technician received a critical call from a business owner running a 24/7 gourmet grocery store. The central ventilation system had just abruptly shut down. The air inside was becoming unbearable, humidity levels were rising, and the refrigerated storage rooms were on the brink of overheating.
At AirGreen, we know that a faulty HVAC system doesn’t wait for business hours to cause damage. In less than 45 minutes, our team was on-site, tools in hand, ready to assess the situation.
On-site diagnosis: a burned-out extraction motor and outdated electrical setup
Upon arrival, we quickly identified the source of the problem: the main exhaust motor of the ventilation system had overheated due to an outdated electrical configuration that no longer met current standards. This kind of failure, though critical, is not unusual in older commercial buildings across Montréal.
Our team immediately secured the unit, carried out the necessary steps to prevent a short circuit, and offered the client two options:
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A temporary replacement of the broken component to get the ventilation running again immediately.
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A complete electrical and ventilation system upgrade, scheduled for the following morning.
Concerned about losing merchandise and having to shut down operations, the business owner opted for a night-time temporary solution, followed by a planned upgrade at sunrise.
A night-time repair, a daytime upgrade: efficiency and expertise by AirGreen
In the hours that followed, we replaced the faulty motor with a compatible spare part we keep in stock precisely for these types of emergencies. Once the ventilation was back online, we conducted a full inspection of the duct network: dust buildup, partial obstructions, and airflow imbalance had all contributed to the motor’s overload.
By 8 AM the next morning, a second AirGreen team returned to the site with the necessary equipment to modernize the system:
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Installation of a high-efficiency ECM ventilation motor, quieter and more resistant to power surges.
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Reconfiguration of the electrical control panel with a dedicated breaker and thermal protection.
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Full cleaning of the ventilation ducts using our pulsed air cleaning unit.
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Airflow rebalancing throughout the business to ensure optimal comfort 24/7.
Practical tips for business owners: how to avoid night-time breakdowns
This intervention reminds us how important some best practices are in commercial settings:
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Have your ventilation system checked every 6 months, especially before summer and winter.
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Update old electrical installations to meet the needs of modern HVAC motors.
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Install connected temperature and humidity sensors to be alerted immediately of any anomaly.
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Opt for ECM or variable speed motors, which consume less energy and wear out more slowly.
At AirGreen, we guide each commercial client through optimizing their HVAC system, with preventive maintenance contracts tailored to their reality.
Proven expertise across Montréal, Laval, and the South Shore
This story is just one example among many. In Longueuil, we recently assisted a small restaurant during a heat wave whose ventilation system was clogged with grease buildup. In Laval, a clothing boutique received a full overhaul of its ventilation system after persistent odors were reported.
Whether it’s for middle-of-the-night emergencies or scheduled interventions, our team masters every aspect of the job: assessment, diagnostics, repairs, upgrades.
Why trust AirGreen for your commercial ventilation needs?
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24/7 service across Greater Montréal: Montréal, Laval, North Shore, and South Shore.
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Certified technicians with vast experience in commercial HVAC systems.
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Spare parts in stock, allowing for immediate repairs.
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Full follow-through: diagnostics, repair, maintenance, modernization.
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Expertise not only in ventilation but also in central heating, heat pumps, and forced-air systems.
Efficient ventilation: the key to a business that breathes
A quality commercial ventilation system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It ensures clean air for employees and customers, protects sensitive equipment, and meets safety and sanitary regulations.
At AirGreen, we know that performance never sleeps. Our teams ensure your business runs smoothly at all times, even while the city is asleep.
