HVAC Design Disasters in Montreal: Learn from Others' Mistakes
Every year, we intervene on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) projects in Montreal and surrounding areas, where design mistakes lead to costly consequences. At AirGreen, we want to share five real-life disasters we've encountered in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our goal? Helping you avoid these same mistakes by adopting effective strategies right from the design stage.
Mistake 1: Undersizing the HVAC System – Case of a Medical Clinic in Longueuil
During a recent intervention in Longueuil, our team was called to resolve a major issue in a medical clinic where the HVAC system had been significantly undersized. The building, featuring large south-facing windows, struggled chronically to regulate temperature. The result? Skyrocketing energy bills, continuous discomfort for patients and staff, and the expensive necessity of completely replacing the system after only two years of operation.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Perform precise thermal load calculations: Always conduct a thorough assessment considering orientation, window surfaces, insulation, and occupancy rate.
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Plan for a reasonable margin: Adapt the system for local extreme conditions, especially the intense summer heat peaks and harsh Quebec winters.
Mistake 2: Poor Humidity Management – Disaster in an Office Building in Laval
In Laval, we witnessed a major mistake related to poor humidity management in a newly constructed office building. The absence of an adequate dehumidification system in the central ventilation units quickly led to severe mold issues. This resulted in astronomical repair costs and significant productivity losses due to prolonged downtime.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Select a central unit equipped with an effective humidity control system, especially in high-occupancy areas or humid climates.
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Schedule regular checks of indoor air quality and humidity levels, and adjust accordingly.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Adequate Ventilation – Sanitary Crisis in a Montreal Restaurant
A popular Montreal restaurant, following a complete renovation, overlooked kitchen ventilation. The lack of a proper extractor and air evacuation system led to massive smoke and persistent odors accumulating in the dining area. In addition to constant customer complaints, the restaurant had to temporarily shut down to install a compliant ventilation system, resulting in significant unplanned expenses.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Incorporate a powerful and appropriate ventilation system right from project inception, particularly for commercial kitchens, according to local and provincial standards.
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Use highly efficient extraction hoods to effectively remove smoke and odors.
Mistake 4: Poor Choice of Insulation Materials – Energy Problems in Brossard
In Brossard, a newly built high-end residence faced exorbitant energy bills despite installing an excellent HVAC system. The issue stemmed from unsuitable insulation materials, allowing warm air to escape in winter and cool air in summer, negating the benefits of an otherwise efficient unit (high-efficiency central Fujitsu heat pump, 36,000 BTU).
How to avoid this mistake:
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Choose high-quality insulation materials specifically suited to Quebec’s climate conditions.
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Conduct a comprehensive air-tightness inspection before commissioning the HVAC system.
Mistake 5: Poor Placement of Air Diffusers – Generalized Discomfort in an Event Hall on the North Shore
Finally, in Terrebonne (North Shore), we encountered a glaring case of poorly placed air diffusers in a large event hall. Air conditioning directed directly at guests caused continuous discomfort. The result? A rapidly declining reputation and drop in attendance. Correcting this error required a costly and urgent repositioning of the diffusers.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Carefully position air diffusers for indirect airflow, allowing gentle, even air circulation.
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Simulate air distribution through preliminary 3D modeling before installation to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why Choose AirGreen to Avoid These Critical Mistakes?
At AirGreen, we don't just install and maintain HVAC systems. We support our clients from the initial design phase by providing:
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A comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of your specific needs in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and both shores.
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Customized solutions with renowned brands such as Fujitsu, Bosch, Gree, or Goodman.
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Impeccable installation, meeting Quebec’s highest standards.
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Professional advice and post-installation follow-up to ensure your long-term satisfaction.
Final Practical Advice to Avoid Costly Mistakes:
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Always involve HVAC specialists from the initial building design phase.
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Insist on precise, documented, and transparent estimates for your installation needs.
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Systematically verify the certifications and guarantees provided by your contractor.