A well-designed commercial ventilation system is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for every professional space. At AirGreen, we understand that an efficient commercial ventilation system can transform a work environment, improve air quality, optimize thermal comfort, and reduce operational costs. Yet making the right choice remains a challenge, especially in a market flooded with technical solutions, marketing promises, and ever-changing energy regulations. That’s why we’re presenting the 5 essential criteria to evaluate when selecting the ideal commercial ventilation system, whether you’re located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore.
Why Commercial Ventilation Is a Strategic Issue
In commercial, industrial, or institutional sectors, ventilation plays a leading role. It helps to:
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Maintain a healthy indoor air quality, essential for occupant health and productivity.
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Eliminate pollutants, moisture, and fine particles.
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Reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria—an essential concern in the post-pandemic world.
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Protect sensitive electronic equipment.
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Comply with current standards (like CSA B52 or the Québec Building Code).
1. Air Quality and Air Renewal: The Top Priority
The core of any commercial ventilation installation lies in its ability to ensure continuous renewal of indoor air. This requires optimal management of:
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The CO₂ level, which must stay below 1000 ppm.
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The hourly air renewal rate depending on how the premises are used (offices, meeting rooms, shops, kitchens, etc.).
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Targeted extraction in sensitive areas: washrooms, cafeterias, production zones.
At AirGreen, we size each system based on precise airflow calculations tailored to foot traffic, surface area, and the building’s purpose. For instance, in a recent project in Longueuil, we installed a Lennox air handling unit with a plate heat exchanger and CO₂ demand control for a 350 m² office space.
2. Energy Efficiency and Heat Recovery
A good ventilation system doesn’t just move air. It must be energy-efficient, and that involves:
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Incorporating a heat exchanger (plate or thermal wheel recovery unit).
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Intelligent control of airflow based on occupancy (presence sensors, CO₂ levels).
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High-efficiency EC motors (electronically commutated motors).
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Seamless integration with other HVAC systems (cooling, heating).
We recently equipped a daycare in Laval with a ventilation system including a Haxxair heat recovery ventilator, resulting in a 22% annual reduction in heating costs. Our clients appreciate not only the air quality but also the tangible savings on their energy bills.
3. System Flexibility and Scalability
Every building is unique. A good ventilation choice should be:
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Modular, to adapt to future expansions or layout changes.
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Compatible with centralized control systems (BMS).
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Easy to maintain and remotely monitor (filter alerts, performance logs, diagnostics).
At AirGreen, we prefer reputable brands like Fujitsu, Lennox, Zehnder, and Vents-US, whose systems integrate easily into new or existing structures. For example, we installed a network of low-resistance flexible ducts in a coworking space in Montréal, where needs fluctuate based on events and occupancy.
4. Quiet Operation and Acoustic Comfort
In a commercial environment, acoustic comfort is key. A noisy system can hinder concentration, degrade customer experience, or simply cause discomfort.
The solutions we offer include:
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Soundproofed air handling units, installed in ceilings or on rooftops.
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Acoustic dampers on supply and return grilles.
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Low-noise EC motor fans.
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Vibration isolators on mounts.
A notable project was the installation of a complete system in a call center in Brossard, where we achieved a noise level below 35 dB in the work area—the equivalent of a whisper.
5. Compliance and Available Grants
By choosing a commercial HVAC installation that meets standards, you ensure:
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Compliance with CNESST, Québec Building Board regulations, and ASHRAE standards.
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Increased long-term property value.
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Access to significant financial incentives, such as those from Hydro-Québec (LogisVert) or the ÉcoPerformance program.
AirGreen assists you in eligibility analysis, technical documentation, and submission of grant applications. We’ve helped several SMEs on the North Shore, including in Boisbriand and Terrebonne, secure funding covering up to 50% of their HVAC projects.
Practical Advice: Mistakes to Avoid
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Undersizing the system to cut upfront costs (which leads to overconsumption and discomfort).
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Neglecting preventive maintenance plans (filter changes, sensor calibration).
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Installing a system without a prior airflow analysis (poor distribution = cold or stuffy zones).
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Choosing a supplier without reliable local after-sales service.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Commercial Ventilation Project?
At AirGreen, we do far more than install equipment. We offer:
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Personalized support, from diagnosis to post-installation follow-up.
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Recognized local expertise in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
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Certified technicians trained continuously on the latest HVAC technologies.
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In-depth knowledge of commercial building standards and requirements in Québec.
Each project is treated as unique. Whether it’s for a restaurant in Longueuil, an industrial workshop in Laval, or a medical center in Montréal, we tailor our solutions to meet the client’s real needs, while adhering to the industry’s highest standards.
Conclusion
The ideal commercial ventilation system isn’t a one-size-fits-all product—it’s a custom solution. It must meet your specific constraints, optimize comfort, air quality, and costs, all while complying with energy efficiency standards. At AirGreen, our mission is to help you make the right choice—well-informed, reliable, and long-lasting.