Creating a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient learning environment in educational institutions is a challenge that’s as crucial as it is complex. At AirGreen, we understand that thermal comfort in schools, far from being a luxury, is an essential condition for the well-being of both students and staff. Thanks to our expertise in commercial HVAC in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, we’re turning what was once seen as a myth into a tangible reality.
A Public Health and Academic Performance Issue
The research is clear: indoor air quality and temperature regulation have a direct impact on concentration, fatigue, virus transmission, and even academic success. Yet, many schools in Québec still operate with outdated heating and ventilation systems, often poorly suited to today’s needs—whether in terms of energy efficiency or comfort.
At AirGreen, we’ve seen countless cases where temperatures fluctuate drastically between classrooms in the same building, creating thermal instability that disrupts learning. Our mission: to provide high-performance, durable, and budget-conscious commercial HVAC solutions tailored to the specific realities of Québec’s school system.
Why Old HVAC Systems Create Issues in Schools
Several schools we visited on the South Shore, particularly in Longueuil and Saint-Hubert, were still relying on outdated electric convectors or inefficient centralized forced-air systems. Here are the most common issues we encounter:
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Poor distribution of heating or cooling
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Ventilation systems that don’t meet air quality standards
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No individual control per classroom
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Excessive energy costs
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High noise levels disrupting classroom focus
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Inability to integrate air conditioning in older buildings
Modern and Effective HVAC Solutions for Schools
We offer a full range of commercial HVAC systems tailored for schools, including:
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Multi-zone central heat pumps, ideal for multi-floor or winged buildings
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High-efficiency ductless wall-mounted units (from brands like Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch), especially suited for retrofit projects
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Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems, ensuring constant air renewal—even in winter
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Smart centralized management systems, allowing optimal control of every zone in the building
Case Study: High School in Laval
In 2024, we were tasked with upgrading the heating, cooling, and ventilation system of a 36-classroom high school in Laval. The project came with several challenges:
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Avoid any disruption to classes
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Reuse existing infrastructure wherever possible
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Cut energy bills by at least 30%
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Provide efficient cooling without oversizing the equipment
Our solution:
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Installed 15 Gree Versati IV central heat pumps, totaling 540,000 BTU
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Deployed energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) in each wing
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Integrated zoned smart controls so teachers could set their classroom temperatures
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Optimized insulation around indoor and outdoor units
Results:
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38% drop in energy consumption in the first month
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Significant improvement in air quality (CO₂ levels cut by two-thirds)
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Immediate satisfaction from both staff and students
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Eligibility for over $84,000 in LogisVert and ÉcoPerformance grants
Key Technical Criteria for Choosing an HVAC System for Schools
Before making any recommendations, our team always conducts a comprehensive thermal analysis of the building, which includes:
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Sun exposure
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Quality of the building envelope
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Number of students per classroom
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Required air renewal rates
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Occupancy schedules
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Acceptable noise thresholds
This ensures the system is perfectly sized—not oversized (wasting money), nor undersized (causing discomfort and premature wear).
Available Grants for Schools: An Opportunity Not to Miss
Schools can benefit from substantial financial aid when modernizing their HVAC systems:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program: up to $2,500 per heat pump installed
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ÉcoPerformance (Transition énergétique Québec): up to 75% of energy conversion project costs
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Green Building programs for public institutions: full technical and financial support
Our team handles the entire administrative process for our clients, from energy audits to reimbursement requests, making the whole process easier for school administrators.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing HVAC in Schools
At AirGreen, we’ve had to fix multiple poorly planned installations done by other contractors. Here are the common errors we systematically avoid:
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Installing a single central unit without zoned controls
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Overlooking adequate ventilation (especially in winter)
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Ignoring future maintenance needs in system design (e.g., hard-to-access filters)
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Choosing a model that doesn’t meet classroom noise-level requirements
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Underestimating solar gains in summer, making classrooms uncomfortably hot
Why Trust AirGreen With Your School HVAC Projects?
Our experience in the commercial HVAC field makes AirGreen a reliable partner for public and private schools, as well as school boards. What sets us apart:
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Advanced technical expertise, built on over 600 institutional HVAC projects
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A fully customized approach, tailored to each building, its occupants, and budget
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Strong partnerships with top manufacturers (Bosch, Gree, Fujitsu, Zephyr, ACD)
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Local after-sales support, fast and human
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In-depth knowledge of available grants, with full support from start to finish
An Achievable Reality, Starting Today
The idea of perfect thermal comfort in schools is no longer a far-fetched goal. It is achievable, measurable, and sustainable—if you choose the right technologies and the right team. At AirGreen, we believe that every student and teacher deserves an environment that’s healthy, quiet, temperature-controlled, and energy efficient.
With our rigorous approach, our deep understanding of the field in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, and our command of the most advanced HVAC technologies, we’re making the myth a reality for dozens of schools every year.
Entrust your school HVAC project to a team that brings together expertise, transparency, and measurable results. Contact AirGreen today for a personalized consultation.