Emergency Ventilation: How a Simple Preventive Maintenance Visit Prevented a Sanitary Crisis in a Quebec Daycare

A routine HVAC maintenance operation that protected the health of dozens of children

At a daycare on the South Shore, a routine preventive HVAC maintenance visit turned out to be critical. Thanks to the quick action of AirGreen’s team, a serious indoor air contamination issue was detected and resolved before it could endanger the health of the children and staff. This real-world case shows just how essential rigorous HVAC maintenance is—especially in sensitive environments like early childhood centers.

At AirGreen, we believe prevention is worth a thousand repairs. Our commercial ventilation specialists are regularly called upon to intervene in daycares, schools, community centers, and clinics to ensure impeccable air quality, optimal comfort, and full compliance with Quebec’s strict health regulations.

Context of the intervention: a Longueuil daycare concerned about indoor air quality

A daycare director in Longueuil contacted AirGreen after noticing several children exhibiting unusual symptoms: persistent coughing, red eyes, and unexplained fatigue. A possible link with indoor air quality was quickly suspected.

Initial inspection by AirGreen

Our certified technicians went on-site to conduct a comprehensive ventilation system inspection. Here’s what we found:

• The ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) system had not been serviced in over two years

• Visible mold growth in the return air ducts

• Filters clogged with fine dust, pollen, and debris

• Improper airflow balancing across different areas (napping rooms, playroom, kitchen)

Identified health risks

• High risk of airborne mold spore contamination

• CO2 levels above recommended thresholds in high-traffic areas, per INSPQ guidelines

• Environment potentially irritating and allergenic for children aged 6 months to 5 years

AirGreen’s response: a fast, effective, and safe solution

Given the critical situation, our team immediately took the following targeted actions:

1. Complete disinfection of the ventilation network, including ducts, air vents, and the central ERV

2. Replacement of MERV-13 filters with certified HEPA filters suitable for sensitive environments

3. Thorough cleaning and recalibration of the existing ERV system, with airflow adjustment by room function

4. Installation of connected CO2 sensors for real-time indoor air monitoring

5. Setup of a quarterly preventive maintenance plan, including inspections, cleaning, and detailed reporting

Immediate results and feedback from staff

Just one week after the intervention:

• Noticeable reduction in symptoms among children, observed by educators

• Ambient air felt fresher, more stable, and better distributed

• Significant improvement in both thermal and olfactory comfort

• Decreased equipment noise after fan cleaning and recalibration

Key takeaways: why preventive maintenance is essential

1. Waiting for a breakdown can cost more than you think

A ventilation system failure in a childcare environment can result in:

• Temporary closure by child protection services or public health authorities

• Higher repair costs (ERV replacement, full duct cleaning, contamination response)

• Loss of parental trust and negative impact on the center’s reputation

2. Indoor air is a public health issue

Children in daycares inhale over 15,000 liters of air per day. Poor air quality increases risks of respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, and also affects concentration and sleep quality.

3. Regular HVAC maintenance prevents 80% of technical issues

At AirGreen, our preventive HVAC maintenance plans are designed to detect:

• Abnormal or unbalanced airflow

• Clogged heat exchangers

• Early signs of contamination or premature wear

Why sensitive facilities trust AirGreen

We serve clients across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, and adapt our methods to the realities of sensitive environments:

• Scheduled service outside opening hours to avoid disruption

• Use of approved cleaning products for early childhood settings

• Teams trained in CSA, RBQ, and hygiene compliance protocols

• Clear, detailed reports ready for management or regulatory authorities

Our recommended equipment for daycares

• VENMAR AVS ERVs with high-efficiency heat recovery

• HEPA filters for centralized HVAC systems, easily replaceable

• Smart CO2 sensors with alerts for air quality threshold breaches

• Smart thermostats with zone controls for even, comfortable temperatures

Our commitment: protecting health while optimizing performance

At AirGreen, we believe every cubic meter of air that a child breathes must be clean, filtered, and properly renewed. Our mission is to guarantee sanitary safety across all HVAC installations in spaces serving vulnerable populations.

We offer customized preventive maintenance contracts, which include:

• Two annual inspections with full cleaning

• Filter replacements based on recommended schedules

• Testing of ERV components and static pressure monitoring

• CO2 sensor tracking and required adjustments

A simple maintenance visit can save lives

This project in Longueuil is a powerful reminder: preventive HVAC maintenance should never be overlooked, especially in facilities serving young children. Thanks to AirGreen’s expertise, a potentially serious health crisis was avoided, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all.