A Healthy Work Environment Starts with Healthy Air
In modern workplaces, indoor air quality is often overlooked in favor of more visible elements such as furnishings, lighting, or ergonomic furniture. However, stale air in the office can have a significant impact on productivity, concentration, mental health, and overall well-being of employees. At AirGreen, we perform installations every week in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore for high-performance ventilation systems – including heat recovery ventilators (HRV and ERV) – specifically designed for office environments.
Why Stale Air Harms Office Productivity
An Invisible Yet Dangerous Accumulation
When an office is poorly ventilated, carbon dioxide (CO₂) rapidly accumulates, especially in closed spaces with limited airflow. At levels above 1,000 ppm (parts per million), CO₂ can impact concentration, cause headaches, and reduce cognitive performance.
Add to that pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine dust, excess humidity, and allergens: it’s the overall performance of your team that suffers. We've observed this during several evaluation visits, particularly in small business offices in Longueuil and Laval, where employees were experiencing fatigue and discomfort without understanding the cause.
Invisible Symptoms but Real Effects
Here’s what our clients often report before installing an air exchanger:
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Feeling of heavy or stuffy air in meeting rooms
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Decreased attention in the afternoon
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Mild respiratory problems, allergies, or eye irritation
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Difficulty concentrating or frequent headaches
These signs are clear: indoor air renewal is insufficient, affecting both health and overall performance at work.
The Air Exchanger: A Solution for Offices
How an Air Exchanger Works
A HRV or ERV (heat recovery ventilator) allows you to extract stale air from the building while bringing in fresh, filtered air from the outside. Through a thermal exchange system, the heat (or coolness in summer) from the outgoing air is transferred to temper the incoming air. The result: constant comfort without energy loss.
Installation Tailored for the Workplace
At AirGreen, we customize each HVAC air exchanger installation based on the building's layout, the number of occupants, room divisions, and the client’s specific needs.
Real Example in Montreal: A design firm located in the Mile-End neighborhood was struggling with stale air in its open-plan office with no operable windows. We installed a Venmar AVS N Series HRV with CO₂ sensors, connected to a discreet duct system. The result: immediate improvement in comfort, reduced employee complaints, and increased productivity, according to managers.
Which Models Do We Recommend for Offices?
Venmar AVS N Series HRV
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Ideal for small to medium-sized offices
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Integrated MERV 8 filtration
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Capacity up to 250 CFM
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Digital control with optional CO₂ sensor
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Quick, efficient, and energy-efficient installation
Lifebreath 195 ECM ERV
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Suitable for larger office spaces
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Ultra-efficient ECM motor
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Automatic airflow balancing
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Low noise level, perfect for working environments
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Eligible for energy efficiency rebates in Quebec
We also regularly install models from Zehnder, Fantech, or Broan depending on the technical needs and budget of the client.
Challenges Faced and Solutions Provided by AirGreen
Case of an IT Company in Laval
This client had renovated a warehouse into a coworking space, but without proper ventilation. Excess humidity was causing condensation on equipment and an unpleasant odor.
Our Solution:
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Installation of a Lifebreath commercial HRV, connected to a strategic duct network
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Integration with their building management system (BMS) for remote control
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Result: 35% reduction in indoor humidity, better equipment preservation, and positive feedback from users
Available Rebates for Offices
It’s important to note that certain government grants and rebate programs are available, especially for renovated or converted commercial buildings:
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LogisVert from Hydro-Québec for eligible projects
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Transition énergétique Québec (TEQ) for energy-efficient HVAC systems
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Municipal rebates in some cities like Longueuil or Laval
We assist every client in preparing rebate applications and certifying energy performance when necessary.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Good Air Quality
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Install an air exchanger with appropriate filters (MERV 8 or HEPA depending on needs)
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Schedule regular HVAC maintenance with duct cleaning
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Avoid volatile chemicals or overly fragrant air fresheners
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Use indoor plants to help with air purification (though not a replacement for a ventilation system)
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Monitor CO₂ levels using smart sensors connected to the ventilation system
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Office Ventilation Project
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Specific expertise in commercial ventilation and HVAC across the Greater Montreal area
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Certified, punctual, and discreet technicians trained to work in professional environments without interrupting operations
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Free personalized study with on-site technical assessments
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Careful project management, from planning to installation
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Responsive and accessible after-sales service
We are proud to support dozens of businesses in Montreal, from the South Shore to the North Shore, in improving their indoor air quality – an often underappreciated yet essential factor for health and collective performance.