Improving Air Quality to Improve School Attendance
In Longueuil, a local primary school recently reached out to AirGreen to address a persistent issue: a high absenteeism rate, worsened by poor indoor air quality. Thanks to the custom installation of a high-performance central air exchanger, the school saw a noticeable improvement in student well-being and a significant drop in sick-related absences.
An Alarming Reality: Poor Indoor Air Quality in the School
Before our intervention, the school had excessively high CO₂ levels in classrooms, especially during winter, when windows remained closed. This lack of fresh air led to increased concentrations of indoor pollutants, causing respiratory symptoms, frequent headaches, and a general lack of focus among students.
Concerned about the health effects and academic performance, the principal contacted our team to evaluate the situation.
Technical Assessment and Custom AirGreen Plan
At AirGreen, we conducted a full diagnostic of the building, analyzing existing airflow, confined areas, and the structural constraints of the facility. We quickly determined that the school had no mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, making it fully dependent on open windows for indoor air renewal.
System Selection: High-Efficiency Central Air Exchanger with Heat Recovery
We recommended and installed a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV central air exchanger, perfectly suited for institutional buildings. This model provides:
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A maximum airflow of 700 CFM, ideal for renewing large air volumes.
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A heat recovery efficiency exceeding 80%, delivering fresh air without energy loss.
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HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) certification, ensuring optimal performance.
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Compatibility with a centralized smart control system, automatically adjusting based on classroom occupancy.
BTU equivalent: This model provides a heating load reduction equivalent to about 12,000 BTU on average, by reusing heat from exhausted air.
Technical Challenges and Solutions Delivered
Installing a system in an operating school comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how we overcame them:
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Work performed outside school hours: our teams intervened exclusively in the evenings and on weekends to avoid disrupting classes.
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Integration into an older building: we used high-performance acoustic flexible ducts to minimize invasive work.
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Enhanced soundproofing around the unit to prevent any noise disturbance during learning hours.
Observed Results and Feedback from School Administration
Two months after the installation, the impact was clear:
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32% drop in absenteeism due to respiratory issues, according to internal school data.
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Immediate comfort improvement in classrooms, with stable temperatures and reduced stagnant odors.
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Increased student focus, as reported by the teaching staff.
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Simplified maintenance with easy-access filters and a smart maintenance alert system.
Testimonial from the School Director
“Since AirGreen installed our air exchanger in Longueuil, we've clearly seen an improvement in our students’ overall health. Even the teachers have noted a more pleasant atmosphere and better classroom engagement. Thank you for your professionalism.” – School Director, Longueuil.
Practical Advice from This Project for Other Educational Institutions
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Don’t wait until winter to act: this is when negative effects are most intense.
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Opt for a high-efficiency centralized system for large spaces.
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Regularly assess indoor air quality with CO₂ sensors.
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Work with a certified installer like AirGreen to ensure flawless integration, even in complex buildings.
Why Trust AirGreen with Your School-Based Projects?
We understand the strict requirements of educational environments, both in terms of health and logistics. Our on-the-ground experience in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore allows us to deliver solutions that are adapted, safe, and long-lasting.
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Tailored approach based on thorough needs analysis.
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Qualified and certified technicians for work in sensitive environments.
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Proven expertise in installing both centralized and decentralized air exchangers.
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Strict adherence to safety, acoustic, and energy efficiency standards.
Conclusion: Proof Through Example
This Longueuil project perfectly illustrates the positive impact that a well-designed ventilation system can have on health, comfort, and academic performance. At AirGreen, we don’t just install equipment: we build healthy, high-performing environments, by anticipating every detail and supporting our clients at every step.