A costly lesson in the importance of proper ventilation in commercial buildings
In the commercial sector, every technical detail can have a major impact on profitability. At AirGreen, we were called in to assist a Montréal-based SME specializing in food production, dealing with recurring financial losses without any clear cause. What we discovered onsite was disturbing: an unsuitable, poorly configured, and poorly maintained air exchanger that compromised not only the air quality, but also the overall performance of the business.
This case study reminds us that ventilation is never just a secondary concern. When overlooked, it can lead to significant hidden costs, from lost productivity to irreversible moisture damage.
The context: a well-established business in trouble
The company is located in the industrial district of Anjou. It employs about twenty people in a 5,000 sq. ft. production space. For several months, management had been observing:
-
Increased humidity in certain production areas
-
Frequent shutdowns of sensitive equipment due to condensation
-
More sick leave due to respiratory issues
-
Higher energy consumption than the industry average
A general-purpose technician had recommended installing a standard residential HRV a few years earlier, claiming it would “do the job” for a commercial space. That decision turned out to be very costly.
AirGreen’s diagnosis: an appliance completely unfit for the company’s needs
When our team arrived on site, the diagnosis was immediate:
-
The unit in place, a Broan HRV250, was undersized for the square footage and airflow volume required
-
There was no smart control system to adjust the airflow based on activity
-
The exhaust ducts were partially clogged, causing humid air backflow
-
The filters hadn’t been changed in over a year, severely affecting indoor air quality
The result: relative humidity regularly exceeded 75% in production zones, creating an environment that was harmful to both machinery and staff.
The financial consequences of a poor installation
After a full analysis, we were able to estimate the direct and indirect losses linked to this poor ventilation setup:
-
$3,500 in unplanned equipment shutdowns, due to corrosion and moisture
-
$2,000 worth of unsellable products, contaminated by condensation
-
4 employees on extended sick leave, costing the business over $7,000 in lost productivity and wages
-
A 20% energy overage, caused by an inefficient, constantly overworked unit
In total, over $15,000 in losses over an 8-month period, not including the damage to reputation or customer satisfaction.
The AirGreen solution: a complete, tailored overhaul
We designed an HVAC solution specifically tailored to the company’s profile, taking into account:
-
Square footage
-
Type of activity (heat and humidity-generating food production)
-
Sanitary standards to meet
-
The presence of zones with variable occupancy
New equipment installed:
-
Aldes InspirAIR Commercial, with built-in humidity and CO2 sensors
-
Rigid galvanized steel ductwork with thermal insulation
-
MERV 13 filtration, ideal for sensitive production environments
-
Programmable smart control system, accessible via mobile app
We also installed a quick-access hatch for maintenance, ensuring filters would no longer be neglected.
Results observed after 60 days
Just two months after using the new system, the improvements were already clear:
-
Humidity consistently maintained between 40% and 55%
-
Equipment running smoothly, with no unplanned shutdowns
-
Zero condensation on walls and equipment
-
Improved air quality measurements: lower VOC levels, reduced stagnant odors
-
Clear employee satisfaction, according to an internal survey
Practical advice for SMEs in Montréal and surrounding areas
At AirGreen, we always advise commercial building managers to:
✔ Avoid using residential air exchangers in industrial or commercial settings
✔ Schedule a comprehensive annual inspection by certified professionals
✔ Choose units with smart, programmable sensors
✔ Ensure regular filter and duct maintenance
✔ Confirm the system is properly sized to match the business’s actual profile
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial ventilation?
We’ve developed advanced expertise in demanding technical environments, including:
-
Laboratories
-
Production workshops
-
Restaurants
-
Shared office spaces
-
Warehouses (heated or unheated)
Our solutions are customized, scalable, and fully compliant with Québec building codes, and we respond quickly across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
Is your ventilation system hurting your bottom line without you even knowing it?
Let us assess your setup, and make sure your business breathes as efficiently as your clients.