When Air Quality Seriously Compromises Student Health: Account of an Urgent Intervention by AirGreen
At AirGreen, we regularly intervene to resolve indoor air quality issues in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore. However, one of the most troubling cases we've encountered recently involved a primary school located in Laval. The institution faced a major health crisis, primarily triggered by an inadequate ventilation system. Here are the precise details of this situation, the observed consequences, and the effective measures we implemented to restore air quality and ensure a healthy environment for students and staff.
An Alarming Situation in Laval: Disturbing Symptoms and Repeated Calls for Help
The school, located in the Chomedey sector of Laval, contacted us after repeated complaints from students, teachers, and parents. Several children were experiencing recurring symptoms, notably:
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Persistent coughing
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Frequent headaches
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Unusual chronic fatigue among students
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Significant increase in medical absences
Faced with these disturbing symptoms, an internal investigation quickly pointed to a common cause: insufficient and faulty ventilation.
Accurate Diagnosis of Faulty Ventilation: AirGreen’s Revealing Analysis
Upon our arrival, our team of HVAC installation experts immediately noted clear signs of an inadequate and outdated ventilation system. The detailed analysis carried out by our technicians revealed:
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Excessively high CO₂ levels, greatly exceeding recommended standards for school environments.
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An alarming presence of humidity and mold, particularly in classrooms and locker rooms.
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An aging central ventilation system, undersized and incapable of efficiently renewing indoor air.
Emergency Intervention: Installation of the Zehnder ComfoAir Q600 Air Exchanger
To immediately address the situation, our teams recommended the installation of an ultra-efficient air exchanger, the Zehnder ComfoAir Q600 model. This advanced unit is renowned for its exceptional indoor air renewal capacity, optimal pollutant filtration, and remarkable energy efficiency. Additionally, it qualifies for subsidies under Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, significantly reducing the school's initial costs.
Major Challenges Encountered During Installation and Solutions Implemented by AirGreen
During this urgent installation, we faced several complex challenges:
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Rapid intervention outside of school hours, to minimize disruption to daily school operations.
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Preliminary treatment of mold-affected areas, requiring close collaboration with sanitation specialists.
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Smooth integration of the new ventilation system within a complex existing structure, without prolonged interruptions to educational activities.
Thanks to our recognized expertise in HVAC maintenance and HVAC installation, we successfully completed these delicate operations quickly and efficiently, fully respecting deadlines set by the school.
Immediate Results and Positive Impact on Student Health
The benefits of installing the Zehnder ComfoAir Q600 air exchanger were immediate and significant:
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Drastic reduction of CO₂ levels, quickly returning within acceptable standards.
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Complete elimination of mold and excessive humidity, considerably enhancing comfort for students and teachers.
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Gradual disappearance of previously reported respiratory symptoms and headaches, confirmed by parents and educational staff.
Common Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid to Ensure Good Ventilation in Schools
Based on this experience in Laval, at AirGreen, we strongly recommend avoiding the following mistakes regarding school ventilation:
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Neglecting regular maintenance of existing HVAC systems: inadequate maintenance quickly leads to deteriorated air quality.
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Choosing undersized equipment to save on initial costs: poor system capacity inevitably results in costly health issues.
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Ignoring early signs of poor ventilation (persistent odors, condensation on windows): these symptoms must trigger immediate action.
Why Trust AirGreen for School HVAC Installations?
Our proven experience in educational institutions throughout Greater Montréal allows us to guarantee reliable and tailored solutions:
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Specific expertise in HVAC installation and maintenance in educational settings
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Exclusive selection of superior-quality, certified equipment eligible for subsidies
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Rapid, effective interventions respectful of school activities
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Comprehensive support with administrative procedures for LogisVert subsidies
Advantageous Subsidies Available Through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program
Schools in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore, can benefit from significant financial assistance via Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program for installing high-performance air exchangers. This valuable support considerably facilitates the initial investment while guaranteeing optimal air quality for students.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Healthy Environment for Your Students Through Effective Ventilation
The alarming case of this Laval school highlights the critical importance of adequate ventilation in educational institutions. At AirGreen, we are committed to providing professional, efficient, and lasting HVAC solutions capable of preventing avoidable health crises and ensuring a healthy environment for students and teaching staff.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your installations and ensure optimal indoor air quality for your students.