An essential public health lesson for residential and commercial spaces
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality became a top priority in homes, schools, offices, and commercial establishments worldwide. What HVAC experts like us at AirGreen have known for years is now part of the public consciousness: proper ventilation can literally save lives.
As we turn the page on this global health crisis, we draw valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially in urban regions like Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. This new awareness has triggered a major shift in how air exchangers and other HVAC ventilation systems are installed and maintained.
Why has ventilation become a public health priority?
Before the pandemic, ventilation was often considered merely a comfort or energy-saving feature. But COVID-19 revealed an alarming truth: airborne viruses spread more rapidly in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. In this context, air exchangers proved themselves as essential for health, beyond their traditional functions.
The key role of air exchangers in fighting airborne contaminants
When properly sized and maintained, an air exchanger refreshes indoor air by extracting stale air and bringing in filtered fresh air. This significantly reduces:
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The concentration of airborne viral particles
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Excess humidity, which encourages mold growth
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The presence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and allergens
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Lingering odors from kitchens, bathrooms, or building materials
At AirGreen, we observed a marked increase in demand for high-efficiency air exchangers during and after the pandemic. Our teams were dispatched across Greater Montréal, installing customized solutions in homes, condos, private schools, and local businesses.
Case study: Air exchanger installation in Dorval during the pandemic
A striking example of our work took place at a residence in Dorval, where a multi-generational family was concerned about the risks of virus transmission in a confined space. We installed a Venmar AVS® N Series 160 CFM air exchanger, equipped with an integrated HEPA filter, energy-efficient ECM motor, and smart control module.
Challenges encountered:
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Limited access to the attic
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Outdated and poorly insulated ductwork
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Strict sanitary protocols required during installation
Solutions provided:
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Complete reconfiguration using insulated rigid ducts
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Additional return air grilles installed in the most used rooms
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Airflow calibrated to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards
Result: a significant reduction in humidity levels, improved sleep quality reported by occupants, and above all, a renewed sense of peace of mind.
Toward a new standard in residential and commercial ventilation
Post-COVID has ushered in new updates to standards across both residential and commercial sectors. More and more municipalities in Quebec now encourage the installation of mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (HRV) and controlled-flow air exchangers.
AirGreen adapted swiftly to this new reality by offering:
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Indoor air quality assessments to determine specific building needs
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Installation of smart ventilation systems, compatible with home automation
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Preventive maintenance services to ensure long-term performance
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Guidance on eligibility for government grants related to energy efficiency and air quality improvements
Financial assistance available post-pandemic
Federal and provincial governments implemented several grants and tax credits to support the installation of high-performance ventilation systems. Some AirGreen clients benefited from:
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LogisVert grants offered by Hydro-Québec
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Rénoclimat Program for energy-efficient renovations
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Tax credits for purchasing and installing Energy Star certified HRVs
We guide our clients through the administrative process so they can take full advantage of these incentives.
Maintaining your air exchanger: an essential yet often overlooked gesture
Even the most efficient air exchanger is ineffective if not regularly maintained. Too often, we’re called in for repairs caused by lack of upkeep: clogged filters, grimy motors, dusty ducts.
At AirGreen, we offer an annual maintenance plan that includes:
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Complete cleaning of the unit
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Filter replacement (HEPA, activated carbon, pre-filters)
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Airflow and static pressure checks
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Indoor air quality diagnostics using connected sensors
These services are especially valued by schools, daycares, and healthcare settings, where air quality has a direct impact on users’ health.
What we’ve learned from the COVID-19 experience
The pandemic changed how we think about home and work environments. It brought ventilation from the background to center stage in architectural design. As HVAC professionals, we believe this shift is a positive one.
Today, a well-chosen and properly installed air exchanger represents more than comfort—it’s a health insurance policy for building occupants.
Why trust AirGreen for your post-pandemic ventilation needs?
We’ve completed hundreds of air exchanger installations across Greater Montréal, with an approach focused on:
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Precise analysis of ventilation needs based on building usage
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Compliance with the latest sanitary and energy efficiency standards
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Recognized expertise in optimizing indoor air quality
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Reliable after-sales service, reflecting our solid reputation
Whether you’re a homeowner in Laval, a building manager in Longueuil, or a business owner on the South Shore, we have the skills and solutions tailored to your situation.
Conclusion: A new era for indoor air quality
At AirGreen, we believe that indoor air quality is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental right. The lessons of the pandemic have armed us with new knowledge, which we use every day to offer our clients healthier, safer, and smarter environments.
Contact us today for a free ventilation evaluation or to discuss the best air exchanger options for your needs.