A dangerous heatwave in the North Shore: when HVAC becomes a public health emergency
Last summer, Montréal’s North Shore experienced one of the most intense heatwaves of the past decade. For several days, temperatures soared past 35°C, with suffocating humidity levels. In this sweltering context, a daycare center in Blainville found itself in a critical situation: its old wall-mounted air conditioner had stopped working, endangering the comfort and health of the children and staff.
Faced with the emergency, AirGreen was contacted by the daycare’s management for an urgent response. In less than 24 hours, our team mobilized resources to intervene with an emergency HVAC installation, once again demonstrating our responsiveness, expertise, and deep commitment to our clients’ safety.
Rapid needs assessment: safety, efficiency, and quick action
As soon as we arrived on site, our certified technicians conducted a complete diagnostic of the existing system. The equipment, over ten years old, no longer met modern performance or thermal comfort standards for childcare facilities.
The layout of the premises posed some challenges: open zones, standard ceilings, and large windows facing south. The system needed to be powerful, quiet, reliable, and eligible for LogisVert grants to help the daycare stay within budget.
Chosen solution: FUJITSU KZAH R-32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump – 24,000 BTU
We recommended and quickly installed a FUJITSU KZAH wall-mounted heat pump using eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant, a high-performance model for both cooling and heating.
Key features of the FUJITSU KZAH 24,000 BTU:
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24,000 BTU capacity ideal for the large common areas of the daycare
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Inverter technology for stable and quiet operation
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Outstanding energy efficiency: SEER 25.3 / HSPF 12.6
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R-32 refrigerant: environmentally responsible, with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
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Eligible for a $1,860 subsidy under Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
Installation process: a fully executed operation in less than 48 hours
The installation was completed in two distinct phases:
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Day 1: Preparation and removal of the old system
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Safe removal of the outdated equipment
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Electrical connections revised and brought up to code
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Reinforced wall mounting indoors and concrete base installed outdoors for the condenser unit
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Day 2: Full installation of the new heat pump
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Indoor FUJITSU KZAH unit mounted high in the main room
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Refrigerant piping and vacuuming completed
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Performance testing, calibration, and usage instructions provided to the daycare staff
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Immediate result: cool and healthy indoor comfort restored
Just a few hours after activation, the indoor temperature dropped from 32°C to 22°C, providing instant relief to children and staff. Teachers reported a visible improvement in behavior and attention from the children the very next day.
Thanks to Inverter technology, the temperature remains steady without sudden shifts—particularly important in a sensitive environment like a daycare.
Why AirGreen is a trusted partner for educational institutions
Recognized expertise in emergency HVAC
Our ability to respond quickly to critical situations, while ensuring a clean, certified, and secure installation, makes us a preferred partner for both institutional and commercial clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on both the South and North Shores.
Full support with grant applications
We guided the daycare through every step of the process to obtain the $1,860 LogisVert grant, providing all required documentation and clarifying the eligibility criteria. This financial support is crucial for non-profit organizations and public institutions operating with limited budgets.
Personalized follow-up
Three weeks after installation, our team returned for a free inspection visit, to confirm everything was working optimally and to answer staff questions. This proactive approach is part of our HVAC maintenance service and helps us build long-term relationships with our clients.
Practical advice for daycares and public institutions during heatwaves
Anticipate cooling needs
Don’t wait for the next heatwave to take action. An outdated or poorly maintained cooling system can quickly become a health risk.
Invest in wall-mounted Inverter heat pumps
Wall-mounted heat pumps with Inverter technology offer an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and energy savings. Many are also eligible for regional subsidies.
Trust your project to an HVAC specialist like AirGreen
At AirGreen, we pride ourselves on:
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Rapid response, even for emergencies
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Delivering flawless service from technical analysis to installation
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Offering durable, high-performance, professionally installed products
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Serving the entire Greater Montréal area, including Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore
Testimonial from the director
“The AirGreen team was outstanding. In less than two days, our daycare went from being a stifling oven to a haven of cool air. The children sleep better, play more, and our educators can finally breathe. We’ll be recommending AirGreen to every daycare in the region.”
Conclusion: A lifesaving and exemplary HVAC intervention
This project in Blainville perfectly showcases the added value of a specialized partner like AirGreen. Our ability to quickly diagnose, propose a tailored technical solution, perform a fast and professional installation, and maximize savings through subsidies allows us to meet the highest expectations in the HVAC market across Greater Montréal.