Maintaining commercial ventilation systems: a smart investment for health, efficiency, and long-term savings
In Greater Montréal, neglecting regular maintenance of commercial ventilation systems can lead to much more than just decreased performance. It’s a common yet potentially disastrous mistake, often made due to a lack of information or in an attempt to temporarily cut costs. However, concrete data shows that poor HVAC maintenance not only results in more frequent breakdowns but also significantly increases energy bills and health risks.
At AirGreen, we’ve worked with numerous businesses, industrial buildings, and office complexes throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, who’ve experienced first-hand the consequences of poorly maintained ventilation. Here’s why you need to act.
Measurable financial consequences of poor HVAC maintenance
Loss of energy efficiency:
According to Natural Resources Canada, a poorly maintained commercial ventilation system can lose up to 30% of its energy efficiency. This translates into increased energy bills of several thousand dollars per year, depending on the size of the building.
Unexpected repair costs:
Excessive buildup in ducts and mechanical components dramatically increases the risk of sudden failures. Emergency repairs for an air exchanger, fan motor, or blocked duct can easily cost $1,500 to $5,000, or more depending on system complexity.
Shortened equipment lifespan:
Neglected maintenance reduces a system’s expected lifespan by 20% to 40%. Replacing an entire system prematurely can cost between $20,000 and $100,000, depending on the building specs and required equipment.
Health risks that are too often underestimated
Deteriorating indoor air quality:
Ducts clogged with dust, mold, or other contaminants directly affect the health of employees and clients. This can cause respiratory issues, chronic headaches, fatigue, and higher rates of absenteeism in the workplace.
Non-compliance with regulations:
Several standards from CNESST and Health Canada require proper maintenance of ventilation systems in commercial buildings. Ignoring these regulations can lead to fines and administrative penalties, especially in sensitive sectors like food service, healthcare, or education.
Real cases observed by AirGreen in Greater Montréal
South Shore – Boucherville: food processing plant hit by microbial contamination
We were recently contacted by a food-processing business in Boucherville whose operations were halted due to the presence of mold spores in its ventilation system. Maintenance hadn’t been performed in over three years. After a deep cleaning performed by our team, along with antimicrobial treatment, harmful particle levels dropped by 88%, based on measurements taken before and after our intervention.
Laval – Office complex: energy bills constantly increasing
At an office building in Laval, the property manager reported abnormal increases in electricity costs without any rise in occupancy. An HVAC inspection by our technicians revealed that the MERV filters hadn’t been replaced in over 18 months, and that ducts had over 2 cm of dust buildup. After a complete cleaning, energy bills dropped by 23% over the following three months.
What does professional commercial ventilation maintenance with AirGreen include?
At AirGreen, our commercial HVAC maintenance service is designed to maximize your equipment’s performance while complying with current regulations. Our service includes:
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Full inspection of ducts and mechanical components
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Cleaning of grilles, registers, filters, blowers, and ductwork
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Certified antibacterial disinfection according to Health Canada standards
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Static pressure and airflow verification
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Detailed report with preventive recommendations
Why trust AirGreen for your ventilation maintenance?
Hands-on expertise and tailored intervention:
We service all types of buildings: restaurants, retail, factories, schools, warehouses, medical clinics. Each visit is customized based on your industry’s specific needs.
Certified technicians and professional-grade equipment:
We use high-performance industrial cleaning equipment, including robotic brush systems, HEPA vacuums, and 360° inspection cameras. All our technicians are certified in commercial ventilation hygiene.
Optimal regional coverage:
We serve Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore quickly, with flexible scheduling to minimize business disruption.
Recommended frequency for ventilation maintenance
| Type of building | Minimum recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Restaurant / Kitchen | Every 6 months |
| Office building | Every 12 months |
| Educational institution | Every 12 months |
| Medical clinic | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Heavy industry | Every 6 months |
Regular preventive maintenance costs 5 to 10 times less than emergency interventions.
Available grants and tax deductions
Certain HVAC maintenance or upgrades may qualify for energy grants from Hydro-Québec or Transition énergétique Québec, particularly when work involves efficiency improvements. We assist you with administrative steps to maximize your return on investment.
Conclusion: a smart, responsible, and strategic choice
Neglecting your commercial ventilation system means exposing your business to financial losses, health risks, and regulatory issues. At AirGreen, we believe that a high-performing HVAC system is a cornerstone of your business’s comfort and productivity.
We help you implement a tailored maintenance program, adapted to your operations, and guarantee thorough, professional service that meets industry best practices.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your commercial ventilation system in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.