Cleaner air, better learning: how a simple HVAC maintenance visit transformed daily life in a North Shore primary school
In the education sector, indoor air quality plays a crucial — yet often underestimated — role. At AirGreen, we recently carried out a major intervention in a primary school located on the North Shore of Montréal, which clearly demonstrated how effective ventilation cleaning can improve health, focus, and even school attendance.
A worrying situation: frequent absences and classroom discomfort
At the beginning of the fall season, the school’s management team noticed a sharp increase in student absences, along with repeated complaints from teaching staff. Symptoms reported included headaches, fatigue, sore throats, and difficulty concentrating. The indoor air often felt heavy, and certain classrooms seemed poorly ventilated despite having mechanical systems.
Following a consultation with the school service centre, the decision was made to call in a specialist in HVAC system cleaning. That’s when our team at AirGreen was brought in to conduct a full inspection and professional cleaning of the building’s ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems.
Technical diagnosis: buildup of dust, mold, and clogged filters
From our very first inspection, our expert team identified several critical issues:
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Significant accumulation of dust and pollutants in the main ventilation ducts, reducing the quality of air circulated in classrooms.
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Presence of mold in specific sections of the ductwork, particularly near the air handling units in the basement.
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Completely saturated air filters, which drastically reduced fan performance and airflow.
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Wall-mounted air conditioning units that hadn’t been properly maintained, blowing air filled with particles and unpleasant odours.
All these issues combined were creating an unhealthy indoor environment, leading to allergies, respiratory infections, and a general decline in thermal and olfactory comfort.
A thorough, two-phase intervention by AirGreen
To address the urgency of the situation, we carried out a two-phase intervention, carefully scheduled during pedagogical days to minimize impact on classes.
Phase 1: Cleaning of all ventilation ducts
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High-powered vacuuming using HEPA systems to remove dust, allergens, and accumulated debris inside the ducts.
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Rotary mechanical cleaning of critical sections to dislodge embedded residue.
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Application of a biodegradable antifungal treatment in areas affected by mold.
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Verification of duct airtightness to prevent air leaks and performance loss.
Phase 2: Maintenance of individual HVAC systems
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Replacement of all air filters with high-efficiency MERV-13 models, better suited to fine particle filtration.
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Complete cleaning of wall-mounted heat pumps installed in the classrooms, including full interior unit disinfection.
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Coil dust removal, airflow checks, and thermostat calibration to ensure optimal comfort.
Measurable results: fewer absences and overall satisfaction
Just one month after our visit, the results were remarkable:
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A 42% reduction in student absences related to headaches, allergies, or colds, according to school administration data.
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Improved comfort reported by both teachers and students, especially in terms of air freshness and stable indoor temperature.
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An estimated 18% reduction in monthly heating costs, thanks to a better-maintained and more efficient system.
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Very positive feedback from parents, reassured by the school’s action to protect their children’s health.
Why regular HVAC maintenance is essential in schools
This real-world example clearly shows the importance of HVAC system maintenance in environments frequented by children. Schools are particularly vulnerable to indoor air quality issues due to high occupancy, close proximity between individuals, and the weaker immune systems of younger children.
A neglected HVAC system can quickly become a vector for cross-contamination, spreading viruses, dust, mold spores, and allergens. In contrast, preventive maintenance provides several key benefits:
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Extends the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment.
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Prevents unexpected breakdowns during critical periods (winter or heatwaves).
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Optimizes energy consumption.
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Ensures compliance with school board and public health hygiene standards.
AirGreen: your trusted partner for school and institutional buildings
At AirGreen, we understand that every building has its own specific needs. Our expertise in HVAC across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore allows us to offer tailored solutions for every setting — whether it’s a school, a community center, or an office building.
Our approach includes:
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Thorough technical inspections with detailed reports.
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Scheduling work around school hours to avoid disruptions.
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Cutting-edge equipment for safe, efficient cleaning.
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Professional, prompt, and well-documented service, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Practical tips for school facility managers
Here are some best practices to help maintain healthy indoor environments in your buildings:
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Schedule a complete HVAC system maintenance at least once a year.
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Replace air filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage.
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Conduct regular inspections to detect early signs of mold or poor airflow.
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Maintain a maintenance log to track all actions taken.
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Partner with a specialized company like AirGreen, with in-depth knowledge of the specific requirements in school environments.
Conclusion
This ventilation cleaning project in a North Shore primary school proves that good HVAC maintenance can truly transform a school community’s daily life. At AirGreen, we take pride in contributing to students’ health, comfort, and performance through our expertise in ventilation cleaning and HVAC maintenance.
If you’re in charge of a school or institution and would like an evaluation of your systems, contact our team today. We’ll provide a complete assessment, tailored solutions, and a quick, discreet intervention.
