Ventilation de restaurant : comment AirGreen a sauvé un établissement à Laval après une inspection sanitaire catastrophique
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Restaurant Ventilation: How AirGreen Saved an Establishment in Laval After a Catastrophic Health Inspection

Turning around a struggling restaurant through commercial ventilation expertise is exactly what we did in Laval, where an establishment was facing critical issues following a municipal health inspection. Situations like this are a serious challenge for any restaurant owner, but thanks to our experience and technically sound approach, we helped this client resume operations under the best possible conditions and in full compliance with commercial HVAC regulations.

An urgent intervention in Laval after a disastrous inspection

It was an emergency call we received on a Tuesday morning: a restaurant in the heart of Laval had just undergone an inspection by Public Health Services, revealing major failures in its ventilation system. The conclusions were clear: grease buildup, no fresh air intake, non-compliant kitchen hood, and an alarming level of airborne particles.

The owner, under threat of an administrative closure, had to bring the system up to code rapidly and completely. Faced with this critical situation, he turned to AirGreen, known for rapid, effective, and fully code-compliant interventions.


Complete diagnostic and tailored action plan

As soon as we arrived, our team carried out a comprehensive HVAC audit of the installation. We inspected:

  • The existing kitchen hood (outdated model, completely saturated filters)

  • The smoke exhaust system (partially obstructed ducts)

  • The air handling unit (no fresh air intake)

  • The air circulation zones in the dining area

Our report confirmed the urgency: the current system posed a threat to food safety and thermal comfort for staff.

We proposed a three-phase action plan, with tight but realistic deadlines:

  1. Deep cleaning and full degreasing of the entire network.

  2. Replacement of the kitchen hood with a certified NF EN 16282 model with removable baffle filters.

  3. Installation of a mechanical ventilation system (HRV with heat recovery) to ensure continuous air renewal.


Installation of high-performance, code-compliant equipment

To ensure optimal, long-term performance, we installed:

  • A D-Tech 1500 stainless steel professional kitchen hood, equipped with high-efficiency filters, integrated fire-safety system, and backdraft damper.

  • A roof-mounted Aldes VMPX 450 extractor, certified for 4,800 m³/h airflow.

  • A Zehnder ComfoAir Q600 air handling unit, with heat recovery, M5/F7 filters, and intelligent CO₂ control.

  • A network of galvanized steel ducts, acoustically insulated to reduce noise in the dining area.

  • Adjustable airflow supply grilles in the dining room to ensure even air distribution.

These systems were selected for their energy efficiency, durability in restaurant settings, and compliance with CSA B149.3 and CAN/CSA-C22.2 standards required by the City of Laval.


Challenges faced and solutions provided

This project presented several notable challenges:

Limited roof access

Located within a commercial plaza, the building required special permits and after-hours work to install the roof extractor. We coordinated the work with the property manager to minimize business interruptions.

Tight regulatory deadline

The restaurant owner had to provide proof of compliance within 10 days. Our team worked overnight and through the weekend, mobilizing three specialized technicians to meet the deadline.

Extreme cleaning needed

The accumulated grease required treatment with biodegradable industrial degreasers, in accordance with Laval’s environmental regulations. We also eliminated mold discovered inside the ducts.


Results: Compliance achieved and business reopened

At the end of the project, we assisted the client in preparing a new compliance report, which we submitted directly to public health inspectors. The result: immediate reopening authorization, with no reservations.

The benefits for the restaurant were numerous:

  • Improved air quality in both kitchen and dining areas

  • Full HVAC code compliance for years to come

  • Significantly reduced odors and visible smoke

  • Lower fire risk

  • Greater energy efficiency, with a smart ventilation system adjusted to occupancy


Why choose AirGreen for your commercial ventilation needs?

At AirGreen, we understand that every commercial ventilation project is unique—especially in the demanding restaurant industry. With our certified technicians and deep knowledge of the applicable regulations throughout the Greater Montréal Area, we guarantee installations that are:

  • Fast

  • Compliant

  • Durable

  • Energy-efficient

Whether you own a small café in Longueuil, a family-run eatery in Laval, or a chain across the South Shore, our mission remains the same: to provide you with safe, reliable professional ventilation, while guiding you through the regulatory process every step of the way.


Tips for restaurateurs: how to avoid a critical situation

To avoid ever facing a situation like our client in Laval, we recommend:

  • Quarterly HVAC maintenance, including hood and duct cleaning

  • Annual inspections of your ventilation equipment, with formal reports

  • Installation of smart sensors for CO₂ and humidity

  • Close monitoring of hood performance (increased noise, lingering smoke, etc.)


AirGreen: your commercial ventilation partner in Greater Montréal

We serve the entire region: Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore. We’ve already completed more than 450 ventilation installations and upgrades for restaurants and food service businesses.

Trust us for your HVAC installation, code compliance, or maintenance projects. We provide turnkey, transparent, and professional service from start to finish.

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