When Poor Ventilation Becomes a Public Health Issue in a Daycare in Laval
It’s not always a breakdown or a strange noise that prompts a call to HVAC specialists. Sometimes, it’s a gradual, nearly invisible discomfort that creeps into a building. That’s exactly what happened at a preschool in Laval, which faced a worrying increase in allergy cases among both children and educators. Thanks to our expertise at AirGreen, we identified the source of the problem and implemented a solution that truly transformed daily life at this daycare.
Warning Signs: Coughing, Runny Noses, and Constant Fatigue
It all started with recurring complaints from parents: their children were coming home with persistent symptoms – nasal congestion, red eyes, dry cough – even outside of pollen season. One educator, who suffers from asthma, had to seek medical help repeatedly after frequent attacks.
The staff eventually suspected a link to indoor air quality. A quick search led them to contact our team, specialized in commercial ventilation in Laval.
On-Site Inspection: An Outdated System and Clogged Filters
During our first visit, our certified technicians conducted a full HVAC health check:
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The existing ventilation system, a Venmar brand, hadn’t been serviced in over three years.
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The filters were saturated with fine dust and mold spores.
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Measured airflow was well below the recommended standards for spaces housing young children.
We also detected excessive humidity in certain rooms, fostering allergen proliferation.
Proposed Solution: Modernizing the Ventilation System with Heat Recovery
At AirGreen, we know that a healthy environment starts with effective and efficient ventilation. We proposed a complete upgrade:
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Replacing the current system with a Venmar AVS HRV E15 ECM unit, featuring heat recovery.
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Installing a programmable wall controller to adjust air exchange cycles based on occupancy hours.
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Setting up MERV 13 filters to capture fine particles and allergens.
This solution not only ensures effective air renewal but also reduces energy loss during winter – a financial asset for small institutions.
Project Timeline: Fast, Clean, and No Disruption to Activities
With the daily presence of children in mind, we scheduled our HVAC intervention for the weekend:
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Day 1: dismantling and removal of the old system, duct cleaning.
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Day 2: installation of the new unit, electrical wiring, system calibration.
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Day 3: technical testing, airflow validation, staff training on the new control panel.
Thanks to meticulous planning, the children returned to their environment on Monday without any disruption.
Results Observed: Immediate Improvement in Air Quality
Two weeks after installation:
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Allergy symptoms dropped by over 70%.
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Relative humidity in classrooms stabilized between 40–45%.
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Air circulation improved significantly in previously problematic zones.
One memorable testimony: an educator told us that, for the first time in two years, she could work a full day without using her inhaler.
Advice for Daycares and Educational Facilities
Based on this intervention, here are our HVAC recommendations for early childhood institutions:
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Have your ventilation system inspected at least once a year.
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Replace filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on the type and environment.
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Invest in heat recovery units to reduce energy costs.
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Educate staff about signs of poor air quality: persistent condensation, odors, fatigue, coughing.
Why Call on AirGreen in Laval and Educational Settings?
We understand the unique constraints of educational environments:
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Compliance with public health standards,
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Scheduling work without disturbing children,
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Choosing equipment that is quiet, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Our approach is based on:
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Precise diagnostics, using field data (airflow, CO2 levels, humidity),
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Educational support for staff and administrators,
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Solid experience in schools, from Montréal to the North Shore, including Longueuil.
Other Similar Projects Completed by AirGreen
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Upgraded the ventilation system in a community center in Brossard, installing a Lennox M1HRV ERV,
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Rehabilitated a duct network in a seniors' residence in Terrebonne,
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Brought a kitchen ventilation system up to code in an elementary school in Montréal-Nord.
Each project is handled with the same rigor, attention to detail, and passion for excellence in HVAC.