When a Grand Opening Turns into a Race Against the Clock
In the restaurant business, every detail matters—especially in the days leading up to opening day. On the South Shore of Montréal, a passionate restaurateur was preparing to open the doors to a new establishment when a major ventilation issue suddenly threatened the entire launch. Fortunately, thanks to the swift and expert response of our team at AirGreen, what could have been a disaster turned into a powerful showcase of our expertise in HVAC ventilation service.
An Emergency Call Just Days Before Opening
We received the call on a Monday morning: the grand opening of a restaurant in Saint-Hubert, scheduled for that upcoming Saturday, was at serious risk of being delayed. The main ventilation system—critical for exhausting heat and vapors from the kitchen—had been improperly installed by a previous contractor. The system was neither up to building code nor powerful enough to meet the needs of a commercial kitchen.
Faced with urgency, our team immediately mobilized for a full on-site evaluation. The diagnosis confirmed the client’s fears: without a rapid and efficient backup ventilation solution, the city would not issue the operational permit.
Rapid Deployment of a Tailored Solution
At AirGreen, we don’t believe in improvised solutions—even under pressure. We proposed a two-pronged approach:
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Installation of a temporary emergency ventilation system that met the city’s minimum exhaust standards, allowing the business to open on schedule.
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Planning for a complete permanent replacement of the existing system with a compliant, high-performance solution tailored for commercial restaurant environments.
The Technical Choice: High-Pressure Zephyr Centrifugal Fans
To meet the immediate demand, we selected two Zephyr HP-9500 centrifugal fans, specifically engineered for commercial kitchen exhaust. These units are known for their durability and reliability, offering high static pressure ideal for the long and complex ductwork already in place.
Key Technical Features:
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Model: Zephyr HP-9500
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Airflow: 9200 CFM
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Power: 1.5 HP
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CSA certification for commercial use
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Low noise level and variable-speed motor
Installation Challenges: Tight Spaces and Accessibility Issues
The installation didn’t come without its challenges. The utility room was cramped, and positioning the fans on the building’s roof required the use of a specialized crane. Thanks to our network of trusted lifting partners and careful coordination, we completed the installation in under 48 hours.
We also had to perform temporary modifications to the existing ductwork, creating an emergency bypass to ensure optimal draft performance, all while meeting the sanitary standards imposed by the city.
City Inspection and a Successful Opening
Once installation was complete, we invited the municipal inspector for an on-site verification. Thanks to the performance of the installed emergency system and the technical documentation provided by our team, the permit was granted the same day.
The restaurant opened as planned, with a functional and compliant ventilation system. The owner, visibly relieved, praised our professionalism and responsiveness: “Without AirGreen, I would have lost thousands of dollars and weeks of precious time.”
Toward a High-End Permanent Solution
Once the emergency was behind us, we proposed a transition plan to a permanent solution including:
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Installation of a Venmar AVS E10-H 3000 commercial-grade air exchanger to ensure optimal air quality in both dining and kitchen areas.
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A complete redesign of the duct network, integrating acoustic silencers to improve customer comfort.
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Integration into the building’s smart system for automated ventilation control based on peak business hours.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Commercial Ventilation Projects?
At AirGreen, we understand that time is of the essence, especially in commercial settings. Our ventilation services in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore are always designed to combine efficiency, code compliance, and long-term performance.
Our teams are experienced with the unique needs of ventilation systems for restaurants, workshops, offices, and high-density residential buildings. When you choose AirGreen, you benefit from:
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Personalized and rapid support
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HVAC solutions fully compliant with building codes
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A network of reliable suppliers and partners
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A skilled team available 24/7 for critical situations
Tips for Restaurant Owners: Key Takeaways
Here are a few recommendations drawn from our experience:
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Plan your ventilation needs early in your restaurant’s design phase.
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Make sure your equipment is certified and code-compliant for commercial use.
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Don’t overlook temporary backup systems in the case of delays or unexpected issues.
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Work with an experienced HVAC contractor well-known in the Montréal and South Shore area.
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Consider centralized HVAC management through smart systems to optimize energy use.
Conclusion: A Project That Showcases AirGreen's Expertise
This emergency project in Saint-Hubert perfectly illustrates our proactive approach, technical expertise, and ability to respond quickly and efficiently, even in the most critical situations. Thanks to our custom ventilation service, this restaurant owner was able to open on time and build on a solid foundation.
At AirGreen, we believe every project deserves excellence—whether meticulously planned or an unexpected emergency. For any commercial or residential ventilation needs in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, or South Shore, trust our team.