Persistent kitchen odors: how AirGreen saved a landmark restaurant in Montréal

A failing ventilation system threatening the reputation of an iconic establishment

In the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montréal, a well-known restaurant specializing in traditional Québécois cuisine was facing an issue that put its 20-year reputation at serious risk: lingering cooking odors were noticeable not only in the dining room but also in the apartments above. Despite several attempts to clean the hood and ducts, the problem wouldn’t go away. That’s when the owner—following a fellow restaurateur’s advice—called in our team at AirGreen for a specialized HVAC intervention.

In-depth diagnosis: an undersized and poorly designed system

From the moment we arrived, we conducted a full inspection of the commercial ventilation system. Our technicians quickly identified multiple issues:

• An outdated kitchen hood, with insufficient extraction capacity for the actual cooking volume

• Poorly insulated ductwork, causing condensation and backflow of odors

• Lack of fresh air make-up, creating negative pressure in the kitchen

• Heavy buildup of grease and particles inside the ducts, significantly increasing fire risk

This combination of problems not only affected the system’s performance but also the indoor air quality in both the restaurant and the neighboring apartments.

AirGreen’s custom corrective action plan

Our team of HVAC experts quickly developed a technical and sanitary remediation plan, including:

• Complete replacement of the kitchen hood with a high-capacity model compliant with MAPAQ regulations

• Addition of a high-pressure rooftop exhaust fan with built-in silencer

• Reconfiguration of the duct network using fire-rated materials and enhanced insulation

• Installation of a fresh air make-up unit with MERV 13 filtration, to restore proper air balance

• Implementation of a quarterly maintenance plan, including filter cleaning, motor inspection, and airflow verification

All work was scheduled during the restaurant’s off-hours to minimize business disruption.

Tangible results: controlled ventilation and a reassured loyal clientele

Less than a week after completion, the improvements were noticeable:

• Complete elimination of odors in the dining area and neighboring apartments

• Over 60% reduction in grease buildup on kitchen surfaces

• Better thermal comfort and air quality in the kitchen

• Positive feedback from regular customers who noted “a return to the pleasant ambiance of the past”

The owner shared his thoughts:

“AirGreen not only solved our ventilation issue—they extended the life of our business. We finally have a clean, odor-free environment for both staff and guests.”

Why odors are the visible symptom of a struggling HVAC system

In a restaurant, persistent odors are rarely harmless. They often signal:

• Ineffective extraction of steam and smoke

• Unbalanced air circulation, leading to trapped pollutants

• Inadequate maintenance of critical system components (filters, fans, hoods)

• Backdrafts of stale air into customer and work areas

Beyond the discomfort, this can lead to poor health inspections, a drop in clientele, or even temporary shutdowns enforced by public health authorities.

AirGreen: commercial ventilation experts in Montréal and surrounding areas

We specialize in all types of commercial environments, from restaurants and food processing plants to bakeries, cafés, communal kitchens, and catering operations. Our services are planned to provide:

• Optimal extraction performance fully compliant with MAPAQ requirements

• Enhanced comfort for both staff and clients

• Significant energy cost reduction through balanced systems

• Improved safety, with reduced fire risks and better grease control

We respond quickly throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, delivering turnkey solutions.

What every restaurant owner in Montréal should remember

• A high-performance ventilation system is essential to delivering a great customer experience

• Odor backflow can result in complaints, loss of reputation, and MAPAQ inspections

• Outdated or undersized systems only worsen the issue

• Only a professional HVAC audit can deliver long-term resolution

Is your business dealing with persistent odors or an underperforming ventilation system?

Contact AirGreen today. Our team of commercial HVAC experts is ready to restore a healthy, efficient, and compliant indoor environment.