Respiratory safety in a home workshop is a concern that is often overlooked. Yet, chemical products, solvents, and airborne dust can, over time, have serious health consequences. On the North Shore of Montréal, a client passionate about home renovation came close to a critical situation while using powerful solvents in a poorly ventilated space. At AirGreen, we stepped in to install a custom HVAC ventilation system tailored to his workspace, combining safety, comfort, and energy performance.
The Emergency Call: A Late but Life-Saving Realization
It all started with a simple phone call. A DIYer from Boisbriand (North Shore) reached out to us after experiencing recurring headaches and nausea during his painting and varnishing sessions in his basement workshop. The space, although separate from the rest of the house, lacked proper mechanical ventilation. A constant and invisible buildup of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvent fumes had turned his creative space into a toxic environment.
On-Site Diagnosis: Full Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Our team quickly headed out to conduct a full assessment of the existing ventilation system (or, in this case, the lack thereof). Using a VOC detector, we measured alarmingly high concentrations of harmful substances in the air. The client had tried to use a simple portable fan, but it merely circulated the contaminated air without effectively extracting it.
After inspection, we proposed a tailored HVAC solution suited to his approximately 30 m² workshop, with work zones spread across two main walls. The goal was clear: efficiently renew the air without compromising thermal comfort—summer or winter.
The AirGreen Solution: A Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System Built for the Job
For this installation, we recommended integrating a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system, the Venmar AVS® N Series 130 CFM, known for its reliability, low energy consumption, and ability to maintain balanced indoor humidity.
Why Choose an HRV?
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Continuous air renewal without losing heat during the winter.
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Targeted evacuation of pollutants present in the workshop.
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Compatibility with an existing heating system.
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130 CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity—ideal for medium-sized workshops.
Technical Installation Steps
The installation was completed in a full day by two of our certified technicians. Here are the main steps:
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Drilling through the exterior wall to install intake and exhaust air vents.
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Installation of targeted extraction vents above the painting area and near the workbench.
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Addition of fresh air distribution grilles, strategically placed to avoid direct drafts.
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Connection of the system to the main electrical panel, with a dedicated circuit breaker.
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Setup of the wall-mounted control panel, allowing the client to adjust airflow levels based on the intensity of his work.
Immediate Results and Customer Satisfaction
From the first uses, our client noticed a dramatic improvement in air quality. Lingering solvent odors vanished, humidity levels remained stable, and the ambient temperature was well-regulated. Thanks to the heat recovery function, the workshop stayed comfortable even during the frigid North Shore winter months.
He also appreciated the system’s quiet efficiency, a crucial feature in a workspace where concentration and calm are key.
Long-Term Benefits: Health, Performance, and Savings
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Reduced respiratory risks associated with chemical products.
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Preservation of stored materials (wood, tools, paints).
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Less condensation, reducing the risk of mold.
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Energy savings thanks to integrated heat recovery.
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Potential eligibility for environmental grants, though limited for standalone ventilation systems, but combinable with other energy-efficient upgrades in a larger project.
Practical Advice for DIYers and Home Workshops
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Never underestimate the risks associated with VOCs and solvents.
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Opt for a controlled mechanical ventilation system, rather than standalone fans or simply opening windows.
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Hire experts to properly assess your real airflow and power needs.
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Maintain your system regularly: clean filters, check ducts, and calibrate the system as needed.
Why Trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Each project is treated as a unique case where health, energy performance, and customer satisfaction are central to our approach. Thanks to our proven expertise in HVAC ventilation installations across the North Shore, we were able to guide our client toward a reliable, durable, and truly customized solution.
Our work goes far beyond installation: we support each customer with diagnosis, setup, maintenance, and long-term follow-up of their HVAC system.