The importance of well-designed ventilation in senior living environments
In residences for seniors, thermal comfort and air quality are far more than mere conveniences—they’re fundamental to daily well-being. At AirGreen, we recently had the opportunity to intervene in a senior residence located in Montréal that was facing a recurring issue with poor nighttime ventilation, leading to thermal discomfort, sleepless nights, and irritability among many residents. Here’s how our expertise in HVAC ventilation helped transform their daily life.
Initial diagnosis: an outdated network and poorly adapted design
Technical assessment of the existing system
From our first visit, our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing ventilation system, using CO₂ sensors, a temperature and humidity data logger, and a thermal camera to detect pressure losses.
Results:
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Poor air circulation in the rooms at the end of the corridor.
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Obsolete return fans causing constant noise during the night.
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Lack of precise control of temperature in each room.
Resident and staff testimonials
The testimonials confirmed our technical findings:
“Every night, it’s the same thing: too hot, too noisy… we can’t sleep,” said a resident from the East wing.
“You could see people were more irritable at breakfast. We could really feel sleep was affected,” added a caregiver.
The AirGreen solution: custom HVAC ventilation
Complete redesign of the ventilation network
We developed a personalized solution, tailored to the reality of a senior clientele, prioritizing quiet operation, comfort, and air quality. Here are the key steps:
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Partial dismantling of the outdated ductwork.
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Installation of silent variable-speed fans from Fantech.
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Addition of linear diffusers with laminar flow for better air distribution.
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Implementation of a smart central control system, allowing for automatic ventilation adjustment based on occupancy and ambient temperature.
Integration of HEPA filters and an HRV air exchanger
To go even further, we integrated:
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A high-efficiency Venmar AVS HRV air exchanger to maintain optimal humidity levels.
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MERV 13 HEPA filters providing constant air purification, essential for a vulnerable population.
Results: restful sleep restored and improved well-being
Measurable comfort improvements
Just weeks after installation, the results were clear—and measurable:
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34% reduction in nighttime CO₂ levels.
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Ambient noise reduction by 7 decibels in bedrooms.
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Stable temperature maintained at 21.5 °C with no abrupt changes.
Testimonial from the residence manager
“Since AirGreen’s intervention, the feedback has been unanimous: people are sleeping better. We’ve even had fewer night calls to the nursing station!” — Residence Director
Why trust AirGreen for your HVAC ventilation projects in Montréal
Our approach: precision, customization, expertise
At AirGreen, we combine cutting-edge technology, attentive listening, and on-the-ground experience to provide truly tailored HVAC solutions. Our achievements in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore reflect our commitment to comfort and health.
Specialists in sensitive environments
Our teams regularly intervene in:
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Senior residences,
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Daycare centers,
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Healthcare facilities,
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Residential units with specific acoustic or thermal requirements.
Each project begins with a thorough analysis of site constraints, followed by a clear and itemized action plan, complying with ASHRAE standards and the requirements of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ).
Practical tips for proper ventilation in senior residences
Common mistakes to avoid
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Using noisy equipment or systems not suited for nighttime use.
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Undersizing ventilation by wing.
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Neglecting air filtration, especially in the post-pandemic context.
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Skipping smart control systems, which are key for personalized comfort.
What we recommend
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Install energy recovery ventilators (HRV) with integrated CO₂ sensors.
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Schedule biannual HVAC maintenance, including duct cleaning.
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Integrate a remote control system, with a centralized dashboard for staff.
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Always prioritize acoustic comfort, especially at night.
AirGreen, your trusted partner for improving air quality in living spaces
Our intervention in this senior residence in Montréal is just one example of our commitment to delivering reliable, durable, and practical HVAC solutions. Whether it’s to improve residents' sleep, optimize indoor air quality, or reduce ventilation noise, we’re ready to meet the challenge with professionalism, speed, and meticulous attention to detail.