A Revealing Service Call: A Neglected Air Exchanger
At AirGreen , we regularly receive calls from customers complaining about poor indoor air quality , unpleasant odors , or abnormally high humidity levels in their homes. This is precisely the case of this customer from Sainte-Thérèse , on the North Shore of Montreal , who contacted us after noticing a significant drop in airflow and traces of humidity on the walls of his technical room.
Upon our arrival, we quickly identified a Lifebreath air exchanger installed in the ceiling, typical of modern single-family homes. The client noted that the system had not been maintained for several years—a determining factor in the observed malfunction.
Complete diagnosis of the Lifebreath system
Our certified technicians began a complete inspection of the HVAC system , following our four-step AirGreen diagnostic protocol:
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Duct Check : The flexible aluminum ducts showed dust buildup and slight condensation, indicating obstructed airflow.
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Internal inspection of the device : when opening the box, we observed a very dirty filter and a noisy blower motor , a direct consequence of a lack of maintenance.
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Condensate drain check : the drain was partially blocked, explaining the trace of humidity visible on the wall just below the appliance.
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Electrical Analysis : Connections and wiring were intact, but the motor showed signs of overheating due to increased resistance.
From these observations, we concluded that the air exchanger was operating at reduced capacity, causing an imbalance between incoming and outgoing air —one of the most common problems on Lifebreath models when they are not serviced annually.
Intervention: cleaning, replacement and calibration
After explaining the situation to the customer, we undertook the complete refurbishment of the air exchanger :
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Replacement for original Lifebreath filters , specially designed to capture fine particles.
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Thorough cleaning of the heat exchange core (HRV core) using a biodegradable product.
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Disinfection of ducts with a solution approved by Health Canada to eliminate bacteria and mold.
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Checking and realigning the suspension straps , in order to reduce vibrations and noise from the unit.
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Adjustment of the blower motor and calibration of ventilation speeds to ensure a balanced flow between fresh air and stale air.
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Cleaning the condensate drain , preventing any further leaks on the wall.
Result: fresh air and an optimally efficient system
As soon as the intervention was over, the difference was obvious:
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The airflow had become constant again in all rooms.
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The noise level of the interchange had decreased considerably.
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The indoor humidity had stabilized after only 48 hours of operation.
The client immediately noticed an improvement in overall comfort, with better air quality and a reduction in stagnant odors in the home. We also scheduled annual preventative maintenance with him, a measure we highly recommend for Lifebreath systems to avoid any loss of performance or premature wear.
AirGreen's tips for extending the life of an air exchanger
To help our customers maintain a healthy environment, here are some simple recommendations from our AirGreen technicians:
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Change filters every 3 to 6 months , depending on use and the presence of pets.
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Clean the exchange core twice a year (ideally in spring and fall).
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Check exhaust ducts to ensure they are not blocked by dust or ice.
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Listen for unusual noises : a whistling or humming sound may indicate a tired engine.
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Call an AirGreen professional once a year for complete maintenance and airflow adjustment.
Why choose AirGreen for your Lifebreath interview in Sainte-Thérèse?
We don't just repair: we restore every HVAC system to its original performance . With our expertise in Lifebreath, Venmar, Panasonic, and Broan products, we ensure quiet, energy-efficient, and long-lasting operation of your appliances.
Whether you are in Sainte-Thérèse, Laval, Longueuil, Montreal or on the South Shore , our certified technicians are ready to intervene quickly for any problem related to your air exchanger, heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner .
At AirGreen , we believe that breathing healthy air is not a luxury, but a necessity.