Understanding Air Exchangers to Breathe Better at Home or Work
At AirGreen, we know how much indoor air quality impacts comfort, health, and energy efficiency—whether it’s in a home in Montréal, a condo in Laval, or a commercial space on the South Shore. That’s why air exchangers are a key part of our HVAC solutions. Yet many questions come up repeatedly when our customers are considering the installation or maintenance of this type of equipment. Here’s a complete guide from our experts answering the 10 most common questions about air exchangers, drawing on our real-world experience across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
What is an air exchanger, and what does it actually do?
An air exchanger is a device that removes stale air from inside and replaces it with fresh air from outside, while recovering some of the heat (or cooling) to reduce energy loss. It helps:
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Reduce indoor pollutants (humidity, CO2, volatile organic compounds).
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Maintain balanced humidity levels.
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Improve air quality, which is crucial for people with allergies or asthma.
We recently installed a Venmar AVS N series HRV air exchanger in a single-family home in Longueuil, and the homeowners immediately noticed a significant improvement in air freshness, especially in the upstairs bedrooms.
What’s the difference between an air exchanger and a heat recovery ventilator?
Many people mix these up. In fact, a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a type of air exchanger. It’s designed to transfer heat from outgoing air to incoming air, reducing the heating system’s energy consumption. Another type, the energy recovery ventilator (ERV), goes further by also transferring humidity—especially useful in very dry or humid climates like we sometimes experience on the North Shore.
At AirGreen, we install both HRVs and ERVs, depending on our personalized assessment of your home or building.
Does my home need an air exchanger?
In newer, well-insulated homes, natural ventilation is often insufficient. The result: moisture buildup, window condensation, lingering odors, and compromised air quality. An air exchanger becomes essential to ensure proper air renewal without affecting energy efficiency.
We recommended an air exchanger to a couple in Laval who lived in a tightly sealed renovated home: since the installation, they’ve had zero condensation on their windows during winter!
Which model should I choose for my home or business?
That depends on:
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The size of the building.
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The number of occupants.
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The level of insulation.
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The indoor humidity level.
We frequently install models from Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, and Aldes, each with its own technical specifications. For a 1200 sq. ft. home in Montréal, a Venmar 260 CFM HRV is often ideal. For a commercial building, we’ll recommend a higher-capacity model with enhanced HVAC maintenance.
Are air exchangers noisy?
With today’s models, noise is kept to a minimum thanks to high-efficiency fans and sound-insulated designs. During a recent installation in Brossard, our team suspended the exchanger using anti-vibration mounts, making the system nearly silent—even at night.
How often should it be maintained?
An annual HVAC maintenance is strongly recommended, especially before winter. This includes:
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Cleaning or replacing filters.
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Inspecting the air ducts.
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Cleaning the heat recovery core.
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Verifying the proper operation of motorized dampers.
We offer preventive maintenance services throughout Greater Montréal, including Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore.
Can I install an air exchanger myself?
No. A poorly done HVAC installation can cause energy loss, poor air circulation, or even condensation issues. At AirGreen, our certified technicians ensure:
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A full assessment of the building.
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Proper sizing of the equipment.
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Installation that meets CSA B52 standards.
In Montréal, a client reached out to us after attempting a DIY installation: the system only ventilated one floor. After our intervention, everything worked perfectly.
Do air exchangers work in winter?
Yes, in fact, they’re most useful during winter. They evacuate humid air (often from showers, cooking, etc.) while recovering heat so the incoming fresh air doesn’t cool down the home. HRVs are ideal for our harsh Québec winters.
Are there grants available for installation?
Yes, depending on the type of equipment, energy performance, and the active program (like LogisVert or Rénoclimat), you may be eligible for financial assistance. During the installation of a Venmar EVO5 500 HRV in Terrebonne, the client received a $450 rebate through the Rénoclimat program.
We always help you build your file and maximize available financial incentives.
What’s the lifespan of an air exchanger?
A quality air exchanger typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, or even longer with regular maintenance. Some of our South Shore clients are still using HRVs installed by AirGreen in 2011, and the systems are still running great thanks to rigorous annual maintenance.
Why trust AirGreen for your air exchanger installation?
Our expertise is built on hundreds of successful installations across Greater Montréal, whether in homes, condos, multiplexes, or commercial buildings. We:
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Assess each project individually.
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Work with the best brands.
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Offer complete after-sales services.
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Optimize the energy performance of your building.
With our certified technicians and tailored approach, every air exchanger project becomes a smart, long-term investment in your comfort, health, and building’s energy efficiency.
Trust AirGreen for a reliable, safe, and efficient installation. Whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore, we're with you every step of your HVAC project.