Breathing cleaner air at home isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity, especially in winter. When windows stay shut and heating systems run full-time, indoor air quality quickly deteriorates. At AirGreen, specialists in HVAC solutions in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, we regularly meet customers concerned about how indoor air affects their comfort, health, and even their energy bills. Here are 5 concrete, easy-to-adopt actions that will instantly improve the air quality in your home, even during the coldest months.
Why does indoor air quality worsen in winter?
The Québec winter forces most households to seal their homes tightly, keeping doors and windows shut. This airtightness blocks fresh air circulation and traps pollutants indoors: dust, pet dander, cleaning product fumes, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more. The result? A buildup of contaminants that can affect your respiratory system, trigger allergies, cause headaches, or leave you constantly feeling tired.
1. Air out your home every day, even in winter: a must-do habit
It may feel counterintuitive, but opening your windows for 5 to 10 minutes a day — even when it’s cold — allows for efficient air exchange. This natural ventilation flushes out stagnant pollutants and excess humidity. Ideally, do this in the morning, in bedrooms and living areas.
AirGreen tip: You can complement this habit with a high-performance air exchanger, which automatically refreshes your air without heat loss. Our technicians regularly install models from Venmar or Lifebreath, perfectly suited to homes on the North Shore or South Shore.
2. Clean and maintain your HVAC systems
Your wall-mounted heat pump, ventilation system, or wall-mounted air conditioner collects dust and mold in filters, ducts, or coils. Without maintenance, they become major pollutant spreaders.
At AirGreen, we recommend a complete HVAC maintenance twice a year, especially if you use your units in heating mode during winter.
Real example: In Longueuil, we recently performed full maintenance on a Fujitsu KZAH 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump installed in 2021. The air filter was clogged with fine particles. After cleaning, the client noticed an immediate improvement in indoor air quality.
3. Install a heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV)
An air exchanger is THE long-term solution for maintaining optimal air quality in winter. It removes stale indoor air and brings in fresh outdoor air, while preserving the heat from the outgoing air to avoid energy loss.
Our team frequently installs models like the Venmar AVS N Series, highly effective in cold climates and eligible for grants in several municipalities.
Recent installation in Laval: A family struggling with ongoing allergies contacted us to install a Venmar air exchanger. Within a week, their indoor air noticeably improved. The project also qualified for a $600 subsidy through the Rénoclimat program.
4. Monitor and adjust indoor humidity levels
In winter, heating systems can dry out the air or, conversely, rooms like bathrooms and kitchens can produce excess humidity, encouraging mold growth. Ideally, indoor humidity should range between 35% and 50%.
Our tips:
-
Use a hygrometer to track humidity.
-
Install a dehumidifier in the basement.
-
Consider a central humidifier if your air is too dry (especially with gas or electric heating).
AirGreen installation in Montréal: We integrated a GeneralAire 3200 central humidifier into a Goodman central system during a bungalow renovation in Villeray. The result? Stabilized humidity levels and noticeably more comfortable air.
5. Use HEPA filters and certified air purifiers
HEPA filters capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They are your best defense against allergens, pet dander, and fine particles. Whether in a stand-alone air purifier or your central system, they offer an extra layer of protection against indoor pollutants.
Good to know: Some central systems like Bosch BOVA models are compatible with high-efficiency filters, which we can integrate during installation.
Professional installation: the key to a healthy HVAC system
Poor installation can lead to air leaks, poor ventilation, or unbalanced humidity. At AirGreen, we ensure precise, custom installations, including pre-installation diagnostics, equipment selection, and client training after setup.
Outstanding project in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville: Installation of a Bosch BOVA 3-ton central heat pump with integrated HEPA filter and Venmar ERV exchanger. A complex project in a multi-zone home, completed in 4 days. Customer testimonial: “We felt a difference right away. Less dust, more comfort, and the air smells fresh.”
AirGreen: your trusted partner for a healthy indoor environment
For years, we’ve been improving indoor air quality in hundreds of homes across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore. Whether it's for a heat pump installation, an air exchanger, or HVAC maintenance, our team is committed to your home’s air health.
Common mistakes to avoid when managing air quality
-
Neglecting regular filter maintenance.
-
Installing an air exchanger without proper balancing.
-
Running a humidifier without monitoring humidity levels.
-
Using uncertified or improperly sized air purifiers.
In summary: 5 actions you can take right now
-
Air out your home daily, even briefly.
-
Maintain your HVAC system twice a year.
-
Have a high-performance air exchanger installed.
-
Monitor and manage humidity levels.
-
Use HEPA filters and certified purifiers.
Your home deserves clean air. So do you.
Need an indoor air quality assessment?
Contact AirGreen today for professional, personalized HVAC service in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.