Understanding the truth about residential ventilation: a key issue for your health and comfort
At AirGreen, we know that home ventilation is often misunderstood. And yet, it plays a central role in your home’s comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Through our field experience in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, we’ve seen just how many false ideas persist among homeowners — ideas that can actually harm indoor air quality and the performance of HVAC systems.
In this article, we will debunk 5 common myths about residential air exchangers, based on real-life examples from our many air exchanger installations throughout the Greater Montreal area.
Myth 1: “Opening windows is enough to ventilate my house”
Many homeowners believe that opening windows for a few minutes each day can replace a mechanical ventilation system. This is false. Opening windows may bring in some fresh air temporarily, but it doesn’t ensure a controlled evacuation of indoor pollutants (CO2, humidity, VOCs).
At AirGreen, we installed a Venmar AVS N Series air exchanger in a century-old home in Saint-Lambert on the South Shore, where excessive humidity was causing mold in the bathroom despite frequent window ventilation. The installation of the energy recovery system immediately reduced humidity levels, all while minimizing heat loss.
A high-performance air exchanger ensures constant, balanced air renewal, year-round, without compromising your indoor comfort.
Myth 2: “An air exchanger is only useful in winter”
Wrong again. While winter is a critical time due to airtight homes and drying heating systems, summer also brings its share of indoor pollutants, especially in urban areas like Montreal or Laval.
An air exchanger works year-round. It extracts stale air from damp areas (bathroom, kitchen, laundry room) and injects fresh filtered air, reducing concentrations of pollutants and allergens.
We recently completed an installation of a Lifebreath 195 ECM air exchanger in a new condo in Bois-des-Filion (North Shore). Even in the summer, the occupants noticed a significant improvement in air quality and the disappearance of lingering odors from cooking and new construction materials.
Myth 3: “My heating/AC system already takes care of ventilation”
No. Most heating systems or wall-mounted air conditioners do not include dedicated mechanical ventilation. They simply recirculate the indoor air that’s already there, without renewing it.
Only an air exchanger (HRV or ERV) provides a controlled exchange between indoor and outdoor air, with energy recovery to reduce heat loss.
During a recent project in Longueuil, we were called in to solve a chronic condensation problem on the windows, even though the home had an efficient central heating system. Adding a Venmar HRV 160 CFM air exchanger integrated into the existing ductwork completely eliminated the issue, while also optimizing indoor air quality.
Myth 4: “An air exchanger wastes energy”
This myth continues, but the opposite is true. Modern air exchangers are equipped with heat recovery (HRV) or energy recovery (ERV) cores, which transfer heat (or coolness) from the exhaust air to the incoming air. This helps reduce heating and cooling loads.
A customer in Laval told us they were worried about rising energy bills. We proposed installing an Elite Lifebreath air exchanger with low-consumption ECM fans. After using it for a full winter, their energy bill had dropped by 14%, all while enjoying clean, well-ventilated air throughout the home.
Myth 5: “Maintenance is too complicated or expensive”
This is a common misconception. Air exchanger maintenance is simple, low-cost, and essential to maintain peak performance. It mainly involves:
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Cleaning or replacing filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on the environment
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Checking the condition of the ducts and grilles
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Scheduling annual professional maintenance if needed
At AirGreen, we offer comprehensive HVAC maintenance plans that include air exchangers, ensuring optimal performance all year round.
During an inspection in Repentigny, a client complained about weak airflow. We discovered the filters were clogged with dust. A simple cleaning and recalibration of the airflow rates fully restored the system’s performance without any costly replacements.
What you should take away
A well-sized and properly maintained residential air exchanger is an essential asset to ensure healthy, stable, and energy-efficient air quality. Believing these myths about home ventilation can lead to costly mistakes — or worse, harm your health.
Why trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we don’t just install equipment. We analyze every home — its insulation, humidity levels, room layout, and the occupants’ habits — to offer the most suitable solution. Our certified team responds quickly throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, offering full support from selecting the right equipment to post-installation maintenance.
Our many successful residential ventilation projects are the result of our commitment to transparency, performance, and long-term customer satisfaction.
What to avoid: common mistakes in residential ventilation
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Installing an air exchanger that’s too large or improperly calibrated
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Neglecting to clean filters and ducts
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Relying solely on bathroom fans as a ventilation system
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Confusing ventilation with air conditioning
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Ignoring signs of poor air quality (condensation, odors, headaches)
Need a diagnostic of your ventilation system?
Reach out to our team. At AirGreen, we serve the entire Greater Montreal area, and we’re ready to help with any residential air exchanger installation, repair, or maintenance. Thanks to our expertise, you’ll enjoy clean air, optimal comfort, and measurable energy savings.