An air exchanger plays a key role in any residential or commercial HVAC system. It ensures proper ventilation, expels stale air, brings in fresh air, and helps balance indoor humidity. At AirGreen, we understand just how essential this piece of equipment is to maintain optimal indoor comfort in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore. That’s why today we want to address a crucial yet often misunderstood topic: the risks of buying a second-hand air exchanger at a suspiciously low price.
Why are cheap air exchangers so appealing?
In an effort to achieve immediate savings, many homeowners or contractors are tempted to purchase a used or discounted air exchanger from resale platforms. You’ll find models online being sold at very low prices—sometimes just a fraction of the cost of a new unit. But what seems like a great deal at first often hides serious technical, health-related, and financial risks.
The common traps of second-hand air exchangers
1. Outdated technology
An air exchanger that’s 8 to 15 years old often no longer meets current standards in energy efficiency or filtration quality. These models may consume more electricity, generate excessive noise, and ventilate inefficiently.
At AirGreen, we frequently meet clients complaining of poor indoor air quality caused by outdated units that simply aren’t up to modern ventilation standards.
2. Build-up of contaminants
A used HVAC unit—especially an air exchanger—can contain mold residue, bacteria, dust, debris, or harmful spores. If the unit hasn’t been maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, it may become a source of contamination rather than purification.
We’ve seen cases in Montréal and Laval where a used air exchanger triggered chronic allergies, frequent headaches, and even respiratory issues in occupants, simply because the unit was contaminated and uncertified.
3. Incompatible or non-compliant installation
A second-hand unit—especially one removed from another home—is not always compatible with your existing ductwork configuration or central heating system. Installing an ill-fitting model can result in:
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A loss of efficiency
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Air leaks
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Increased energy consumption
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Additional costs to modify or adapt the system
Worse still, an improperly installed unit by a non-professional can invalidate your home insurance coverage in the event of a claim.
4. No warranty and hard-to-find replacement parts
Cheap or used air exchangers rarely come with an active warranty. If it breaks down, has missing parts, or suffers an electrical failure, you’re left with no recourse. Many brands also discontinue parts for older models altogether.
At AirGreen, we always recommend choosing models with guaranteed part availability for at least 10 years—like the Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, or Aldes models we’ve recently installed across Longueuil and the South Shore.
A seemingly good deal… that ends up costing more
Here’s a real example: in Laval, a client contacted us after buying a used air exchanger for $250. During our inspection, we found:
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Obstructed ducts
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An extremely noisy motor
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Excessive indoor humidity
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No functional filters in place
The result? The client had to replace everything with a new, certified model—for about $1,900 including installation. In the end, the so-called bargain turned into double the expense.
How to avoid these traps: our expert advice
1. Always go with professional installation
Even a high-performance air exchanger loses its value if installed incorrectly. Our certified AirGreen technicians assess each home based on:
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House size
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Insulation level
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Duct layout
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Existing heating/cooling system
2. Choose a certified unit with a valid warranty
A reliable air exchanger should carry certifications like HVI (Home Ventilating Institute), comply with CSA standards, and meet Québec’s building code requirements. Buying from an official distributor guarantees a minimum 5-year warranty—up to 10 years for some parts.
3. Check available grants and rebates
In Montréal and throughout Québec, some municipalities and programs like Rénoclimat or Chauffez vert offer financial incentives to improve indoor ventilation systems. These grants never apply to second-hand equipment.
We recently installed a Venmar AVS air exchanger in a single-family home in Saint-Bruno on the South Shore. Thanks to a provincial program, our client received a $500 rebate to modernize their ventilation system.
The AirGreen advantage: your best defense against unpleasant surprises
At AirGreen, we’ve completed hundreds of air exchanger installations across Greater Montréal. Thanks to our local expertise and full transparency, we help you:
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Choose the right model for your environment
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Avoid non-certified or second-hand product pitfalls
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Maximize indoor air quality in your home
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Benefit from a compliant, safe, and long-lasting installation
Our air exchanger recommendations
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Top residential model: Venmar AVS HRV 130 CFM, ideal for homes between 1,500 and 2,200 sq. ft.
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Compact model: Lifebreath 95-ERV ECM, perfect for condos or apartments
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Commercial model: Fantech VHR 150, powerful, quiet, and efficient
Conclusion: Better safe than sorry
A cheap air exchanger may look tempting, but it’s often a false economy. Your family’s health, your home’s indoor air quality, and your long-term energy efficiency deserve a well-thought-out investment.
At AirGreen, we guide you from A to Z, from choosing the right model to certified installation, anywhere in the Greater Montréal area. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free evaluation of your ventilation needs.