Mistakes that can cost you big: the signs you should never ignore
In the residential HVAC sector in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, installing an air exchanger has become essential for maintaining healthy indoor air. But beware: a poorly installed system can not only be ineffective—it can also be dangerous for your health and your home. At AirGreen, we’ve corrected dozens of botched installations done by unqualified contractors. Here is our exclusive guide to spotting a bad air exchanger installer—before it’s too late.
A good unit, poorly installed, becomes a bad system
Too many homeowners focus only on the brand or price of the unit. But even a high-end Venmar, Lifebreath, or Fantech HRV can be useless—or even harmful—if it’s improperly installed. A bad installer will often:
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Install the unit without any airflow calibration
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Use flex ducts that are too long or poorly fastened
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Skip installing balancing dampers
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Neglect duct insulation in attics
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Fail to connect the condensate drain
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Place supply or exhaust grilles in the wrong locations
These technical mistakes are invisible to the untrained eye, but the consequences are real: heat loss, mold, noise, discomfort, and wasted energy.
Case Study: Service call in Pointe-aux-Trembles
A customer called us about a persistent bad smell throughout the house, despite having a brand-new air exchanger installed just a few months earlier. Upon inspection, we found:
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No airflow testing had been done
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The exhaust duct was venting into the garage (!)
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The original filter was still sealed in plastic
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The humidistat was incorrectly programmed
We rerouted the ducts, adjusted the airflow, cleaned the unit, and showed the customer how to operate the system. Result: dramatically improved air quality in under 48 hours.
Visible signs of a bad installer
1. No explanation or documentation provided
A good installer always provides a user manual, explains required maintenance, and shows you how to use the humidistat.
2. Unusual noise or vibrations after installation
If your unit vibrates, sounds like a jet engine, or resonates through the house, it's usually due to poor mounting or uninsulated ductwork.
3. Persistent condensation on windows or in the bathroom
A properly installed air exchanger regulates indoor humidity. If it doesn’t, there's likely an issue with calibration or coverage.
4. No visible outdoor air intake
We've seen installs with no outdoor air intake… where the unit just recirculates stale indoor air. Completely unacceptable.
5. No balancing dampers
Without dampers, it’s impossible to balance the incoming and outgoing air, leading to drafts or uneven pressure zones.
AirGreen customer testimonials: fixing shady installations
Laval (Duvernay)
Complete replacement of a Fantech HRV installed with no access panel. No way to clean or maintain the unit—completely clogged after 2 years. We properly installed a Venmar EVO5 HRV with full access and insulated rigid ducts.
Longueuil (Greenfield Park area)
Exhaust duct was punctured in the attic, causing moisture infiltration. Our techs replaced it with insulated metal ducting, repositioned the grilles, and balanced the system.
North Shore (Boisbriand)
New home with HRV installed and no depressurization testing. Result: fireplace smoke getting pulled back inside. AirGreen’s solution: depression test, added pressure-relief valves, and complete system review.
Tips to avoid a bad installer
1. Ask for proof of training
A certified installer knows Québec Building Code regulations and the specifics of each system.
2. Ask for a detailed quote
A proper quote includes: duct type and length, exact model of the HRV, and plans for airflow calibration.
3. Check Google reviews or references
Detailed positive reviews mentioning actual HVAC installs are a great sign of true expertise.
4. Avoid “jack-of-all-trades” with no HVAC focus
Plumbers, general renovators, or electricians posing as HVAC installers often lack proper training.
5. Demand full system startup and commissioning
On installation day, your installer should:
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Run the unit in your presence
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Measure airflow using an anemometer
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Show you the filters and how to replace them
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Properly program the control panel
Why choose AirGreen for your air exchanger installation?
At AirGreen, every installation meets the highest industry standards in residential HVAC:
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Our installers are fully specialized in residential HVAC
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We use rigid, insulated ducting and top-grade components
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Every startup includes airflow testing and balancing
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We offer post-installation follow-up to answer your questions
We serve all of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with 5-star reviews proving our professionalism.
AirGreen: trusted, professional, long-lasting air exchanger installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.