Worrying results about the air you breathe every day
When we talk about indoor comfort, we often refer to temperature, humidity, or energy performance. Yet, indoor air quality is just as essential—if not more critical—for the health and well-being of residents. At AirGreen, we regularly conduct in-depth indoor air analyses in homes across the South Shore, and our most recent findings highlight some alarming numbers. These results reveal an urgent need to improve home ventilation with effective solutions like the installation of a high-performance air exchanger.
Why should indoor air quality have your full attention?
On the South Shore, particularly in cities like Longueuil, Brossard, or Saint-Lambert, the in-depth analyses conducted by our specialists clearly show that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This surprising fact highlights the pressing need for action. Several factors contribute to this worrying indoor pollution:
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Poor air circulation caused by inadequate or non-existent ventilation
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Accumulation of chemical contaminants from paints, glues, varnishes, and household products
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Presence of fine particles from wood heating, cooking, or poorly maintained heating appliances
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High humidity levels promoting mold and bacteria harmful to respiratory health
At AirGreen, we've observed that many residents of South Shore homes are unaware of these dangers—and that older or poorly ventilated homes greatly amplify the problem.
Alarming figures for families on the South Shore
According to analyses carried out by our CVAC (HVAC) technicians, here are some concrete results found in homes in Longueuil, Brossard, and Saint-Hubert:
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High CO₂ concentration: More than 60% of the homes analyzed exceeded the recommended standards for carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration. These elevated levels cause discomfort, headaches, and reduced concentration.
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Significant presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Nearly 70% of our tests showed levels above Health Canada's recommendations. These chemical substances, commonly found in household products, are linked to allergies, respiratory irritation, and long-term chronic health risks.
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Excess humidity and mold: About half the homes inspected revealed humidity levels over 60%, encouraging the spread of mold and worsening asthma problems—especially in children and the elderly.
Faced with these facts, there's a clear need to act quickly and sustainably.
How does a high-performance air exchanger improve your daily life?
An air exchanger, especially a high-efficiency model like a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), offers a concrete and immediate solution to these alarming issues. At AirGreen, we consistently recommend these systems to significantly improve indoor air quality across the South Shore:
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Constant and effective air renewal: The air exchanger expels stale air full of contaminants while bringing in fresh, filtered outdoor air.
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Significant reduction in humidity: With precise humidity control, the risks of mold and allergens are drastically reduced.
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Improved thermal comfort and energy savings: By recovering the heat from expelled air, the system cuts down heating costs while maintaining optimal indoor temperature.
Case study: successful intervention in Longueuil
The AirGreen team was recently called in to improve the air quality in a Longueuil home where the residents were suffering from persistent respiratory issues. During our initial analysis, we detected high levels of CO₂, VOCs, and humidity—creating a particularly uncomfortable and potentially dangerous environment.
Our solution was to install a high-performance Venmar AVS E15 ECM ERV air exchanger. This unit, highly regarded for its outstanding efficiency, is eligible for provincial Rénoclimat subsidies. Since the installation, the home’s indoor air quality has been radically transformed:
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CO₂ levels have returned to normal, eliminating symptoms of discomfort.
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VOC concentrations dropped significantly, greatly improving residents’ respiratory health.
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Indoor humidity is now effectively controlled, fully resolving recurring mold issues.
This success story clearly illustrates the positive impact of a professional, properly designed CVAC installation.
Practical tips to sustainably preserve your indoor air quality
At AirGreen, we also recommend the following simple best practices to complement your CVAC system:
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Air out your home daily, even in winter, to quickly refresh indoor air.
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Avoid excessive use of chemical household cleaners; choose natural alternatives.
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Have your CVAC system serviced regularly by qualified professionals.
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Monitor indoor humidity levels using an affordable hygrometer.
These small habits, combined with a high-performance air exchanger, will ensure clean, healthy air for your whole family.