A surprising deep dive into the often-overlooked world of air exchangers
At AirGreen, we spend our days improving the indoor air quality of homes and buildings across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore. What we've discovered over the years goes far beyond the mechanical side of ventilation systems. Behind every air exchanger installation, there’s a story, a specific context, and sometimes even unexpected technical or human challenges that turn a simple service call into a truly memorable job. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our work through real-life stories—sometimes surprising, but always eye-opening when it comes to the critical importance of having a well-chosen, properly installed, and properly maintained air exchanger.
One air exchanger, many lives changed: the story of Mrs. Bélanger in Longueuil
When Mrs. Bélanger first contacted us, she thought she was just dealing with seasonal allergies. But after a thorough assessment of her home in Longueuil, we quickly found the real cause: poor mechanical ventilation. The indoor air was filled with humidity, dust, and household pollutants. We recommended the installation of a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV air exchanger, a high-performance heat recovery model perfect for airtight urban homes like hers.
Just a few weeks after the installation, Mrs. Bélanger called us back: her symptoms had almost completely disappeared. Stories like this are common, and they remind us that a high-quality air exchanger is not just a technical device—it’s a health tool.
When the air exchanger became the solution to a chronic humidity problem in Laval
A homeowner in Laval reached out to us about persistent mold in his basement. Despite repeated attempts with dehumidifiers, nothing worked. After a full on-site evaluation, we proposed a long-term solution: the installation of a Vanee 160 CFM air exchanger with automatic humidity control.
The real challenge here wasn’t just technical—it was architectural. The basement had tricky corners that were hard to ventilate properly. So, we installed a customized duct system tailored to the space. Three months later, humidity levels had stabilized, and the mold was completely gone.
A surprise behind the ceiling in Montreal: the renovation that revealed the total absence of ventilation
During a home renovation in a condo on the Plateau Mont-Royal, our technicians made a surprising discovery: the building, though relatively new, had no centralized ventilation system at all. The client complained about window condensation, lingering odors, and poor sleep.
We installed a Lifebreath Compact MAX 155 ERV air exchanger, designed to perform well in tight spaces. We paired it with a discreet duct network hidden inside the false ceiling for an invisible result. The client later told us the indoor atmosphere was “unrecognizable,” with fresher, cleaner air and no odors.
A textbook case on the North Shore: a commercial installation full of challenges
AirGreen also works on commercial buildings. In Blainville, a gym had just opened its doors and was facing a major issue: the indoor air became quickly stale, especially in the evening with high customer traffic. The existing systems were too weak to properly refresh the air.
Our team proposed and installed a dual system of two Venmar E15 ECM HRV air exchangers, each managing one section of the facility. The biggest challenge was fitting them into an already cramped mechanical room. Our technicians designed a suspended platform to house the units while keeping them accessible for maintenance.
The most common mistakes to avoid when installing an air exchanger
Many of our service calls are due to poor or inappropriate installations. Here are the most frequent mistakes we see:
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Choosing an undersized unit for the square footage of the building.
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Incorrect placement of the outdoor air intake, pulling in smoke or polluted air.
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Lack of maintenance, causing dust buildup and performance drop.
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Connecting to a dryer or range hood duct, which is both prohibited and dangerous.
At AirGreen, we make sure to avoid every one of these mistakes by delivering custom installations and providing clear guidance to our clients.
Why we recommend specific brands: Venmar, Vanee, Lifebreath
We never choose an air exchanger randomly. Our recommendations are based on:
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Heat (HRV) or humidity (ERV) recovery performance.
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Noise level, which is critical in residential settings.
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Ease of maintenance.
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Eligibility for available grants, such as the Rénoclimat or LogisVert programs.
We have strong confidence in brands like Venmar, Vanee, and Lifebreath because they offer reliable, long-lasting models well adapted to the harsh Quebec climate.
Local expertise tailored to every type of building
Whether it's a condo in Montreal, a single-family home in Laval, a bungalow in Longueuil, or a commercial space on the South Shore, every case needs a different approach. We always take into account:
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The building’s construction year and its airtightness.
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The specific needs of the occupants (allergies, pets, children).
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Architectural constraints (low ceilings, no existing ductwork, etc.).
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Energy efficiency goals and available financing options.
Conclusion: more than just a device, a real life upgrade
An air exchanger isn’t just a technical component—it’s a vital part of your comfort, health, and energy efficiency. At AirGreen, we bring all our expertise to the table to meet your specific needs with custom installations and long-term solutions tailored to your reality.
If you have a project in mind, a concern, or simply want to assess your indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we’ll improve your everyday comfort—one breath at a time.