Constant humidity, fogged-up windows in winter, a musty smell that just won’t go away… These are often overlooked signs in homes or buildings across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. And yet, these symptoms often point to a ventilation problem that affects not only comfort, but also health and the building’s structural integrity. At AirGreen, we’ve seen countless cases where a properly installed and maintained air exchanger turned an unhealthy indoor environment into a clean, balanced, and comfortable living space.
When Windows Speak: Clear Signs of Poor Ventilation
Condensation on windows, especially in winter, is one of the first signs of high indoor humidity. Warm, humid air from the kitchen, bathroom, or even from breathing comes into contact with cold surfaces—like windows—and condenses.
At the same time, persistent odors in specific rooms (kitchen, basement, bathroom) or a general feeling of “stuffy” air can indicate that indoor air isn’t being properly renewed. This could be caused by the lack of a mechanical ventilation system or an air exchanger that’s undersized or poorly maintained.
Why a Good Ventilation System Is Essential
An air exchanger, whether it’s an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) or ERV (energy recovery ventilator), provides several crucial benefits:
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Expels stale indoor air containing moisture, odors, dust, and indoor pollutants.
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Brings in fresh, filtered outdoor air, without losing heat in the process.
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Regulates indoor humidity levels, preventing mold, condensation, and discomfort.
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Improves indoor air quality, which is vital for respiratory health.
At AirGreen, we recommend and install high-performance air exchangers suited to Quebec’s climate, all Energy Star certified, from trusted brands like Venmar, Fantech, Lifebreath, and Vanee.
Case Study: A House in Saint-Bruno with Chronic Condensation
In a single-family home in Saint-Bruno on the South Shore, the owners contacted us after noticing heavy condensation on all their ground-floor windows, to the point where they had to wipe them down every morning. The relative humidity was 70%, even with the heating system running.
After a full inspection of their HVAC system, we found no existing air exchanger. We proposed installing a Venmar EVO5 500 HRV, perfectly suited to the size of their home.
Our Step-by-Step Intervention:
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Inspection of existing ductwork and installation feasibility in the attic.
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Installation of the HRV with insulated, quiet, and airtight ducting.
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Airflow calibration based on the home’s total volume.
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Addition of extraction grilles in key zones: kitchen, bathroom, laundry room.
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Integration with the existing heating system.
Result: within a week, the windows were entirely free of condensation. The indoor air felt fresher, lingering odors were gone, and humidity was stabilized at 45%, which is the ideal level.
Installing an Air Exchanger: What You Need to Know
Choosing the Right Model
Proper sizing is crucial. An undersized unit won’t be able to treat the home’s full air volume, while an oversized one will lead to unnecessary energy use. Our technicians always conduct a CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow calculation based on square footage, number of rooms, and insulation quality.
Where Should It Be Installed?
We generally recommend the attic, basement, or mechanical room, depending on accessibility and available space. The unit must be installed away from freezing temperatures, with well-insulated ducting to avoid energy loss.
Regular Maintenance = Long-Lasting Performance
Like any HVAC equipment, an air exchanger needs to be serviced at least once a year:
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Filter cleaning or replacement.
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Inspection of ductwork, dampers, and the motor.
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Disinfection of the heat recovery core.
Why Choose AirGreen?
AirGreen is a well-known name in the HVAC field in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. What sets us apart:
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Accurate diagnostics: we never install blindly.
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Technical expertise tailored to all types of buildings (residential, multiplex, commercial).
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In-depth knowledge of available grants, such as those offered by Hydro-Québec, which can cover up to 50% of the installation cost of a high-efficiency air exchanger.
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Turnkey installations with clean finishes, on-time execution, and guaranteed satisfaction.
Grants and Incentives Available
Did you know there are several provincial and federal grants encouraging the installation of energy-efficient equipment, including air exchangers?
Homeowners can benefit from:
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Up to $600 in rebates for an Energy Star certified unit.
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Combined grants with other energy renovation projects (insulation, heat pumps).
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Low-interest financing through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.
At AirGreen, we help you build the full application, so you don’t leave any financial aid on the table.
Practical Advice: Mistakes to Avoid
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Never block or cover ventilation grilles.
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Don’t confuse a kitchen hood or bathroom fan with a real mechanical ventilation system.
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Avoid low-end models—they’re often noisy and ineffective in winter.
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Always hire a certified HVAC contractor like AirGreen to ensure code-compliant installation.
Healthier Air, More Comfortable Living
In conclusion, if you’re seeing signs of excess humidity, fogged-up windows, persistent odors, or uneven comfort levels, it may be time to assess your home’s ventilation system. A well-installed air exchanger can completely transform your daily life while protecting your health, your home, and even your wallet in the long term.
At AirGreen, we offer free assessments anywhere in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, to identify the best ventilation solutions for your property. Contact us today for expert, reliable, and personalized service.