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Grand Montréal : les zones les plus polluées et comment la ventilation peut faire la différence
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Greater Montreal: The Most Polluted Areas and How Ventilation Can Make a Difference

Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Efficient Ventilation in the Most Affected Areas

Greater Montreal, despite its enviable quality of life, faces increasing environmental challenges, including air pollution. Some areas are particularly exposed to high concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, putting residents' respiratory health at risk. At AirGreen, we know that an adequate ventilation system, particularly through high-efficiency air exchangers, can significantly improve indoor air quality in these highly affected neighborhoods.

The Most Polluted Areas of Greater Montreal: A Worrying Reality

Greater Montreal is a vast and densely populated area. Several factors contribute to air pollution, such as road traffic, industrial activities, and wood heating.

At-Risk Areas

Here are the areas most often identified as the most polluted:

  • East Montreal (especially Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve): presence of refineries and heavy industries.

  • Anjou and Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles: dense traffic corridors and industries.

  • Laval (Laval-Ouest, Chomedey): heavy traffic and poorly ventilated residential areas.

  • Longueuil (areas near Route 132): high traffic and urban density.

  • South Shore (Brossard, Saint-Hubert): booming areas often subject to urban microclimates.

  • North Shore (Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache, Terrebonne): frequent use of wood stoves and limited winter winds.

The Effects of Polluted Air Inside the Home

Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in already vulnerable areas. Without a proper ventilation system, pollutants build up:

  • Fine particles (PM2.5)

  • Allergens

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

  • Excess humidity, promoting mold and bacteria

These contaminants worsen respiratory diseases like asthma and can have long-term effects on health.

The Crucial Role of Air Exchangers in Polluted Areas

At AirGreen, we install efficient air exchangers tailored to the climatic and urban realities of Greater Montreal. These devices allow for:

  • Extraction of stale air

  • Introduction of filtered fresh outdoor air

  • Heat retention (or cooling) thanks to energy recovery technologies (HRV or ERV)

Why Choose an Air Exchanger in These Areas?

  • Significant improvement in indoor air quality

  • Reduction in respiratory symptoms

  • Prevention of moisture and mold

  • Improved energy efficiency

  • Eligibility for grants depending on the models

Our Recommendations by Area and Needs

For Homes in East Montreal or Laval

We recommend robust models equipped with HEPA or MERV-13 filters, capable of capturing fine particles from traffic or refineries.

Example: VENMAR AVS® N Series HRV with high-efficiency filter. A recent installation in East Montreal in a bungalow: the homeowners noticed an improvement in their respiratory comfort within days.

For Families in South Shore or Longueuil

We suggest energy recovery ventilation systems (ERV), especially for well-insulated homes sensitive to humidity.

Example: In Saint-Hubert, a couple called us after noticing persistent condensation on their windows. Installing a FANTECH HERO 250H-EC solved the issue while enhancing the freshness of their indoor air.

For Homes on the North Shore

Areas often exposed to wood stoves and limited winter winds. An air exchanger with automatic humidity control is recommended.

Example: In a semi-detached house in Blainville, we installed a Lifebreath 155 MAX, coupled with a smart humidity sensor. The result: reduced combustion odors and improved comfort.

AirGreen’s Expertise: Tailored Residential and Commercial Ventilation Solutions

At AirGreen, we don’t just sell systems: we analyze each home, each environment, each specific issue. Here's our approach:

  1. Free on-site evaluation

  2. Analysis of humidity levels, detection of pollutants, air flow quality

  3. Recommendation of an appropriate device

  4. Professional installation compliant with the Quebec Building Code

  5. Post-installation follow-up, maintenance tips

We’ve installed over 100 air exchangers in the most vulnerable areas of Greater Montreal, with tangible results: reduced allergies, disappearance of mold, optimized thermal comfort.

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes in Ventilation

  • Installing an undersized or poorly suited device for Quebec’s climate.

  • Neglecting regular maintenance (clogged filters = stale air).

  • Overlooking the balancing of air flows, essential for good performance.

  • Thinking opening windows is enough to ventilate (ineffective in winter or polluted areas).

Our Practical Tips for Breathing Better Air Every Day

  • Have your ventilation system serviced twice a year.

  • Install a HEPA filter if you live near a busy road.

  • Use a CO2 detector to know when to ventilate more.

  • When renovating, integrate an Energy Star certified air exchanger.

Why Choose Us for Your Air Exchanger Installation?

  • Certified expertise in residential and commercial HVAC

  • Rapid intervention throughout Greater Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore

  • Comprehensive support: grants, maintenance, personalized advice

  • Reliable, guaranteed, high-performance products even in polluted areas