Effective ventilation always starts with a system properly sized for your real square footage
When it comes to residential ventilation, one of the most common mistakes is choosing an air exchanger that’s poorly sized. Too small, and it becomes ineffective. Too large, and it can cause thermal discomfort, consume excess energy, or generate unnecessary noise. At AirGreen, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Montreal select, install, and maintain HRV or ERV air exchangers that are perfectly matched to the layout of their home.
This practical guide, based on our field experience, will help you understand which type of air exchanger to choose depending on the exact size of your home, whether you live in a condo, a bungalow, or a multi-level house.
Why square footage is so important when selecting an HRV or ERV
A properly sized air exchanger ensures balanced airflow, efficient heat (or energy) recovery, and optimal humidity control. The performance of these systems is always expressed in CFM (cubic feet per minute)—the volume of air moved per minute. The larger the home, the higher the airflow capacity required.
In Montreal, we often find air exchangers chosen based on promotions or what’s in stock, with no actual consideration for the home’s square footage, number of occupants, or level of insulation. The result: poor indoor air quality, higher consumption, and discomfort.
Under 1,000 sq. ft.: condos, urban units, and small ground floors
Typical setup: 3 ½ or 4 ½ condo, basement apartment, or small older unit.
AirGreen Recommendation:
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Model: Venmar AVS Compact Node or Fantech VHR70R
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Required airflow: between 60 and 80 CFM
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Highlights: compact, quiet, easy to install in a closet or ceiling space
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Benefit: energy-efficient and highly effective for well-insulated small spaces
Between 1,000 and 1,800 sq. ft.: bungalows, single-level homes, renovated units
Typical setup: renovated bungalow, small townhome, two-level units with a semi-finished basement.
AirGreen Recommendation:
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Model: Lennox HRV3-095 or Lifebreath 155 MAX
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Required airflow: between 90 and 120 CFM
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Highlights: wall or ceiling installation possible, smart thermostat compatibility
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Benefit: excellent performance-to-noise ratio for a family home
Between 1,800 and 2,500 sq. ft.: multigenerational or multi-storey homes
Typical setup: 3–4 bedroom home, 2 bathrooms, open-concept kitchen, finished basement.
AirGreen Recommendation:
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Model: Fantech VHR150R-ES or Venmar EVO5 500 HRV
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Required airflow: between 130 and 160 CFM
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Highlights: multizone management available, built-in humidity control
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Benefit: optimal energy efficiency for Quebec’s climate
Over 2,500 sq. ft.: upscale homes, heritage houses, converted duplexes
Typical setup: large family property, renovated home with multiple extensions, converted duplex.
AirGreen Recommendation:
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Model: Lifebreath 267 MAX or Venmar E15 ECM
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Required airflow: more than 180 CFM
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Highlights: often requires more extensive ductwork or zone-based ventilation
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Benefit: maximum performance with advanced filtration system
Additional factors to consider
Beyond square footage, several other elements influence the selection of the right air exchanger in Montreal:
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Number of occupants: more people means more CO₂ and moisture production.
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Level of insulation: a tightly sealed home needs more rigorous air exchange.
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Presence of pets, regular cooking, or smoking: this increases filtration and airflow needs.
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Available grants: some certified models are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert programs.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a system that’s too powerful, thinking it will “do a better job”: this can cause cold drafts, overventilation, and higher energy bills.
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DIY installation without proper balancing: this can create negative or positive air pressure indoors.
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Skipping regular maintenance: clogged filters or blocked ducts completely negate system benefits.
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Ignoring whether you need heat (HRV) or energy (ERV) recovery, which is critical for Quebec’s climate.
How AirGreen helps you select the right model
Our service process includes:
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A free on-site evaluation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
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Taking into account the exact square footage, interior layout, and daily habits.
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A tailored model recommendation, based on season, eligibility for grants, and installation feasibility.
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A clear, detailed quote, including future maintenance cost projections
Conclusion: ventilation must be custom-tailored
At AirGreen, we strongly believe that indoor air quality is a basic necessity, just like heating or potable water. That’s why we customize every HVAC installation to match the real needs of each client.
A properly sized and properly installed air exchanger is your guarantee of lasting comfort, improved respiratory health, and optimized energy bills.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your ventilation system and guidance on the right air exchanger based on your home’s exact size.