A simple tweak to your air exchanger could transform your comfort… and your energy bills
At AirGreen, we often meet homeowners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, who have an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) installed in their home, but have no idea that their unit could be working much more efficiently. A poorly calibrated or improperly used HRV can lead not only to energy waste, but also to a decline in indoor air quality.
A poorly adjusted HRV: leaking heat… and money
One of the most common issues we observe during our service visits is an HRV set at too high an airflow rate for the size of the home. This excessive airflow causes:
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Unnecessary heat loss during winter
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Increased heating consumption
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A feeling of cold and dry air inside the house
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Premature wear on the motor and filters
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Needlessly high utility bills
By simply adjusting the airflow of the HRV based on the actual needs of the home, you can save up to $500 per year, while also improving comfort and the health of everyone living there.
Case Study: A Longueuil home and real savings
Recently, we performed a service call at a single-family home in Longueuil. The homeowner complained about the air being too dry in the winter and rising electricity bills.
Our diagnostics revealed that the HRV was:
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Set to 80 CFM, while the home only needed 50 CFM
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Running continuously on high speed
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Equipped with clogged filters that hadn’t been changed in over 18 months
Our interventions:
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Full cleaning of the core and filters
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Adjustment of airflow to 50 CFM
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Programming intermittent mode based on humidity
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Installation of a smart sensor for automatic control
The result:
Within 6 weeks, the homeowner saw nearly a 20% reduction on their electric bill compared to the same period the previous year, and noticed significantly better breathing comfort throughout the home.
Why calibration matters as much as the unit itself
Even the best air exchanger on the market (Broan, Vanee, Venmar, Lennox…) is ineffective if it’s poorly configured. Calibration must account for several factors:
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Total square footage and number of floors
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Number of occupants
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Presence of moisture-generating appliances (bathroom, kitchen, basement)
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The home’s insulation level
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The season (winter often requires reduced airflow)
An optimal calibration ensures effective air renewal, without pulling out heated air too quickly or overloading your humidifier or heating system.
The invisible but real savings: humidity, maintenance, health
A properly adjusted HRV leads to significant indirect savings:
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Less humidity = less mold = fewer renovation costs
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Less dust and fewer allergens = fewer allergy medications
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Less unnecessary ventilation = extended HVAC equipment lifespan
In Montréal and across the South Shore, many homeowners assume their system is “working fine” because it’s quiet or seems active, when in reality, it’s not optimized at all.
The AirGreen approach: optimize, don’t replace
Rather than simply selling a new unit, we prefer to optimize existing systems. During our visit, we offer:
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A complete system check-up
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Recalibration of airflow based on CSA and ASHRAE standards
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Client training on using auto, intermittent, and reduced speed modes
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A customized maintenance recommendation
We’ve transformed hundreds of “placebo” ventilation systems into real air purification solutions, across Montréal, Laval, Boisbriand, Brossard, and beyond.
Common mistakes we fix every week
Here are the most frequent errors we encounter:
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Always using high-speed mode (causing unnecessary energy draw)
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Humidity sensors poorly calibrated or not working at all
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Filters not changed in over a year
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Same settings used all year with no seasonal adjustments
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HRV connected to dryer or range hood ducts (non-compliant)
These mistakes cost hundreds of dollars annually in heating, while also degrading your indoor air quality.
Our recommendation: get your HRV adjusted now
A 45-minute visit is all it takes to inspect, clean, and adjust your air exchanger. Within a few days, you’ll feel cleaner, more comfortable air—and start saving on your next bill.
At AirGreen, we respond quickly anywhere in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our certified technicians know the specifics of the most common HRVs and will recommend clear, simple, and effective adjustments.
Conclusion: $500 in hidden savings inside your air ducts
Never underestimate the impact of a simple calibration. Your HRV could be an invisible ally in your energy savings strategy. Trust AirGreen to turn an energy-hungry system into a perfectly balanced ventilation solution.