Adopt the Right Habits to Get the Most Out of Your Air Exchanger in Québec
At AirGreen, we know just how much a well-maintained air exchanger can improve your day-to-day comfort, indoor air quality, and energy savings. Whether you live in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, your ventilation system deserves careful attention to operate efficiently, year after year. Too often, we step in for clients whose equipment has worn out prematurely, simply due to a lack of clear and practical advice.
In this article, we share 10 concrete and often overlooked tips, drawn from our field experience, to extend the lifespan of your air exchanger. Each tip has been tested and proven through our hundreds of service calls in homes, condos, and commercial buildings across Greater Montréal.
1. Clean the filters every three months… seriously, every three months
It’s simple, but often ignored. An air exchanger’s filters trap dust, pollen, mold, and other particles. In Montréal and its suburbs, urban pollution, outdoor construction, or even tree pollen can clog filters in less than 90 days. A clogged filter:
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reduces system efficiency,
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increases electricity usage,
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wears out the motor faster.
💡 AirGreen Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
2. Have your ducts inspected and cleaned every two years
Poorly maintained ducts collect dust, mold, insects, and sometimes even small rodents. We’ve seen extreme cases in Laval and Longueuil where ducts were completely blocked. The result: poor ventilation, bad odors, and health risks.
We recommend a professional duct cleaning every two years. At AirGreen, our team handles this with specialized equipment—without messing up your home.
3. Keep an eye on your home’s humidity level
An air exchanger often works alongside a humidity control system. If your indoor humidity is too low in winter (below 30%) or too high in summer (above 60%), it can affect the system’s performance and your comfort.
🌡️ Install a digital hygrometer. It’s a small investment that helps you better understand your indoor environment.
4. Never block air intakes or exhausts
This might sound obvious, but in many homes across Montréal or Brossard, we’ve found vents blocked by furniture, curtains, or storage boxes. Airflow is disrupted, the motor works harder, and wear happens faster.
🔍 Do a quick walk-through of your rooms and make sure airflow is unobstructed.
5. Disinfect the air grilles once a year
Air intakes and exhausts collect fine particles, bacteria, and allergens. By disinfecting them with a non-corrosive solution (like vinegar and warm water), you improve indoor air quality and ease the system’s workload.
6. Have your air exchanger professionally inspected every 3 to 5 years
At AirGreen, we offer comprehensive HVAC maintenance packages that include a full inspection of your air exchanger: motor, fan, sensors, airflow controls, and more.
During a service call in Terrebonne, we detected a hidden electrical issue that wasn’t visible to the naked eye—it could have caused a serious breakdown in the middle of winter.
✔️ The result: preventive repair, major savings, and a relieved client.
7. Use your air exchanger continuously, especially in winter
Many clients in Saint-Hubert or Blainville believe they should turn off the air exchanger at night or when away. Big mistake. Indoor air quickly becomes stale, especially with closed windows. Moisture, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and bacteria build up.
Keeping your air exchanger on low speed mode ensures constant air renewal.
8. Think about insulating the ducts in attics or garages
An exposed duct in an unheated attic, especially on the North Shore, can lead to condensation, freezing, and even water infiltration. This technical detail, often overlooked in rushed installations, can damage your system over time.
At AirGreen, we carefully insulate every exposed duct, taking into account Québec’s wide temperature swings.
9. Watch for unusual noises (vibrations, whistling)
Changes in sound are often the first sign of a mechanical issue. Vibrations, whistling, or irregular humming can mean:
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an unbalanced fan,
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an overworked motor,
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a worn bearing.
📞 When in doubt, call us right away. A minor fix now can prevent a complete system failure later.
10. Choose certified high-quality filters
Not all filters are created equal. Cheap filters can warp, leak, or even fall apart after a few weeks. In Laval, a client called us after breathing in fibers from a low-grade filter.
We recommend using HEPA or MERV 8 to 13 certified filters, compatible with your air exchanger model (Venmar, Lifebreath, Aldes, etc.).
Why Maintaining Your Air Exchanger is a Smart Investment
A properly maintained air exchanger allows you to:
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extend its life by 5 to 10 years,
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improve your family’s indoor air quality,
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lower your heating and cooling bills,
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avoid costly repairs or premature replacement.
Whether you’re looking for practical tips in Longueuil, a preventive inspection in Laval, or a full cleaning in Montréal, our AirGreen team is here to help you get the most out of your HVAC systems.
AirGreen: Your HVAC Partner Throughout Greater Montréal
With hundreds of satisfied clients in Montréal, the North Shore, and the South Shore, our custom approach and technical precision make all the difference. Every service call is documented, every detail double-checked. And above all, we take the time to explain what others don’t bother to tell you.