An invisible action with very real effects on air quality and energy savings
Across our many service calls in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore, we see one recurring issue: the poor calibration of HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators). This technical detail, often overlooked by homeowners, can have a major impact on comfort, health, and energy bills.
At AirGreen, we’ve helped countless Québec families make this simple adjustment — and the results are often remarkable.
Testimonial 1: A family in Rosemont eliminates the cold drafts and dry air in winter
In a well-insulated duplex in Rosemont, a family with two young children was experiencing persistent discomfort: cold drafts, dry throat, and dry skin throughout the winter season.
Their HRV was the culprit:
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Running continuously on high speed
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Airflow set to 90 CFM, far beyond what was needed
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Dirty filters not replaced in over two years
Our intervention:
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Cleaning the core and replacing filters
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Recalibrating airflow to 60 CFM
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Programming intermittent mode with a smart humidity sensor
Result: noticeable thermal comfort improvement in under 72 hours, and average savings of $38/month on electricity bills from November to March.
Testimonial 2: In Laval, a homeowner discovers her recurring mold was caused by a poorly balanced HRV
In a newly built home in Chomedey, the homeowner was dealing with persistent mold in the bathroom, despite mechanical ventilation and new windows. After several unsuccessful cleaning attempts, she contacted AirGreen.
We identified a critical issue:
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Stale air wasn’t being expelled efficiently
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The ducts were partially clogged
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No pressure test had been performed during the initial installation
What we did:
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Full inspection of the duct system
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Mechanical cleaning of vents and the HRV core
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Rebalancing of incoming and outgoing air
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Installation of a programmable humidity sensor
Result: the mold hasn’t returned in over six months. The indoor humidity level is now stable at around 42%, ideal for a home of that size.
Testimonial 3: $462 in annual savings in a South Shore bungalow
In Boucherville, a retired couple contacted us about a constant blowing sound coming from their air exchanger. Their well-maintained bungalow was equipped with an HRV installed 7 years ago.
What we found:
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Constant airflow at 100 CFM for a home that only required about 55
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No manual control available
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No maintenance done in over 3 years
Our solution:
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Full reconfiguration of the control system
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Installation of a wall-mounted, user-friendly control panel
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Adjustment of airflow levels based on time of day
One-year outcome: a 15% drop in total energy consumption, saving $462, and a clear reduction in dry air during the winter.
Why these adjustments make all the difference
Contrary to popular belief, a high-performance air exchanger is not defined by its power or size, but by how precisely it is calibrated to the actual needs of the home.
At AirGreen, we take multiple factors into account:
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Number of occupants
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Size and insulation of the home
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Presence of moisture sources (kitchen, bathroom, basement)
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Seasonal climate conditions
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Condition and type of unit (Broan, Vanee, Venmar, Lennox, etc.)
Poor calibration can:
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Needlessly increase your heating bills
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Contribute to mold growth
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Cause pressure imbalances within the home
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Prematurely wear out the HRV’s filters and motors
How can you tell if your HRV needs an adjustment?
Watch for these red flags:
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You feel dry or cold air in the winter
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You notice stale odors or excess humidity
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Your windows often show condensation
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Your energy bills are higher than expected
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Your HRV has never been calibrated since installation
AirGreen’s expertise, serving families throughout Greater Montréal
Every week, we adjust, optimize, and maintain residential ventilation systems across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Our certified technicians perform:
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Professional pressure testing
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Complete airflow recalibrations
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Installation of smart controls
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Customized maintenance plans
We firmly believe every family deserves clean, balanced, and cost-effective indoor air — without needing to replace perfectly good equipment.
Conclusion: small actions that change everything
Our clients all agree: a simple HRV adjustment can drastically improve home comfort, while generating significant energy savings.
At AirGreen, we don’t sell one-size-fits-all solutions — we tailor every intervention to your specific reality.