Indoor pollution: Discover how Montréal is actively fighting this threat with air exchangers

Montréal’s fight against indoor pollution: a concrete response through air exchangers

In Montréal, the fight against indoor pollution has become a public health issue. More and more residents suffer from chronic headaches, respiratory issues, persistent allergies, or unexplained fatigue, without ever suspecting the cause lies… inside their own home. At AirGreen, we intervene weekly in houses, apartments, daycares, shops, and offices where indoor air quality is far below acceptable standards. The solution? A high-performance air exchanger, properly installed and well maintained.

Indoor pollution in Montréal: a discreet but very real threat

Unlike outdoor pollution, which is visible and widely publicized, indoor pollution is invisible and underestimated. Yet according to Health Canada, the air we breathe indoors is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

Common sources of indoor pollution:

• Household cleaners, perfumes, deodorizers.

• Mold, excess humidity.

• Fine dust, pet dander.

• CO₂ buildup, lack of ventilation.

• Building materials and furniture releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

The importance of air exchangers in Montréal’s HVAC ecosystem

An air exchanger allows you to renew indoor air by extracting stale air (laden with pollutants and moisture) and replacing it with filtered fresh outdoor air. When equipped with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), it also retains thermal energy, reducing heating costs during the winter.

At AirGreen, we recommend installing an air exchanger in all the following cases:

• Modern or renovated homes with airtight envelopes.

• Finished basements used as living spaces.

• Homes with children, seniors, or sensitive individuals.

• Enclosed professional spaces: clinics, offices, stores.

Case study: successful air exchanger installation in Plateau-Mont-Royal

In January, a family living in a triplex in Plateau-Mont-Royal contacted us after noticing a persistent smell of humidity, foggy windows each morning, and allergic reactions in their daughter. After a thorough diagnosis, we proposed installing a Venmar EVO5 500 HRV air exchanger, suited for their 1,600 sq. ft. living space.

Technical specifications of the installed model:

• Airflow: 100–140 CFM.

• Heat recovery efficiency: up to 75%.

• High-performance filtration with MERV 8 filters.

• Low noise level, ideal for bedrooms.

Installation process:

• Drilling two exterior openings (air intake and exhaust).

• Discreet ductwork installation through basement drop ceilings.

• Wall vents installed in the living room, bedrooms, and bathroom.

• System startup and calibration based on actual occupancy.

The result: within the first week, humidity dropped from 68% to 45%, odors disappeared, and the family noticed a significant improvement in their respiratory comfort.

Residential ventilation grants in Montréal: where do things stand?

The City of Montréal encourages energy-efficient solutions, but ventilation assistance has changed: Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert has no measure for HRVs, and Rénoclimat no longer subsidizes them since October 1, 2026.

What is still possible:

• Municipal assistance, depending on the City’s programs at the time of your work.

• Rénoclimat for insulation and windows, if you are also renovating the building envelope.

• AirGreen’s full support in subsidy application preparation.

We’ve already helped over 230 clients in Montréal obtain these grants for their HVAC installation projects, with the majority located in the boroughs of Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.

Other AirGreen projects in Montréal: tailored ventilation for all needs

• Condo in Griffintown: replacement of an obsolete unit with a Lifebreath RNC205.

• Daycare in Ahuntsic: installation of a dual HRV system to separate activity and nap zones.

• Massage therapy clinic in Verdun: installation of a Fantech HERO 120H for comfort and acoustic discretion.

Practical tips to improve your indoor air quality

• Air out daily, even just for a few minutes.

• Clean or replace your filters every 3 to 6 months.

• Monitor relative humidity (ideally between 40% and 50%).

• Have your HVAC system inspected if you notice a drop in comfort.

Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your air exchanger running efficiently and prevents health issues or energy overconsumption.

Why trust AirGreen for your air exchanger in Montréal

• Local expertise: over 1,200 successful installations in Greater Montréal.

• Certified technicians trained to meet the latest HVAC standards.

• Human, fast, and professional service, with clear and transparent quotes.

• Complete support: from needs analysis to grant applications.

A step for your health… and for your city

By choosing a properly sized air exchanger, you’re doing more than improving your comfort: you’re contributing to a collective effort to reduce indoor pollution in Montréal. At AirGreen, we believe that every well-ventilated home is a healthier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable place to live.

Do you live in Montréal and want to improve your air quality? Contact us today for a full diagnosis and a customized solution.