Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are still widely misunderstood, yet they play a crucial role in ensuring indoor air quality in homes and businesses across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. At AirGreen, we see every day how certain misconceptions prevent people from installing these essential systems. Let’s debunk the 7 most common myths about ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators).
ERVs: Essential Systems for Healthy Indoor Air
ERVs ensure continuous ventilation while preserving heating or cooling energy. These systems recover the heat (or coolness) from the exhausted stale air to temper the incoming fresh air. It’s a key component of any efficient HVAC system, especially in well-insulated homes that are often too airtight for natural air exchange.
Myth #1: “An ERV is only useful in winter”
False. An ERV is useful year-round. In winter, it reduces heat loss by recovering energy from outgoing air. In summer, it helps temper hot and humid incoming air. This lowers the load on your central heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner, improves comfort, and maintains a cool indoor atmosphere.
AirGreen Tip: Installing a properly calibrated ERV within your HVAC system helps prevent humidity spikes, mold growth, and that stuffy feeling during summer.
Myth #2: “ERVs waste energy”
Quite the opposite. The core of energy recovery ventilation is energy efficiency. Thanks to its heat exchanger, up to 80% of the energy from outgoing air is recovered. It’s actually an ally to your heat pump: fewer cycles, lower energy use, longer lifespan.
Myth #3: “It’s unnecessary in a new home”
In fact, it’s often in new homes that issues like stale air, high humidity, or indoor pollutants are most common—precisely because they are built to be airtight and highly insulated. An ERV becomes essential for maintaining proper air renewal.
AirGreen Example: During an installation in Laval in a Novoclimat-certified home, our team integrated a Venmar AVS® ERV alongside a Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump. The result: enhanced comfort, stable humidity levels, and a very satisfied customer.
Myth #4: “An ERV replaces the kitchen range hood and bathroom fan”
A common mistake. The ERV complements but does not replace the spot ventilation required by the building code. It provides background ventilation that is uniform and continuous but is not designed to effectively remove humidity or strong odors at the source.
Important Note: Range hoods and bathroom fans must still be maintained in key areas.
Myth #5: “ERV maintenance is too complicated”
A well-designed ERV is easy to maintain. Typically, it just requires filter cleaning every 3 months and a system check-up once a year. Our AirGreen HVAC technicians can include ERV maintenance as part of your heat pump or central heating system’s preventive maintenance visit.
Myth #6: “It’s too noisy”
Modern units are designed to be ultra-quiet, often operating below 1 sone (similar to a modern refrigerator). Our installations in Montréal and Longueuil use acoustic ducting and quiet units tailored to your home’s layout and size.
Real Installation in Longueuil: At a retired couple’s home, the noise from their old HRV was bothersome. We replaced it with a Lifebreath ERV featuring a silent ECM motor: peace and comfort restored.
Myth #7: “ERVs aren’t eligible for grants”
Not true. Several programs, including Rénoclimat, Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, and even some municipal subsidies, offer financial support if the ERV is installed as part of a broader HVAC project involving a heat pump or upgraded insulation. At AirGreen, we guide every client through the subsidy process—from the application to final verification.
The Real Benefits of a Properly Installed ERV
Enhanced Indoor Comfort
By evenly distributing tempered air throughout the home, the ERV acts as a thermal and humidity stabilizer, ideal for Montréal’s dry winters and the humid summers of the South Shore.
Health Protection
Renewed indoor air, free of pollutants (VOCs, CO₂, dust, allergens), is vital for respiratory health—especially for young children or the elderly.
Longer HVAC Equipment Lifespan
A well-calibrated ERV reduces the load on your main systems, limiting compressor and fan wear on your heat pump and avoiding overheating or short cycles.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your ERV Installation in Montréal, Laval, or the North Shore
At AirGreen, we perform dozens of ERV installations each year, both residential and commercial. We select models suited to your home (Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, etc.), ensure seamless integration with your HVAC system, and meet the highest standards in energy efficiency and noise control.
Our Difference: Every project is documented, studied, and personalized. Our technicians arrive on time and we support our clients from A to Z — from choosing the model to annual maintenance, including subsidy application support.
Practical Advice Before Installing an ERV
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Determine the required airflow based on home size and number of occupants.
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Plan for regular filter maintenance.
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Integrate your ERV into a comprehensive HVAC strategy that may include a heat pump, humidifier, or central air purification.
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Ask our experts for a free at-home technical assessment to recommend the best-suited model.
Conclusion
A properly installed ERV is not a luxury—it’s an investment in your health, comfort, and energy savings. The false beliefs surrounding these systems still hold back too many installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and nearby suburbs. At AirGreen, we shine a light on these myths to help you make informed and high-performing choices. Contact us today for a free quote.