Is the air in your home healthy? Here are the warning signs to watch for
At AirGreen, we’re often called into homes where the occupants are unknowingly suffering from the effects of poor indoor air quality. This silent problem is the root cause of many daily discomforts, and even serious health issues. In this article, we shine a light on 7 revealing signs that your home may be lacking ventilation – with clear explanations, real-life customer stories, and practical tips to fix the problem effectively with a properly installed air exchanger.
Why is home ventilation crucial for your health and comfort?
Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to Health Canada. The culprits? The accumulation of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), excess humidity, dust, mold, and allergens. Without effective air exchange, these pollutants build up in your living spaces and can cause real harm – from respiratory symptoms to damage to the home itself.
That’s why a well-designed and well-maintained air exchanger is essential. At AirGreen, we regularly install mechanical ventilation systems (HRV/ERV) in homes across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, tailored to the specific needs of each property.
1. Persistent odors in the home
One of the first signs of indoor pollution is the presence of stale, lingering odors that don’t go away, even after airing out the space. These smells may come from cooking, cleaning products, or building materials (glue, paint, plastics). Poor ventilation prevents these substances from escaping, trapping them inside your living areas.
Real-life example: In a home in Longueuil, a family complained of a persistent musty odor. Testing revealed high humidity levels and the absence of an air exchanger. After we installed a Venmar AVS N Series HRV, the issue was completely resolved.
2. Frequent condensation on windows
Regular fog or condensation on your windows is a clear sign of excess humidity in your home’s air – often caused by a lack of ventilation. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it also encourages mold to grow in damp areas.
In Laval, we recently installed a Venmar EVO5 air exchanger in a home where the windows fogged up every morning. Since then, the glass has stayed clear and humidity levels are now under control.
3. Appearance of mold or black spots
Mold thrives in poorly ventilated environments. It grows in corners, behind furniture, around windows, or in bathrooms. Besides being unsightly, it can cause respiratory issues, especially for children and older adults.
AirGreen tip: an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) removes excess humidity while preserving heat – perfect for Quebec winters.
4. Unexplained allergies or respiratory symptoms
Frequent sneezing, throat irritation, dry cough, constant fatigue… These symptoms often point to the presence of pollutants, allergens, fine dust or mold spores in your indoor air. Without proper ventilation, these particles linger, constantly exposing your family.
A client in Boisbriand suffered from chronic allergies. After we installed a Lifebreath Clean Air Furnace air exchanger, her quality of life improved dramatically.
5. Poor sleep quality (and it’s not in your head)
Here’s a commonly overlooked sign: poor nighttime ventilation can reduce oxygen levels in your bedroom, disrupting sleep and causing you to wake up feeling tired or groggy. This is especially true in well-insulated homes without mechanical ventilation.
At AirGreen, we installed a variable-speed air exchanger in a Montréal condo where the owners were always waking up exhausted. Just a few nights after the installation, their sleep quality significantly improved.
6. Peeling paint, warped furniture or damaged materials
Warping furniture, peeling paint, swelling walls? These types of damage are often caused by excess humidity combined with insufficient ventilation. A proper ventilation system helps protect your home’s structure and finishes over the long term.
7. A heavy or stuffy feeling in certain rooms
Do some rooms feel heavy or stale even after cleaning? This feeling of stale air is a classic sign of poor air renewal. It may also mean your current system is outdated or undersized.
AirGreen replaced an outdated system in a Brossard home with a Zehnder ComfoAir Q450 air exchanger. The result: immediate comfort and a clear improvement in air quality, as reported by the whole family.
Installing an air exchanger: a vital and cost-effective solution
Why choose AirGreen?
We offer a full range of high-performance air exchangers, adapted to every layout – from older homes to new builds, condos, commercial buildings and multi-unit housing. Our options include trusted brands like Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, Zehnder, and we provide full, fast, and code-compliant installations.
Eligible for grants
Good news: many of our installations make our customers eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants, especially in the South Shore, Laval, and Montréal.
Practical tips for a well-ventilated home
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Install an HRV or ERV air exchanger tailored to your space.
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Ensure your system is properly calibrated for the size of your home.
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Have your air exchanger serviced at least once a year.
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Keep intake and exhaust vents free from obstructions.
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Combine mechanical ventilation with open windows when the weather allows.
Trust AirGreen to improve your home’s air quality
At AirGreen, we understand how deeply indoor air quality impacts your health, comfort, and even your sleep. With experience from hundreds of installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we provide custom solutions for every project.
Contact us for a free personalized assessment. Together, let’s breathe better.