What Sensors Don’t Always Show: The Air Inside Your Home Could Be More Dangerous Than the Air on Décarie Boulevard
In Montréal, environmental concerns have long focused on urban traffic, smog, and outdoor air quality. Yet for the past few years, tests conducted in private homes have revealed a disturbing reality: the indoor air we breathe at home is often more polluted than the outdoor air along the city’s busiest roads.
At AirGreen, we’ve performed hundreds of residential air quality tests in neighbourhoods like Rosemont, Ahuntsic, Côte-des-Neiges, and Villeray, and the results are clear: CO₂ buildup, invisible mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particulate matter. These pollutants are found in homes that are modern, well insulated, and sometimes even brand new.
Where Does This Indoor Pollution Come From?
The Downside of Modern Insulation Without Proper Ventilation
Improving energy efficiency has led to homes that are more airtight than ever. While this reduces heat loss, it also creates a major issue: indoor air becomes trapped and never renewed. Without a mechanical ventilation system like an HRV or ERV air exchanger, pollutants accumulate and linger.
The Main Sources of Indoor Pollution in Montréal
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Household cleaning products: cleaners, sanitizers, scented candles
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New furniture: VOCs emitted by glues, varnishes, and paints
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Daily activities: cooking, laundry, showers, and even human respiration
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Heating equipment: gas fireplaces, electric baseboards, outdated radiators
Case Study: AirGreen Intervention in a Family Home in Outremont
In a recently renovated home, a family of four contacted us due to frequent headaches and a constant feeling of heavy air, especially in the mornings.
Indoor Air Quality Test Results:
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CO₂: 1,620 ppm
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Humidity: 69%
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VOCs: 580 ppb
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PM2.5 (fine particles): 33 µg/m³ (above the WHO recommended limit)
Installed Solution:
We recommended and installed a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV air exchanger, which offers both energy efficiency and high air renewal capacity.
Technical Specifications:
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Model: Venmar EVO5 700 HRV
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Maximum airflow: 120 CFM
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Thermal efficiency: up to 70%
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Smart wall control with customizable modes
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Eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebate of $550
Results After 5 Days of Use:
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CO₂: reduced to 530 ppm
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Humidity: stabilized at 45%
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Odors: completely eliminated
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Improved sleep reported by both children
Why Indoor Air Has Become More Toxic Than Outdoor Air
Unlike the outdoors, indoor air doesn’t benefit from natural dispersion of pollutants via wind or rain. It’s confined. And since we now spend more than 90% of our time indoors, the impact on our health is both direct and cumulative.
Documented Effects:
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Chronic fatigue caused by excess CO₂
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Aggravated allergies due to fine particles and mold
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Headaches, concentration issues, eye irritation
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Weakened immune system in children and seniors
The Importance of Air Exchangers in Montréal
Whether You Live in a New Condo in Griffintown or a Triplex in the Plateau…
…you need controlled air renewal, without energy loss. HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) air exchangers allow you to:
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Extract stale air from the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms
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Bring in filtered fresh air from outside
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Maintain optimal humidity levels year-round
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Reduce heating and cooling needs by recovering energy from exhaust air
AirGreen’s Recommended Brands:
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Venmar: reliable and locally serviceable in Québec
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Fantech: compact units ideal for urban homes
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Lifebreath: high-performance models for larger homes
Tips to Detect Poor Indoor Air Quality
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Install a CO₂ and humidity monitor
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Pay attention to persistent odors in the morning
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Watch for unusual fatigue or frequent headaches
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Request a full air quality diagnosis to check for heavy metals or mold
Why Choose AirGreen?
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Expertise in mechanical ventilation for residential and multi-unit buildings
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Local team that understands Montréal’s architecture and climate
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Support with available grants: LogisVert, Rénoclimat, Chauffez Vert
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Clean, fast installation with a 10-year warranty
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Ongoing HVAC maintenance available in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
Conclusion
Indoor air pollution in Montréal has become a public health issue. Investing in a high-performance HVAC ventilation system is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for protecting your home’s health, comfort, and energy performance.
At AirGreen, we breathe with you — and we help you breathe better, right at home.