A poorly maintained unit can become your worst energy enemy
In Montréal, as well as in Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, more and more homeowners are realizing how important proper ventilation is for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. But what many don’t know is that a poorly maintained HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) can actually backfire—drastically increasing your heating bills. At AirGreen, we’ve seen cases where an uncleaned or uncalibrated unit led to up to 100% more energy consumption.
The role of an HRV in your HVAC system
A well-functioning HRV removes stale indoor air, brings in fresh air, and uses the outgoing air’s heat to preheat the incoming air. It’s a key component of thermal comfort and energy efficiency in any home. But this only works with regular maintenance:
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Clean filters
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Unobstructed ducts
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Dust-free heat exchange core
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Properly calibrated airflow rates
A neglected HRV then becomes nothing more than an exhaust fan, pulling in cold outdoor air with little to no heat recovery.
Case study: AirGreen intervention in Outremont
A family in Montréal (Outremont borough) contacted us about an unusual spike in their Hydro-Québec bill during the winter. Their well-insulated home was equipped with a Lifebreath 155 MAX HRV, installed 7 years earlier. During our inspection, we found:
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Completely clogged filters
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A greasy layer of dust on the heat recovery wheel
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Internal ducts blocked with debris
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A +25% airflow imbalance favoring extraction
After performing a full maintenance, airflow recalibration, and professional cleaning of the exchanger, their heating consumption dropped by nearly 40% the following month.
How a poorly maintained HRV makes you consume more
1. It brings in cold air without recovering heat
If the exchanger is dirty, the cold outside air isn’t preheated properly. Result: your heating system has to compensate.
2. It runs longer than necessary
A struggling motor or incorrect programming leads to constant operation, even when it’s not needed.
3. It disrupts the pressure balance in the home
An imbalance between incoming and outgoing air creates negative pressure, pulling cold air in through gaps in walls, outlets, or ceilings.
4. It overloads your central heating system
By cooling down your home, the HRV ends up overloading your heat pump or furnace.
Warning signs to look out for in your home
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Sudden increase in heating bills during winter
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Cold drafts in some rooms
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Persistent humidity even with an air exchanger
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Frosted or fogged windows and frames
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Excessive noise or vibration from the HRV
These symptoms all mean that maintenance is urgently needed.
Real-life AirGreen service calls across Greater Montréal
Laval (Sainte-Rose)
Home with a Venmar Constructo 1.5, never maintained in 10 years. Result: 60% loss in heat recovery efficiency. Our technicians performed a full core cleaning, replaced filters, and recalibrated the balancing dampers. Result: improved thermal comfort and reduced energy bills.
Longueuil (Saint-Hubert area)
Client with a central heat pump and Fantech HRV complaining of high energy usage. The HRV was running 24/7. We installed a smart controller with a programmable humidistat and timer. Ventilation cycles were reduced by 65%—without affecting air quality.
North Shore (Terrebonne)
New home with a poorly calibrated HRV. Cold air was entering bedrooms directly. We repositioned the grilles, insulated attic ducts, and adjusted the fan speed settings. Result: stable indoor temperature, improved comfort, and energy savings.
What we recommend at AirGreen
1. Have your HRV inspected yearly
Our visits include: visual inspection, filter check, airflow testing, and cleaning if needed.
2. Clean or replace your filters every 3 to 6 months
A clogged filter can reduce thermal recovery efficiency by up to 50%.
3. Calibrate your airflow rates
We use anemometers to precisely balance the intake and exhaust airflows.
4. Install a smart timer
A programmed ventilation schedule tailored to your lifestyle lets you save money without sacrificing comfort.
5. Avoid cheap generic filters
Only use certified filters made for your specific HRV model.
Why choose AirGreen for your HRV maintenance?
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Our technicians are certified specialists in residential ventilation
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We serve all of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
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We offer fast, transparent, and detailed service
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We use professional diagnostic tools
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We provide a complete maintenance report after every visit
AirGreen: your HRV maintenance expert in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore for maximum energy efficiency.