An invisible yet ever-present reality: indoor air quality in Montreal directly affects our health, comfort, and overall well-being. At AirGreen, we spend our days installing, maintaining, and upgrading ventilation systems and air exchangers in hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. Our hands-on experience shows that many families underestimate the importance of the air they breathe at home.
Here are five surprising facts—drawn from our expertise and real-world service calls—that every family should absolutely know to better protect their health at home.
1. Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air in Montreal
It might seem counterintuitive, especially when living in a city surrounded by traffic and construction. But according to Health Canada, indoor air can contain up to 5 times more pollutants than outdoor air. Why? Poor ventilation, chemical household cleaners, invisible mold, combustion appliances, and off-gassing from building materials.
At AirGreen, we recently installed a Venmar AVS® N Series air exchanger in a home in Rosemont where the residents suffered from chronic headaches and respiratory irritation. Just a few days after installation, they noticed a dramatic improvement in their comfort. With effective filtration and a controlled airflow, the quality of their indoor air reached top standards.
2. Humidity is a silent enemy, especially in winter
Quebec winters are known for dry air, but poor humidity management can also lead to localized over-humidity, especially in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens. This encourages the growth of mold, dust mites, and other allergens, often invisible to the naked eye.
That’s why we recommend air exchanger systems with built-in humidity control. For instance, Lifebreath RNC models automatically regulate humidity levels, helping reduce condensation on windows and walls. In Longueuil, we upgraded an outdated system in a duplex, replacing an old fan with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). The result? A noticeable drop in odors, mold issues, and a constant feeling of freshness.
3. Children and seniors are the most vulnerable to poor indoor air
Young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD are especially sensitive to air quality. Even short-term exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particles (PM2.5), or formaldehyde can worsen symptoms and harm their long-term health.
A client in Laval, father of two asthmatic children, recently reached out to us for a centralized ventilation system with HEPA filtration. We installed a Fantech FLEX 100H air exchanger, paired with a MERV-13 filter. The impact was immediate: fewer nighttime asthma attacks, better sleep, and reduced medication use.
4. A good air exchanger can lower your energy bills
Contrary to popular belief, ventilation doesn’t mean losing heat in the winter. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) are designed to minimize energy loss. They extract stale air while preheating incoming air, keeping your indoor temperature comfortable without overburdening your heating system.
In Sainte-Thérèse on the North Shore, a family living in a 1970s bungalow saw their electricity bill drop by 18% after installing a Zehnder ComfoAir Q350 air exchanger, a high-efficiency model CSA F326 certified. This unit allowed them to breathe cleaner air and gain control over their energy consumption, year-round.
5. Modern homes are too airtight… for their own good
New constructions are designed to be energy efficient, but this thermal efficiency often means almost no natural air exchange. This traps pollutants, raises CO2 levels, and can cause symptoms like fatigue, drowsiness, or irritability.
In several new condos in Griffintown, we were called in to install compact, quiet air exchangers because residents complained of “heavy” air and persistent odors. One of the most effective models in this context remains the Venmar Constructo 1.0ES, which fits perfectly in small spaces with adjustable airflow and low power consumption.
How do you know if your home needs an air exchanger?
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
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Window condensation in winter
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Persistent odors in specific rooms
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Dry or stuffy indoor air
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Visible mold or moisture stains
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Frequent respiratory symptoms among occupants
If you notice any of these signs, contact us for a personalized assessment. Our experts will conduct a full indoor air quality evaluation and propose a custom HVAC solution tailored to your budget and needs.
Why trust AirGreen with your ventilation?
At AirGreen, we’re not just installers. We’re your partners in comfort. Every project is handled with precision, transparency, and a focus on long-term performance. Our team is trained in the most advanced technologies, and our experience across all boroughs of Montreal allows us to tailor each installation to the unique architectural realities of every home.
We never recommend a system that we wouldn’t use for our own families.
In summary:
Indoor air quality isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. In Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and South Shore, many families are unknowingly breathing air that’s silently affecting their health. With our ventilation and air exchanger solutions, we help our clients create healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient living environments every day.
Want to learn more? Call AirGreen today to schedule your free consultation.