Introduction: A successful HRV installation starts with avoiding the most common mistakes
At AirGreen, we know just how important good ventilation is to maintain healthy and balanced indoor air in your home or commercial building. However, when it comes to installing a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV or ERV), even the most well-intentioned projects can quickly become a headache if some basic mistakes aren’t avoided. Whether you’re a homeowner in Longueuil, a property manager in Laval, or planning renovations on the South Shore or North Shore, it’s essential to understand the most common pitfalls.
In this article, we share our on-the-ground experience by presenting the 4 beginner mistakes you must absolutely avoid when installing your HRV, including real-world examples from our service calls throughout Greater Montréal.
1. Choosing the wrong airflow capacity for the HRV
One of the most frequent — and unfortunately costliest — mistakes is selecting an HRV that’s either underpowered or oversized for the air volume it needs to handle. The airflow capacity of an air exchanger, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), must precisely match the living area and number of rooms.
What happens when the HRV is miscalculated:
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An overpowered unit can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
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An underpowered unit won’t renew the air properly, causing humidity issues, mold, and discomfort.
On-site example:
In Laval, during an inspection of an HRV installed by an inexperienced contractor, we found that the selected model (an 80 CFM unit for a 2400 ft² house) couldn’t provide adequate air renewal. We replaced it with a 150 CFM HVI-certified unit, perfectly suited to the customer’s needs.
2. Installing the HRV in a poorly ventilated or hard-to-reach location
Where you install your air exchanger plays a key role in its performance. A badly chosen location, such as a damp corner, hard-to-access spot, or uninsulated area, can hurt the unit’s efficiency and complicate maintenance.
Absolutely avoid:
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Installing it in an uninsulated attic or overly humid basement.
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Installing it in a cramped closet that’s difficult to access.
Best practices:
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Choose an accessible location, properly ventilated, with enough room for a smooth airflow and easy filter maintenance.
Real-world example:
On the North Shore, a client had installed their HRV in a technical closet with barely 12 inches of clearance around the unit. We had to fully disassemble the unit just to change the filter. Based on our recommendation, the unit was relocated to a properly equipped mechanical room, with an immediate gain in efficiency.
3. Failing to balance the system properly
Installing an HRV isn’t just about hooking up some ducts. You must balance the system, meaning you have to calibrate the intake and exhaust airflows to avoid creating positive or negative pressure in the home.
What happens when the system is unbalanced:
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Increased energy losses.
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Uncontrolled infiltration of cold or hot air.
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Spread of damp odors.
What we do at AirGreen:
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We always perform an airflow test using a manometer after installation.
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We fine-tune each damper to ensure airflow is properly balanced room by room.
Concrete example:
In Longueuil, a family complained about constant cold drafts despite having a high-quality unit. Our diagnosis revealed a 25 CFM imbalance between incoming and outgoing air. We fixed it on the first visit with precise calibration.
4. Ignoring maintenance needs during installation
A poorly installed HRV is often hard to maintain. And a neglected unit quickly becomes ineffective. Clogged filters, dusty ducts, overheating motors… all of this can be avoided with smart planning right from the start.
Our recommendations at AirGreen:
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Always install the unit at eye level if possible.
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Leave enough clearance around the casing.
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Add service hatches in the ducts if the unit is located in a ceiling or closed-off area.
Real example:
In Montréal, an HRV installed high in a drop ceiling had been ignored for years. When we inspected it, the filters were black, the ventilation was poor, and the indoor air was heavy in CO₂. We fully reinstalled the unit in a more accessible spot, with visual maintenance indicators, to prevent this from happening again.
Conclusion: Trust experienced professionals for smart ventilation solutions
A well-installed HRV starts with avoiding classic mistakes and ends with fresh, balanced, and healthy indoor air. At AirGreen, we are committed to offering you tailored installations, adapted to your home, your needs, and the highest energy standards.
We provide service across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with efficient, proven, and guaranteed solutions.
Why choose AirGreen for your HRV installation?
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Over 10 years of experience in residential and commercial ventilation.
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Equipment certified by HVI and EnerGuide.
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Professional system balancing.
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Installations eligible for LogisVert grants, depending on the model and configuration.
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Fast, transparent, and professional service throughout Greater Montréal.
Have a ventilation project in mind? Questions about your HRV?
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s breathe better—together.