Quickly Recognizing Signs of a Faulty Air Exchanger to Protect Your Comfort and Health
In Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore, air exchangers (HRV/ERV) play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. However, when an appliance nears the end of its life or shows signs of malfunction, the consequences for occupants' health and comfort can be serious. At AirGreen, we frequently intervene to replace defective air exchangers by offering custom-made solutions aligned with current standards. Here's how to clearly identify the alarming signs indicating that an immediate replacement is required.
Critical Signs Your Air Exchanger is at the End of Its Life
Unusual Increase in Indoor Humidity
One of the first signs of a failing air exchanger is a sudden rise in indoor humidity levels. You may notice:
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Regular condensation on windows or walls.
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Frequent appearance of mold in humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.
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Persistent feeling of humid and uncomfortable air despite adequate heating.
At AirGreen, our teams recently replaced an outdated Venmar exchanger with a Lifebreath RNC205 model for a family in Longueuil. Immediately after installation, indoor humidity returned to normal levels, eliminating all mold-related health risks.
Unusual Noises or Excessively Loud Operation
A properly functioning air exchanger typically produces minimal noise. However, when it begins emitting unusual sounds like excessive vibrations, clunking, or squeaking, this often indicates advanced wear of internal components.
In Montréal’s Saint-Laurent neighbourhood, AirGreen replaced a noisy air exchanger with a Venmar AVS E15 ECM. The new unit, notably quiet, allowed occupants to immediately regain acoustic comfort.
Unexplained Increase in Energy Costs
If you notice a significant rise in your energy bills without any apparent change in your heating habits, your air exchanger could be responsible. An aging unit loses heat recovery efficiency, forcing your heating system to work harder.
In Laval, an AirGreen intervention replaced an obsolete air exchanger with an Energy Star-certified Lifebreath RNC155 MAX. From the first month following installation, the client observed a significant 20% reduction in heating costs.
Noticeable Decrease in Indoor Air Quality
A clear decline in ambient air quality can manifest through increased allergies or respiratory irritations among occupants. A defective air exchanger no longer effectively filters harmful particles, exposing your family to various allergens and contaminants.
On the South Shore in Brossard, we replaced a poorly maintained exchanger with a high-performance Venmar AVS Solo 2.0 model. The results were immediate: a significant reduction in allergy symptoms among all occupants, confirming the importance of a fully functional air exchanger.
Why You Should Never Delay Replacing a Defective Air Exchanger
Significant Health Risks for Occupants
A defective air exchanger can no longer properly remove humidity and contaminants present in your home. Over time, this greatly increases the risk of developing chronic allergies, respiratory infections, and other health issues.
AirGreen has often observed among its Montréal clients that promptly replacing a defective exchanger helps avoid these risks, quickly improving overall well-being.
Accelerated Deterioration of Your Home
Unaddressed excessive humidity accelerates the deterioration of building materials, leading to costly and avoidable repairs. Poorly ventilated homes in neighbourhoods like Verdun or Rosemont often suffer from this type of structural damage.
Professional and Compliant Installation: The AirGreen Guarantee
Optimal Choice for Your Home
Every installation performed by AirGreen begins with a thorough analysis of your specific ventilation needs. We consider:
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The exact size and layout of your house or apartment.
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The number of occupants and their daily habits.
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Your expectations in terms of energy efficiency and acoustic comfort.
Strict Compliance with Current Standards
All air exchangers installed by AirGreen in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and elsewhere in the region strictly adhere to municipal and provincial standards, as well as Hydro-Québec’s specific LogisVert program requirements:
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Systematic Energy Star certification
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Minimum heat recovery efficiency above 65%
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Careful installation and optimal duct insulation
Testimonial from a Satisfied Customer in Montréal
In Ahuntsic, our team recently replaced an aging exchanger with a certified Lifebreath 195 ECM. The client testifies: "Immediately after AirGreen’s installation, our home’s air quality significantly improved. We no longer have condensation on our windows, and our home is much more pleasant to live in."
Conclusion: Act Quickly to Protect Your Comfort and Health
Quickly identifying the alarming signs of a failing air exchanger is essential to maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. By entrusting AirGreen today with the replacement of your aging air exchanger, you are directly investing in your health, daily comfort, and property value.
Contact AirGreen immediately for a free diagnostic and discover how our customized solutions can quickly and sustainably transform your home’s indoor air quality in Montréal and surrounding areas.