A Silent Threat in the Air of Our Homes: How an Air Exchanger Changes Everything
In our modern homes, often well-insulated to maximize energy efficiency, an invisible enemy can hide within the walls: stale air. At first glance, a well-sealed home seems like an advantage. However, without a controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) system such as an air exchanger, this environment becomes a breeding ground for pollutants, mold, and invisible contaminants. At AirGreen, we often encounter these issues during our air exchanger installations or maintenance calls in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Indoor Air: More Polluted Than Outdoor Air
According to numerous environmental studies, indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is due to:
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The use of chemical cleaning products.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by furniture and building materials.
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Excess humidity, particularly in basements or poorly ventilated bathrooms.
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Accumulated carbon dioxide in poorly ventilated rooms.
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Allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet hair).
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Mold, often invisible but potentially harmful.
Without an efficient air renewal system, these contaminants accumulate and become a threat to respiratory health and daily comfort.
Why an Air Exchanger Is Essential in a Sealed Home
Our interventions across the Greater Montreal area show us that new or recently renovated homes, although high-performing in terms of energy efficiency, have a major flaw: the absence of natural ventilation. Sealing reduces thermal losses but also blocks airflow, creating a harmful confinement effect.
The air exchanger acts as your home’s mechanical lungs. It removes stale air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air while retaining thermal energy through a heat recovery core. This mechanism ensures a healthy indoor environment without sacrificing energy comfort.
Real Examples of AirGreen Installations
Montreal – Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie District
A client, the owner of a newly renovated duplex, contacted us after noticing excess condensation on the windows and a persistent odor in the bathroom, despite an efficient central heating system. After inspection, our technicians installed a Venmar AVS N Series heat recovery air exchanger, with discreet ducts integrated into the suspended ceiling. Result: in just a few days, humidity dropped from 72% to 45%, and odors completely disappeared.
Laval – Sainte-Rose
A family suffering from seasonal allergies reached out to us to improve indoor air quality. We installed a Lifebreath air exchanger with an integrated HEPA filter, allowing it to filter pollen and fine particles in addition to air renewal. Respiratory comfort was immediately improved, according to the occupants’ feedback.
The Real Dangers of a Home Without Adequate Ventilation
Without an air exchanger, several health risks and material damages may arise:
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Mold growth behind walls or under floors.
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Material deterioration due to humidity (plaster, paint, woodwork).
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Chronic respiratory symptoms: coughing, rhinitis, frequent headaches.
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Heavy air feeling or constant fatigue, often caused by excess CO₂.
These problems are often underestimated because they develop slowly, making their source difficult to pinpoint. At AirGreen, we know how to identify these signs and provide targeted, sustainable, and personalized solutions.
Practical Tips to Know If You Need an Air Exchanger
Here are some common indicators we observe in clients who later installed an air exchanger:
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Foggy windows or frequent signs of humidity.
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Stale odors in certain rooms.
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Recurring headaches or eye irritation.
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Visible (or suspected) mold presence.
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Very sealed home (recent windows, renovated insulation).
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No existing mechanical ventilation or inefficient fans.
If you recognize yourself in one or more of these situations, it’s urgent to consult our CVAC specialists to assess your needs.
Installation: A Precise and Controlled Process
Installing an air exchanger is not a generic operation. Every home has its architectural constraints, volumes to cover, and specific needs. That’s why our technicians carry out:
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A complete analysis of existing airflow.
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A diagnosis of air quality using professional instruments.
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Precise sizing of the air exchanger based on the area, number of occupants, and specific needs (allergies, humidity, etc.).
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A discreet installation, with optimized ductwork to maintain the aesthetics of the home.
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Post-installation follow-up, including maintenance advice and regular checks.
Available Grants and Cost-effectiveness
Good to know: Several financial aid programs are available in Quebec for the installation of a high-performance air exchanger, especially when integrated into a broader energy efficiency project. Our teams assist you in obtaining these grants, including those from Transition énergétique Québec or Hydro-Québec.
In addition to protecting your health, the air exchanger:
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Reduces wear on your heating system by maintaining dry, healthy air.
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Protects your home’s structure from humidity.
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Increases your property value.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Air Exchanger?
At AirGreen, we bring together years of field experience in CVAC, with successful installations across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our teams don’t just install a machine: they solve an invisible, often overlooked problem, but one that’s essential for your well-being.
Each project is approached with rigor, transparency, and a total commitment to indoor air quality. We prioritize the most reliable brands on the market, such as Venmar, Lifebreath, Broan, Fantech, and we also ensure regular maintenance of your equipment, guaranteeing long-term performance.
The Air You Breathe Deserves Special Attention
An air exchanger is not a luxury: it is an essential tool for your comfort and health. Too often overlooked, indoor air quality is one of the primary factors of well-being in a living or working space. Trust AirGreen to provide you with a healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable indoor environment.
Contact us today for a personalized evaluation of your ventilation needs. We’re here to advise you, guide you, and most importantly, help you breathe better.