Understanding the New Residential and Commercial Ventilation Standards in Québec
Following the latest updates to the Québec Construction Code and revisions by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), both residential and commercial property owners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore must now ensure their ventilation system (air exchanger, HRV, ERV) complies with today’s standards.
A Regulatory Shift That Impacts All HVAC Systems
The 2026 reform aims to improve indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption. This regulatory shift is based on three core pillars:
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Mandatory controlled mechanical ventilation in all buildings constructed or renovated after 2024.
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Minimum fresh air exchange rates per room, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).
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Use of heat recovery systems (HRV or ERV) with thermal efficiency ratings above 60%.
At AirGreen, we’ve already helped many clients upgrade to meet these regulations, including projects in Saint-Lambert, Boisbriand, and Boucherville. In each case, we conducted a thorough diagnosis to identify compliance issues, provided clear recommendations, and installed modern, high-efficiency systems.
How to Check if Your System is Compliant? (AirGreen’s 2026 Compliance Checklist)
Here is our professional verification checklist to determine if your ventilation system meets Québec’s 2026 standards:
1. Does your building have an active mechanical ventilation system?
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✔️ Yes: move to the next step.
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❌ No: you likely need to install an air exchanger.
2. Is your current system an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)?
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If you're still using basic exhaust fans without heat recovery, your system is no longer compliant.
3. Is the air exchange rate per room sufficient?
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Standard: 10 CFM in bedrooms, 20–40 CFM in common areas.
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A flow test conducted by AirGreen is usually required to confirm this point.
4. Does your system use high-efficiency filters (MERV 8 minimum)?
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Poor HVAC maintenance or outdated filters can result in polluted air being recirculated.
5. Does the system recover at least 60% of the heat from exhausted air?
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Check your equipment’s technical specifications.
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If efficiency is lower, an upgrade is strongly recommended.
Real-Life Installations by AirGreen
Laval – Replacing an Outdated ERV with a Lennox HRV5-195
In a 1990s bungalow, our team removed a non-compliant ERV (efficiency < 40%) and installed a Lennox HRV5-195 air exchanger with a high 75% efficiency and 195 CFM output. Result: better air quality, reduced winter humidity, and eligibility for the LogisVert grant.
Longueuil – Diagnostics and System Optimization in a Triplex
A triplex owner contacted us about persistent bathroom humidity. Our tests revealed an insufficient flow (< 5 CFM). We reconfigured the ductwork, installed a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV, and professionally balanced the entire ventilation network.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Compliance Upgrade?
Local Expertise, Customized Interventions
With hundreds of completed projects in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we understand the nuances of every Québec building type: Montréal-style duplexes, detached homes in Brossard, and modern condos in Laval-des-Rapides…
Turnkey Service
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Complete evaluation of your current system
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Clear technical recommendations
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Free, no-obligation estimate
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Certified installation following RBQ and Novoclimat standards
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Eligibility for government subsidies, including Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grant
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Waiting for a city inspection or home sale to uncover non-compliance
Planning ahead saves you from emergency corrections, which are often more costly.
❌ Installing an air exchanger without professional balancing
Poor balancing can create negative pressure in the home, allowing cold air and moisture to infiltrate.
❌ Choosing a unit that’s not HVI-certified (Home Ventilating Institute)
All of our units are HVI-certified, ensuring performance, reliability, and full regulatory compliance.
Available Grants and Return on Investment
Purchasing and installing a new, 2026-compliant air exchanger qualifies for:
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Up to $1,200 in LogisVert subsidies
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RénoClimat tax credit
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Annual energy savings of 8% to 12%
The cost of upgrading typically pays for itself in under four years.
Next Step: Have Your Current Ventilation System Evaluated
At AirGreen, we offer a free in-home estimate to determine whether your current ventilation setup meets Québec’s 2026 requirements.
We serve the entire Greater Montréal area, including Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Boisbriand, Repentigny, Saint-Hubert, and many more sectors across the North and South Shores.
Contact us today to schedule your free visit and secure your HVAC system’s compliance.