In many Laval homes, especially those that are well-insulated (or renovated over the years), indoor air quality quickly becomes a real issue: accumulated humidity, persistent odors, condensation on windows, and a feeling of stuffiness in winter. In Sainte-Dorothée, we were recently called in to optimize the ventilation of a residence where the air wasn't being renewed sufficiently.
The chosen solution: the installation of an Air Exchanger\LifeBreath air exchanger , a device designed to remove stale air and introduce fresh air, while maintaining thermal comfort adapted to the Quebec climate.
Why an air exchanger has become essential in a Quebec home
An air exchanger (often called an HRV – heat recovery ventilator) allows you to:
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Reduce excessive humidity (especially in winter, when the house is closed up and daily activities produce a lot of steam).
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Remove indoor pollutants : VOCs (household products, paint), cooking odors, stagnant air, fine dust.
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Improve comfort by limiting temperature differences and making the air more breathable.
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Protecting the building : less condensation = less risk of mold, stains and material degradation.
In Montreal and on the North/South Shore, you often see very airtight houses… but without properly adjusted mechanical ventilation. As a result, the building “retains” everything. With an Air Exchanger/LifeBreath , you regain control.
The installed system: Air Exchanger\LifeBreath (consistent model: LifeBreath RNC5-ES )
In this project, the visible device is a wall-mounted Air Exchanger\LifeBreath , residential size, ideal for a single-family home or a semi-detached house.
Even though the nameplate is not clearly legible in the photo, the configuration and dimensions correspond very well to a model from the LifeBreath RNC range, often chosen for:
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its reliability ,
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its balanced ventilation capacity ,
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and its compatibility with a compact residential installation.
We therefore present here a coherent model for this type of construction site: Air Exchanger\LifeBreath – LifeBreath RNC5-ES .
Installation details observed: a typical configuration in a residential “technical room”
The photo shows an installation in a service area (mechanical corner / utility room), with several important elements:
1) Wall-mounted device, simplified access
The Air Exchanger/LifeBreath unit is wall-mounted , which:
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frees up floor space
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facilitates access to the panel for maintenance.
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reduces the risk of vibrations transmitted to the structure (if the assembly is well dampened).
2) Connections using insulated flexible conduits
Insulated (sheathed) flexible conduits are connected to the unit. This is common for:
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limit heat loss,
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reduce air circulation noise,
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simplify passage through restricted areas.
Our role at AirGreen is to ensure that these ducts are:
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well-sized ,
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as short and straight as possible (less pressure loss = better actual flow rate),
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and well sealed at the joints (appropriate tape/aluminum/collars).
3) Drainage and condensation management
In winter, an air exchanger often produces condensation. A good installation includes:
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a drain (with correct slope),
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protection against odors returning,
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and a configuration that avoids stagnation.
Even when everything seems “functional”, the details of the drainage often make the difference between a stable device… and recurring problems.
4) Power supply and control wiring
We can see the power supply and associated cabling. This is a point we emphasize a lot:
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secure connection
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clean path,
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Functional wall control (or timer),
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and especially fine-tuning the speeds according to the use of the house.
The real added value: the calibration (balancing) of the air exchanger
Installing an air exchanger is a good start. But adjusting it correctly is what transforms ventilation into a concrete result.
At AirGreen, we adjust the system to obtain:
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a balanced flow rate (incoming air = outgoing air),
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ventilation adapted to the occupancy (family, teleworking, pets, frequent cooking, etc.),
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stable operation in extreme cold (cycles, defrosting, actual performance).
An improperly balanced air exchanger can create:
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a house in negative pressure (cold air entering through leaks, discomfort),
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or under overpressure (humidity migrating towards the envelope, long-term risks).
Recommended maintenance for an Air Exchanger/LifeBreath
To maintain consistent air quality:
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Filter cleaning : every 3 months (or more often if renovation/dust).
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Core inspection : depending on the season and the manufacturer's recommendations.
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Checking the vents and grilles : make sure they are not obstructed.
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Annual check-up : ideally before or during the cold season, especially if the house shows signs of dampness.
Conclusion: a healthier home in Sainte-Dorothée, without compromising on comfort
With this Air Exchanger\LifeBreath air exchanger, this Sainte-Dorothée residence gains:
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fresher, better-renewed air
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better control of humidity in winter,
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and increased protection against condensation-related problems.
This is exactly the kind of improvement that can be felt on a daily basis: more comfortable sleep, lighter air, fewer odors, and a house that finally “breathes”.