In many Laval homes, especially those with partially finished or unfinished basements, the same problem is often observed: the air becomes stuffy, humidity builds up, and odors (from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room) seem to linger longer. It was precisely in this context that we intervened in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) to install an Air Exchanger va¦nEE , a system designed to continuously renew the air while maintaining a comfortable temperature, both in summer and winter.
Our goal: to improve air quality and stabilize humidity , without complicating basement layout, and while maintaining a clean, accessible and sustainable installation.
An air exchanger: what is its practical purpose?
A residential air exchanger is used to bring in fresh air from outside and expel stale air (humid, odorous, containing VOCs, etc.). In a well-insulated house (which is a good thing!), air circulates less naturally. The result: condensation on certain surfaces, a feeling of stuffiness, and sometimes even respiratory discomfort.
With an air exchanger like the Air Exchanger va¦nEE , you will find:
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fresher air every day;
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a reduction of excessive humidity (especially in the basement);
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fewer lingering odors;
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a better overall balance between comfort and health.
The type of system installed
This is clearly an air exchanger (residential ventilation). The metal casing, connected to several insulated flexible ducts , is typical of a centralized ventilation system, designed to supply and extract air via strategic points in the house.
An installation designed for the basement: solid, accessible, clean
The photo shows an installation that is very representative of what we at AirGreen prefer when the unit is installed in the basement:
1) Suspended and well-displayed unit
The Air Exchanger va¦nEE is suspended by chains , which provides two concrete advantages:
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This frees up floor space (practical in mechanical areas);
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This limits the transmission of vibrations.
And most importantly: the unit remains easily accessible for maintenance (filters, checks, cleaning).
2) Insulated flexible ducts: condensation reduction
Large, flexible (insulated) ducts are visible, connected to the appliance. This is a suitable choice in Quebec.
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the air coming in during winter can be very cold;
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the outgoing air may be hot and humid;
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Without adequate insulation, condensation becomes a risk.
The insulation and sealing of the fittings (aluminum tape/careful finish) help to prevent moisture around the ducts and maintain stable operation.
3) Wall control / control module
A control module with a digital display is located near the unit. This is an important point: an air exchanger is effective… provided it is properly adjusted. Clear controls allow for adjustment of:
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flow rate according to the seasons;
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the modes (continuous, intermittent, boost);
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occasional needs (shower, cooking, high humidity).
Our AirGreen approach: sizing and balancing
Installing an air exchanger isn't simply a matter of "plugging it in." For truly comfortable results, a balancing approach is always necessary:
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Where air is extracted (often bathrooms, laundry rooms, wet areas).
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Where fresh air is distributed (living areas, corridors, areas where air needs to be stabilized).
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How to adjust flow rates to avoid draft effects, excessively dry areas or excessive humidity.
In Sainte-Dorothée, the main challenge was to achieve effective ventilation without creating discomfort in the main rooms and without over-ventilating unnecessarily (which can dry out the air in winter).
Why this is particularly useful in Laval and Greater Montreal
In Greater Montreal, you often find:
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more humid basements (temperature variations + infiltration of ambient humidity);
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modernized houses (improved insulation, newer windows, more airtight building envelope);
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daily life generates a lot of humidity (showers, cooking, washing).
An Air Exchanger va¦nEE then becomes a comfort tool: it helps to maintain a more stable and pleasant home, while reducing the risks associated with humidity (odors, condensation, musty feeling).
Maintenance: what we recommend to maintain optimal performance
To ensure the air exchanger remains effective in the long term, a simple routine is recommended:
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Cleaning or replacing the filters (depending on usage and season).
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Periodic checks of exterior entrances/exits (leaves, snow, obstructions).
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Occasional inspection of visible pipes to confirm that there is no disconnection or sagging.
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In the case of a very humid house: adjustment of the ventilation mode (and sometimes, supplement with dehumidification depending on the case).
At AirGreen, we always leave an accessible installation precisely to facilitate these operations and extend the life of the system.
Conclusion: intelligent ventilation, properly installed
This installation in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) perfectly illustrates what we aim for: a robustly installed Air Exchanger va¦nEE , with well-insulated ducts, stable suspension and clear control — all to offer a healthier , less humid , and more comfortable home on a daily basis.
If you feel the air in your home is stuffy, that humidity rises in the basement, or that odors linger, a well-designed ventilation solution can make a real difference. At AirGreen, we take the time to choose the right configuration and install a system that remains effective… year after year.