In several homes in Sainte-Dorothée, the same scenario is observed: an increasingly airtight building envelope (very good for energy efficiency), but indoor air quality that deteriorates over time. Persistent odors, condensation on windows, "heavy" air, poorly controlled humidity... These are typical signs that better ventilation is needed—and above all, intelligent ventilation.
At AirGreen , we recently installed a va¦nEE Air Exchanger in a technical space such as an attic/mechanical closet, with an insulated flexible duct configuration. The goal: to ensure balanced, stable, and quiet ventilation , adapted to the realities of the Quebec climate.
Why an air exchanger is essential in a Quebec home
An air exchanger (often called an HRV/HRV) renews indoor air by removing stale air (from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms) while bringing in fresh, filtered air. The key feature: the exchanger recovers some of the heat from the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air , thus minimizing energy loss.
In practical terms, this translates to:
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Improved air quality (fewer odors, fewer contaminants, less of a feeling of stagnant air)
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More stable humidity control (important for comfort, health and building durability)
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A reduction in condensation on windows during the cold season
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A more pleasant indoor environment, particularly in bedrooms and living areas
The installed system: Air Exchanger va¦nEE (consistent model: residential series)
The photo shows a suspended ventilation unit, typical of a residential air exchanger. Since the exact model is not legible on the label, we present the project as a residential-grade Air Exchanger va¦nEE installation, sized to provide an airflow adapted to the size and occupancy of the house.
What we retain for this type of configuration:
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A device designed for continuous (or cyclical) ventilation , with intensity modes (low/high)
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An integration compatible with insulated flexible ducts, very common in attics.
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Reliable and stable operation, particularly important when the house is more airtight
Visible installation details and technical choices (what makes the difference)
Every air exchanger installation looks similar… until the details matter. Here, several elements are particularly significant:
1) Device suspended on chains: vibration reduction
The unit is suspended (rather than placed directly on the ground). This is excellent practice for:
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limit the transmission of vibrations to the structure
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reduce the noise perceived in adjacent rooms
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protect the device in the long term
2) Insulated flexible ducts: thermal management in unheated areas
We see insulated flexible ducts (silver sheath). In the attic, this is crucial:
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we avoid heat loss
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This limits the risk of condensation in the ducts.
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We stabilize performance in the middle of winter
3) Conduit routing: organization and accessibility
Even when space is limited, we prioritize:
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clean and logical routing (fewer "tight" bends)
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reasonable accessibility for maintenance (filters, access to the housing, checks)
4) Sealing and balancing: the “fine-tuning” that changes everything
An air exchanger must be airtight and, above all, balanced (incoming and outgoing airflow rates). Without balancing:
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The house can end up under negative pressure (infiltration of cold air, odors, discomfort)
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or under positive pressure (humidity migrating towards the envelope, risk of condensation)
At AirGreen, we emphasize this step: it is what transforms a “functional” installation into a high-performance one.
Expected result: comfort, fresh air and better humidity control
After commissioning an Air Exchanger va¦nEE , customers typically notice:
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a lighter and more breathable air
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a reduction in persistent odors
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improved humidity stability in winter (less condensation on windows)
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an increased feeling of comfort, especially at night
And in an area like Laval (Sainte-Dorothée), where seasonal variations are marked, this is a real gain: we want a comfortable home without sacrificing energy efficiency .
Recommended maintenance (simple, but essential)
To maintain performance:
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Check/clean the filters at regular intervals (often at seasonal changes)
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inspect the inside of the enclosure (depending on the environment, dust/particles)
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Ensure that the extraction and supply vents are not obstructed.
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Have the balancing checked if any work has been done (renovations, addition of a hood, change of seals, etc.)
A well-maintained air exchanger is a device that remains quiet, stable, and efficient year after year.
A properly installed air exchanger is more than just a device: it's an air quality strategy.
Installing an air exchanger should never be a simple matter of “putting on a box with two pipes”. The following must be taken into account:
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of the location (heated vs unheated area)
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duct insulation
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suspension and noise
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waterproofing
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and especially the final balancing
That's exactly what we aim for at AirGreen: clean, sustainable, high-performance residential ventilation, designed for comfort and the Quebec climate.