Installation of an Air Exchanger vänEE (Virtuo model) in Fabreville, Laval
In Fabreville (Laval), AirGreen installed an Air Exchanger vänEE Virtuo model air exchanger with insulated ducts, stable suspension and condensation drainage for healthier indoor air, summer and winter.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
It removes stale air and brings in fresh air. The two airflows cross in the core without mixing.
It recovers part of the heat from the outgoing air to temper the incoming air. Depending on the model, it also manages humidity.
An outdoor hood, kept away from the exhaust so the house does not pull back the air it just removed.
Humid, stale air leaves through its own hood, fitted with a damper.
The ducts that connect to the outside are insulated to prevent condensation inside the house.
Stale air is drawn from humid rooms and fresh air is sent to living areas. The airflows are balanced.
It sets the mode and speed. You use it more when the house is humid or full of people.
Depending on the model and the season, the core produces condensation, removed through a drain with its loop.
In a recent house in Fabreville (Laval) , our AirGreen team intervened to install a residential air exchanger in order to improve indoor air quality, stabilize humidity and ensure efficient air renewal, summer and winter.
Why install an air exchanger in a house in Laval?
In Greater Montreal, homes are becoming increasingly airtight (high-performance insulation, newer windows, improved air barriers). This is excellent for energy efficiency, but it can also trap:
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humidity (condensation on windows, persistent odors),
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VOCs (household products, materials),
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fine particles (dust, allergens),
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and stale air (kitchen, bathroom, basement).
A properly sized and correctly installed Air Exchanger allows for a controlled supply of fresh air, without sacrificing comfort.
The installed system: Air Exchanger vänEE — Virtuo
For this project, we installed a vänEE Air Exchanger , Virtuo model (as identified on the unit). This type of device is designed to provide stable and quiet air exchange, with intelligent flow management according to the needs of the house.
Observable installation details and key technical points
Several important elements clearly stand out in this installation:
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Suspended installation : the unit is securely fixed under the structure (joists) using suspension chains , a reliable method that limits vibration and facilitates access for maintenance.
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Insulated flexible duct network : we see large diameter insulated ducts, essential to reduce heat loss and limit condensation, especially in cold weather.
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Flexible metal duct elbow : used to optimize the path and adapt to the available space, while maintaining good airflow.
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Condensation drain : the presence of a drainage line is a crucial detail to remove the water produced during air exchange (particularly in winter).
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Dedicated wall control : a control box (installed nearby) facilitates the management of modes (continuous, intermittent, boost), convenient for everyday use.
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Context “mechanical room / basement” : the equipment is installed near other mechanical components (e.g. water heater), in a logical environment that simplifies connections and annual maintenance.
Our AirGreen approach: performance, cleanliness, and simplified maintenance
Even though an air exchanger may seem "simple," its performance depends heavily on its installation. On this project, we focused on:
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a stable and secure assembly
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clean and watertight connections,
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a pipe layout that promotes good flow,
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and an installation designed for maintenance (filters, access, drainage).
The result: more balanced ventilation, better comfort, and significantly more pleasant air quality — particularly appreciated in a family home in Laval.
When should an air exchanger be serviced?
To keep your Air Exchanger vänEE in top condition, we recommend:
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Filter cleaning/inspection : every 3 to 6 months (depending on usage, animals, work, etc.)
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Pipe and drainage system inspection : at least once a year
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Complete maintenance : ideally annual, especially before winter
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the device and keeps airflow at the intended level.
Conclusion
This installation in Fabreville, Laval, perfectly illustrates what we're looking for: a Virtuo Air Exchanger vänEE , installed cleanly, accessibly, and optimized for the Quebec climate. At AirGreen, we always prioritize efficient, quiet, and sustainable ventilation—because clean air is something you feel every day.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We locate the wall for the two outdoor hoods, the unit's spot, service access and the drain.
The unit, its location and the price, in writing.
Hung or set level, with clear access to the filters and the core.
Fresh air intake and exhaust, kept apart and sealed.
The ones connected to the outside are insulated to prevent condensation inside the house.
Connected with its loop, when the unit needs one.
Installed where you will see it and use it.
Incoming and outgoing airflows are adjusted so the house is neither pressurized nor depressurized.
Speeds, filters, core: how to use it through the seasons.
- The on-site estimateWe locate the wall for the two outdoor hoods, the unit's spot, service access and the drain.
- The quoteThe unit, its location and the price, in writing.
- The unitHung or set level, with clear access to the filters and the core.
- The outdoor hoodsFresh air intake and exhaust, kept apart and sealed.
- The ductsThe ones connected to the outside are insulated to prevent condensation inside the house.
- The drainConnected with its loop, when the unit needs one.
- The wall controlInstalled where you will see it and use it.
- BalancingIncoming and outgoing airflows are adjusted so the house is neither pressurized nor depressurized.
- The walkthroughSpeeds, filters, core: how to use it through the seasons.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the filters and core as the manufacturer specifies.
- Check the outdoor hoods: nests, debris, dampers.
- Lower the speed if the outdoor air gets humid.
- Adjust the speed to the humidity in the house.
- Check that the drain flows.
- Keep the outdoor hoods clear.
- Clean the filters before the closed-house season.
- Check the exhaust damper.
- Book a full cleaning if the unit has not had one in a long time.
- Clear snow from both outdoor hoods.
- Raise the speed if condensation appears on windows.
- Let the unit run: with the house closed, humidity builds up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In an air exchanger, fresh air and stale air mix.
The two airflows cross in the core without mixing.
2. The two outdoor hoods must be kept apart.
Otherwise the exchanger pulls back the air it just removed.
3. An air exchanger can help with condensation on windows.
It renews the air and helps keep humidity in the right range.
4. An exchanger never needs maintenance.
Filters and core get dirty and need regular cleaning.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
What does an air exchanger do?
Does fresh air cool the house in winter?
What speed should it run at?
Does an exchanger need cleaning?
What are the signs of poor ventilation?
HRV or ERV: what is the difference?
Should it run in winter?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).