In many homes in Fabreville, indoor air quality depends on a discreet device, often installed in the basement or in a mechanical room: the air exchanger . When it starts to make noise, frost up, lose efficiency or create persistent odors, it is quickly noticed… especially in winter, when windows remain closed and humidity varies greatly.
At AirGreen, we regularly service ceiling-mounted Air Exchanger/LifeBreath units (like the one pictured), connected to insulated flexible ducts and clearly marked (blue/red) air outlets to ensure a balance between fresh and stale air. Here's a concrete example of this type of service, what we check, and how it immediately improves everyday comfort.
Why does an Air Exchanger\LifeBreath become “less efficient” over time?
An air exchanger (HRV/ERV depending on the model) is not just a fan. It must:
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Extract stale air (odors, CO₂, humidity) from areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
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Introduce fresh, filtered air .
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Recover some of the heat from the outgoing air to limit energy losses.
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Maintaining balanced pressure in the house.
Over time, several things can cause performance to decline:
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Clogged filters : air circulation is poor, flow rate decreases, noise increases.
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A clogged core reduces heat recovery and the device has to work harder.
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Poor balance of airflows : house in slight depression → infiltration of odors, cold air, or humidity.
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Condensation/frost buildup : especially when drainage or the defrost cycle is no longer working properly.
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Sagging or poorly sealed flexible conduits : loss of flow, noise, vibrations.
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Electrical or control problems : unstable speeds, safety shutdown, intermittent stoppage.
What the photo reveals: a typical installation in Laval (and its sensitive points)
The photo shows a very common residential configuration:
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Air Exchanger\LifeBreath unit suspended with chains (excellent choice to limit vibration on the structure).
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Insulated flexible ducts (silver sheath) connected to the air outlets: essential to reduce condensation and maintain efficiency.
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Color-coded connection ports (blue/red), usually associated with fresh air / stale air according to the manufacturer's configuration and connection diagram.
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A visible power cable (exposed male plug), which often indicates a nearby connection — but which deserves to be checked for safety, electrical stability and the absence of false contacts.
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The presence of a level under the unit (an indication that an alignment adjustment has been made or is in progress): an air exchanger that is too inclined can promote stagnant water in the wrong place, or inefficient drainage.
This type of installation is generally robust, but details matter: drainage slope, chain tension, collar sealing, condition of duct insulation, and above all, final balancing.
Our AirGreen diagnostic on an Air Exchanger/LifeBreath: step by step
When we receive a call about a LifeBreath air exchanger “that is no longer ventilating as it used to”, we proceed with a simple and rigorous method.
1) Verification of actual symptoms
The typical cases can be quickly distinguished:
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air too dry / too humid
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condensation on the windows
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odors in the basement,
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vibration noise
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recurring frost
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low airflow in some vents.
This step is important: an air exchanger problem can sometimes be amplified by an overly powerful kitchen hood , a poorly ventilated dryer, or another exhaust fan.
2) Inspection of the filters and the core
On Air Exchanger\LifeBreath units, the filters and core are accessible and must remain clean to maintain efficiency.
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Cleaning or replacing the filters (depending on their condition).
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Clean up the kernel (if applicable), without damaging it.
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Checking the seals and correct repositioning (a core incorrectly replaced = internal losses and leaks).
3) Fan (motor) and speed control
A tired fan can:
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to make noise,
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consume more
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offer less bandwidth.
Let's check:
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mechanical condition,
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vibes,
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operation at different speeds
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behavior in defrost mode (if present).
4) Inspection of the pipes: losses, crushing, leaks
Insulated flexible conduits are convenient, but they are unforgiving:
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an elbow that's too tight
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a subsidence,
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a crushed section.
We inspect the collars, the sealing, and the continuity of the insulation (essential against condensation).
5) Balancing flow rates (the “real” secret to comfort)
This is the most neglected step… and yet the most important.
An air exchanger must be adjusted so that the incoming and outgoing airflow is:
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balanced (often recommended),
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or slightly pressurized/depressurized in certain specific contexts (rare in standard residential settings).
Improper balancing can cause:
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infiltration of cold air,
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odors coming from the garage/basement,
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Excessive humidity,
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reverse draw for some devices (in specific cases).
We measure and adjust, then we validate in the end: more stable house, fresher air, less discomfort.
Expected result after a repair/optimization
After a proper intervention on an Air Exchanger/LifeBreath, the difference is usually rapid:
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Lighter and less congested air (reduced odors).
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More stable humidity (less fogging on windows).
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Less noise (better controlled vibrations and flow).
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Improved efficiency in cold weather thanks to more functional heat recovery.
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More consistent ventilation between floors, especially if the basement was “heavy” or damp.
Good maintenance practices (simple, but effective)
To extend the life of a LifeBreath air exchanger and prevent breakdowns:
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Check/Clean the filters regularly (often every 8–12 weeks depending on usage).
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Ensure that the vents are not obstructed (dust, paint, furniture).
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Keep an eye on periods of extreme cold: if you see recurring frost , it's a sign.
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Listen to the device: a new noise (humming, vibration, clicking) warrants checking.
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Have the balancing checked periodically, especially after renovations, insulation changes, hood replacements or ductwork work.
Why entrust your air exchanger to AirGreen in Laval?
An air exchanger isn't "just" a device to clean. Residential ventilation in Quebec must take into account:
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the long, dry winter,
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freeze/thaw cycles,
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basements are more humid,
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Houses are becoming increasingly airtight.
We take a practical approach: diagnosis, correction, balancing, and then validation of the result. The goal is not just for the unit to "restart," but for the house to regain stable, comfortable, and healthy air quality—without unnecessary over-ventilation.