When Comfort Becomes a Danger: What Your Air Conditioner Might Be Hiding
In the summer hustle of Montréal, where wall-mounted air conditioners and heat pumps run at full speed, a concerning phenomenon is gaining ground: clients are claiming that their air conditioning system is harming their health. At AirGreen, recognized experts in HVAC installation and HVAC maintenance in the Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore regions, we investigated. What we uncovered is as concerning as it is revealing. Far from being a mere passing discomfort, poorly maintained or poorly designed installations can actually trigger or worsen health problems.
When the Air Conditioning System Becomes a Source of Symptoms
A Real Client Testimony from Laval
In the summer of 2025, a family in Laval contacted us after noticing a series of strange symptoms: persistent coughing, headaches, chronic fatigue. They suspected an allergy, but nothing explained the intensity of the symptoms… until the wall unit installed in their bedroom turned out to be the source of the problem. The unit, although recent, had never been cleaned since its installation three years earlier. The air filter was clogged, the drainage pan was moldy, and the fan was literally blowing spores into the ambient air.
Most Common Symptoms Linked to Poor Indoor Air Quality:
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Eye or nasal irritation
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Chronic allergies
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Regular headaches
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Unexplained fatigue
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Respiratory problems or aggravated asthma
Why These Incidents Are More Common Than We Think
Lack of Regular Maintenance
In 80% of cases, health problems linked to an HVAC system stem from a lack of maintenance. A poorly cleaned air conditioner becomes a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, dust mites, and pollutants. Ambient humidity exacerbates the phenomenon, especially in poorly ventilated areas like basements, closed bedrooms, or small apartments.
Improperly Sized or Installed Units
An air conditioner that is too powerful for a room can lead to excess moisture not being expelled, promoting mold growth. On the other hand, an undersized unit will run continuously, drying out the air and irritating the respiratory system.
At AirGreen, we are often called in to correct installations done hastily, without thermal studies or analysis of real needs. This leads to unbalanced living conditions and sometimes worrying situations.
What the Science Says: Studies and Medical Alerts
Many studies, including some published by the INSPQ, highlight that poorly maintained HVAC systems are among the primary sources of indoor air pollution. However, in North America, we spend over 90% of our time indoors.
A study conducted in Montréal showed that in buildings equipped with HVAC systems that had not been cleaned for over 2 years, levels of fine particles and fungal spores exceeded the recommended standards by up to 5 times.
Concrete Solutions Offered by AirGreen
Complete Maintenance of Your HVAC System
At AirGreen, we recommend a complete HVAC maintenance at least once a year, or twice if the system is used intensively. This includes:
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Cleaning the air filters
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Disinfecting the condensation pan
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Ventilation inspection
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Checking for refrigerant leaks
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Testing ambient humidity levels
Our certified technicians work everywhere in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, using professional equipment that adheres to the strictest health and safety standards.
Correction and Replacement Study
In extreme cases where the unit is defective or unsuitable, we recommend replacing it with a modern high-efficiency heat pump, such as the FUJITSU KZAH R-32, or Gree Charmo or Midea EVOX models, depending on the client's specific needs.
Proper Installation: The Best Prevention
Thermal Study: The Foundation of Every AirGreen Installation
Every project at AirGreen begins with an accurate thermal analysis, based on:
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Room volume and insulation
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Sunlight exposure
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Natural humidity levels
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Space usage
This allows us to recommend the ideal equipment (BTU, type, location) for optimal comfort and clean air, year-round.
Recommended Equipment in 2025–2026
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FUJITSU KZAH R-32 | 12,000 BTU: Ideal for bedrooms
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MIDEA ATOM X | 2.5 tons: Perfect for small businesses
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GREE FreeMatch | Multi-Zones: Custom solution for large homes or condos
All of our models are eligible for LogisVert rebates, with amounts up to $5,000.
What Clients Say After an AirGreen Service
"After AirGreen serviced our heat pump, we noticed immediate relief: fewer allergies, better sleep quality. It’s become an essential annual appointment."
— Benoît and Marianne, Longueuil
"We thought our daughter had an allergy… but it was our air conditioner making her sick. Thank you to AirGreen for their professionalism."
— The Desjardins Family, Laval
Conclusion: Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner
An air conditioner or heat pump, even if recent, can become a health risk if it is poorly maintained. And this risk, often silent, can worsen over time.
At AirGreen, we’ve made indoor air quality and thermal comfort our top priority. Our team of HVAC installation and maintenance experts is here to help you with precision and professionalism, anywhere in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
Contact us today to schedule a complete maintenance or a free assessment of your system. Your health deserves clean air, every season.