Poor indoor air quality, often underestimated, is behind many discomforts and health problems in homes across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. What most people don’t realize is that 95% of homes in the greater Montréal area suffer from an invisible buildup of contaminants in their HVAC systems, caused mainly by one overlooked factor: a lack of regular maintenance on their ventilation and heating systems.
A silent threat: indoor air more polluted than outside air
At AirGreen, we intervene daily in houses, condos, and buildings where the indoor air is up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. This situation results from a combination of factors: dust, mold spores, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), excess humidity and most importantly, dirt buildup inside ventilation ducts, wall-mounted and central heat pump filters, and air exchangers.
Case study: a typical home in Villeray, Montréal
We were recently called in for a full HVAC cleaning in a family home located in the Villeray neighbourhood. The homeowners were complaining about breathing issues, persistent headaches, and an overall feeling of stale air.
Upon arrival, we inspected the central system: a 36,000 BTU Goodman central heat pump with ductwork that had been in place for over 10 years. The filter hadn’t been replaced in at least two years, and the ducts were lined with a thick layer of dust, skin flakes, and organic debris, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.
The surprising source: ducts left untouched for years
In 95% of similar cases, the problem comes from neglected ventilation and heating systems. Over time, the ducts collect invisible residues that are released into the air every time the system kicks on.
A thorough cleaning by our specialized team revealed:
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Bacterial biofilm buildup inside the ducts.
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Uncontrolled condensation around the heat pump coil.
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Presence of active mold growth on the ventilation grilles.
After a full cleaning, antibacterial treatment, and installation of a high-efficiency HEPA filter, the indoor air quality returned to optimal levels. The homeowners reported noticeable respiratory comfort within the first 48 hours.
Why hire a professional HVAC cleaning service?
Unlike basic household cleaning, a professional HVAC cleaning like the one we offer at AirGreen allows for:
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Complete access to the entire duct network using rotary brush tools.
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High-power HEPA-filtered vacuuming to capture fine particles.
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Degreasing and disinfecting air exchangers, fans, coils and filters.
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Prevention of mold and allergens in the living environment.
Our service areas include Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, with customized solutions for single-family homes, multiplexes, condos, and even small commercial spaces.
Which systems are the most vulnerable?
Certain types of HVAC systems are especially prone to buildup:
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Wall-mounted heat pumps (such as Fujitsu KZAH R-32, Gree Extrême, Sharp ZU1 models): the indoor unit quickly collects dust if not cleaned every 6 to 12 months.
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Central heat pumps (Goodman, Bosch, Lennox): their duct network can become a massive contamination zone if not maintained properly.
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Air exchangers (HRV and ERV): if not cleaned annually, they can redistribute pollutants to every room.
The impact on health and comfort
Polluted air inside the home can lead to:
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Respiratory tract irritation
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Chronic allergies
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Constant fatigue
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Disrupted sleep
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Worsening of asthma and other respiratory conditions
It’s crucial to understand that even the most efficient HVAC system becomes ineffective if it runs with dirty ducts or saturated filters.
Recommended cleaning frequency for optimal results
Here are our professional recommendations:
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Complete duct cleaning: every 3 to 5 years.
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Wall-mounted heat pump maintenance: every 6 to 12 months.
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Annual inspection of the entire HVAC system, including filters, coils, motors, ventilation grilles and air exchangers.
AirGreen: our commitment to healthy indoor air
At AirGreen, we take pride in offering a highly specialized HVAC cleaning service tailored to homes throughout Greater Montréal. Our certified technicians use cutting-edge equipment and follow the strictest standards in cleanliness, energy efficiency and safety.
Each service includes:
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A detailed system evaluation.
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A before/after report with photos.
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Personalized advice to maintain optimal air quality.
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A client follow-up to ensure full satisfaction.
We serve the entire Island of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Repentigny, Terrebonne, Blainville, and many other sectors.
Conclusion: Regular HVAC cleaning is an investment in your health
Never underestimate the impact of indoor air on your daily well-being. If you notice persistent odors, airborne dust or unexplained health issues, your HVAC system may be the hidden culprit.
Trust your air to AirGreen. We’ll help you restore a clean, safe and comfortable environment — breathing clean air is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.