An invisible yet ever-present threat compromises the comfort and health of thousands of households in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore: indoor air pollution. While outdoor air is commonly associated with pollution, the air we breathe inside our homes can actually be up to five times more contaminated. At AirGreen, we witness this daily during our HVAC service calls (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). In this article, we’ll explore the main causes of indoor pollution, the health consequences, the real solutions we implement, and the actions you can take for a healthier and more comfortable home.
Indoor Air Pollution: A Hidden Threat in Montréal and Surrounding Areas
Based on our numerous inspections of residential ventilation systems across Greater Montréal, over 80% of homes show abnormal buildup of contaminants in their ductwork or HVAC units. These include:
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Invisible mold settled in ducts or air exchangers.
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Fine dust, pet dander, and cooking residue.
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Spores, bacteria, and allergens that continuously circulate in an unmaintained system.
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Chemical pollutants from household products or building materials.
These invisible particles are then recirculated throughout the home by the heating or air conditioning systems, worsening occupants' daily exposure.
Silent Symptoms of Polluted Air: How to Know If Your Home Is Affected
Clients often call us for seemingly minor issues: persistent fatigue, recurring headaches, breathing problems or allergy flare-ups, stale odors in certain rooms. In many cases, these discomforts stem directly from poor HVAC maintenance or a ventilation system that’s not properly calibrated.
Among the warning signs our technicians frequently observe:
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Excessive dust despite regular cleaning.
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High humidity in certain rooms (especially basements or bathrooms).
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A “heavy” or stale feeling in the air.
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Frequent nighttime allergies or asthma attacks.
Case Study: A Laval Home Protected Thanks to a Full Ventilation Duct Cleaning
In January, a family in a Chomedey, Laval bungalow contacted us after months of unexplained health issues. During our inspection, we discovered a significant presence of black mold inside the central ventilation system. The air exchanger, installed more than 15 years ago, had never been cleaned.
Our team carried out:
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A full high-pressure cleaning of the air ducts.
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A certified antibacterial and antifungal treatment.
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Airflow adjustments to meet the recommended exchange rate for a four-person household.
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A recommendation (and later installation) of an integrated air purifier compatible with their existing system.
The result? A drastic reduction in symptoms within just a few days and clean, healthy air confirmed by fine particle sensors.
Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Essential for Your Health
We always emphasize this with our customers: a high-performing HVAC system is a well-maintained system. Most indoor pollutants build up gradually and invisibly. Our certified technicians recommend:
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Professional air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years.
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Annual maintenance for your heat pump, wall-mounted unit, or central system.
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Frequent filter replacements (every 3 months or depending on use).
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Monitoring indoor humidity and installing a dehumidifier or humidifier if needed.
The Key Role of Air Exchangers (HRV/ERV) and Purifiers in Air Quality
Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) play a crucial role in continuously renewing indoor air. We regularly install these systems in new homes, as well as retrofit projects on the South Shore, particularly in Brossard, Saint-Lambert, and Longueuil.
These devices allow you to:
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Expel stale indoor air (humidity, CO2, fine particles) outside.
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Bring in fresh, filtered, and tempered air without energy loss.
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Maintain balanced air pressure throughout the house.
In addition, integrated or portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, UV lamps, or negative ion generators help capture or neutralize allergens, viruses, and bacteria.
Tailored Solutions for Every Home, Based on Our Field Expertise
At AirGreen, our approach is rooted in a personalized analysis of every project. On each job in Montréal and surrounding areas, we evaluate:
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The layout of the existing HVAC system.
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The age and type of heat pump (central or wall-mounted), air conditioner, or furnace.
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Maintenance history and occupant complaints.
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Potential sources of humidity or contaminants (poorly ventilated basement, improperly insulated attic, etc.).
We then provide concrete, long-lasting solutions, based on energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality.
Common Mistakes We Help Correct
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Installing a heat pump without thinking about ventilation: Many clients install wall-mounted heat pumps without adjusting their ventilation system, resulting in poor air exchange.
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Skipping annual maintenance: A clogged filter or buildup inside the unit can seriously degrade air quality.
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Choosing the wrong size equipment: A system that’s too powerful or too weak for the home's size can create uneven airflow and temperature.
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Ignoring basements and attics: These spaces are often the first sources of mold or contaminants.
Our Commitment: Breathe Better, Live Better
Since our beginnings, we’ve helped hundreds of families improve their indoor air quality in Montréal and surrounding areas. Thanks to advanced measurement tools, proven technical expertise, and a health-focused approach, we go far beyond selling equipment: we help our clients breathe healthier air at home.
Think You Might Be Affected? Call AirGreen Today
Whether you're in Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, or the South Shore, our experts are ready to act fast with a comprehensive HVAC diagnosis, professional cleaning, or installation of advanced air purification solutions. Don’t let polluted air compromise your well-being — breathe better with AirGreen.