In many renovated condos and plexes in Ville-Marie , you'll find ceiling-mounted air exchangers installed in a small mechanical room or utility closet. It's convenient… until the day the ventilation becomes noisy, the air feels heavier, condensation forms on the windows, or odors persist. At AirGreen , we regularly service this type of unit—and the photo specifically shows a vanEE Air Exchanger , model HRV 60H (compact size, insulated flexible duct connections, chain suspension, visible drainage).
Our goal during a service is not just to "start it up again", but to restore stable, quiet and balanced ventilation , adapted to the real rhythm of a Montreal home (cooking, showering, dry winter, temperature variations, etc.).
Why a service on a vanEE HRV 60H Air Exchanger makes all the difference
An air exchanger (HRV) works continuously: it extracts stale air and brings in fresh air, recovering some of the heat. Over time, certain aspects become critical:
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Clogged filters and core : reduced airflow, less fresh air, humidity more difficult to control
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Dust accumulation in the housing : increased noise, decreased efficiency
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Flexible ducts : pressure losses, sagging, loose clamps, air leaks
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Drainage/condensation : partially blocked pipe, insufficient slope, risk of water in the bottom of the tank
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Balancing airflow : negative pressure, cold air infiltration, discomfort and overconsumption
The photo clearly shows a typical "condo" setup: a suspended unit , two large insulated flexible ducts , and a drain pipe leading down to the plumbing. These are clues that directly guide our service procedure.
Signs that your air exchanger needs servicing (even if it “works”)
In Ville-Marie, buildings are often very airtight (modern condos) or, conversely, older buildings renovated with new windows. In both cases, ventilation must be impeccable. Here are the symptoms we see most often:
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Heavy air, lingering odors after cooking
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Frequent condensation on windows, especially in the morning
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Allergies are more prevalent indoors
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The ventilation noise is louder than before.
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Significant variation in humidity (too dry or too humid)
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Sensation of cold drafts near the air inlets
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Frost or abnormal condensation in cold weather
Our AirGreen method: complete service on vanEE HRV 60H Air Exchanger
1) Accurate diagnosis (before adjusting the settings)
We begin by validating the overall condition of the vanEE HRV 60H Air Exchanger : suspension stability, vibrations, condition of the flexible ducts, connection seals, and drainage behavior. Next, we check the operating modes (continuous, intermittent, boost).
2) Cleaning and refurbishment of key components
Proper maintenance is often what brings airflow and quality back to normal levels:
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Cleaning the accessible compartment (dust, deposits)
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Filter inspection and cleaning
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Checking/maintenance of the heat exchanger core (depending on condition and type)
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Checking the tightness of the panels and joints
3) Drainage control (critical point in condos)
The pipe visible in the photo is typical: if it gets dirty, if the slope is insufficient, or if a section is pinched, the unit can accumulate water and lose performance. We check:
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Pipe slope and routing
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Beginning of blockage (deposits, damp dust)
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Connections and potential leaks
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Signs of abnormal condensation
4) Ventilation adjustments and balancing
An air exchanger can rotate… while ventilating “at an angle”. We are looking for a concrete result: cooler air , less problematic humidity , less noise , better stability .
Depending on the configuration, we make the necessary adjustments to restore a consistent operation with your home and your habits (showers, cooking, teleworking, etc.).
5) Clear recommendations for the Montreal winter
During cold weather, HRVs are in particularly high demand. We explain the best practices for:
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avoid excessively dry air without sacrificing air quality
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maintain a comfortable humidity
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limit fogging
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Use the “boost” mode correctly (bathroom/kitchen)
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schedule maintenance at the right time (often before or during the heating season)
Common characteristics observed in Ville-Marie
In the buildings of Ville-Marie, you often find:
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narrow mechanical rooms (limited access to the unit)
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insulated flexible conduits, sometimes compressed or excessively bent
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shared ventilation with extractor hood/bathroom (need for consistency)
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increased sensitivity to pressure (slamming doors, water infiltration)
That is why we approach the service of a vanEE HRV 60H Air Exchanger as a whole: unit + ducts + drainage + flow rates + actual use .
What you get after an AirGreen service
After a thorough interview, our clients generally notice:
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a lighter and more pleasant indoor air
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fewer lingering odors
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more stable humidity
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less condensation on the windows
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a quieter device (less vibration/effort)
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improved overall ventilation efficiency
Conclusion: A well-maintained vanEE HRV 60H air exchanger provides everyday comfort.
An air exchanger isn't something you can just forget about. Especially in an urban setting, like a sealed condo in Ville-Marie , its performance directly impacts air quality, humidity, and comfort. At AirGreen , we offer comprehensive services for vanEE Air Exchanger units, including diagnostics, cleaning, drainage checks, and adjustments for truly effective ventilation.