Invisible systems, visible comfort: residential ventilation, an underestimated pillar of indoor well-being
At AirGreen, our mission is clear: to transform every home in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore into a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient space through smartly designed residential ventilation systems. Too often overshadowed by heating or air conditioning, ventilation plays a vital role in indoor air quality, energy performance, and occupant comfort.
In this article, we’re unveiling 6 essential truths about residential ventilation – secrets that few companies in the HVAC field dare to share. These insights come directly from our on-site experience, gathered through hundreds of service calls across Greater Montreal.
The myth of natural ventilation: why “fresh air” isn’t always healthy
Many homeowners believe that opening windows is enough to ventilate a house. That’s simply not true. Natural ventilation offers no control over airflow, humidity, or particle filtration. In winter, it drops your indoor temperature. In summer, it brings in hot, humid air. Worst of all, it doesn’t filter out allergens or pollutants.
At AirGreen, we recently upgraded a ventilation system in Saint-Bruno, on the South Shore, where the residents suffered from chronic allergies. Installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) equipped with HEPA filters completely changed their quality of life in less than a week.
A good ventilation system isn’t “visible”, but you feel it in every breath
The real sign of a high-performance ventilation system is the absence of stagnant odors, window condensation, or hot/cold spots. Fresh, dry, evenly distributed air – that’s the end goal. To achieve it, the system must be custom-designed, tailored to your home’s layout, insulation, orientation, and usage.
That’s why we never offer “pre-configured” setups. In a recent project in Ahuntsic, Montreal, we redesigned the entire duct network of a century-old house, optimizing airflow and integrating automated humidity control – discreet, but incredibly effective.
The truth about ducts: the inside is dirtier than you think
One of the most overlooked secrets? Indoor air quality depends as much on your equipment as it does on the cleanliness of your ductwork. Dust, mold spores, household pollutants, and pet hair build up inside ducts, drastically reducing system efficiency.
That’s why we recommend a full duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years, a service we perform ourselves using inspection cameras and high-efficiency rotary brushes. In Laval, a rental property owner saw a 25% drop in complaints related to odors and humidity after our intervention.
A good air exchanger doesn’t use more energy – it saves it
Contrary to popular belief, installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) doesn’t raise your energy bills – it lowers them. These systems transfer heat from stale outgoing air to incoming fresh air, reducing the load on your heating and cooling systems.
In a home in Repentigny, we integrated a Venmar AVS N Series unit into an existing central HVAC system. The result: an annual 9% drop in energy consumption, according to the homeowner’s utility bills. This type of project is eligible for various grants, including Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, which we help clients apply for.
Poorly designed ventilation = overconsumption and discomfort
We often see poorly installed systems: misplaced air intakes, low airflow, incorrect filters… These mistakes create hot or cold spots, moisture buildup, noise issues, or even premature equipment failure.
At AirGreen, every installation begins with a comprehensive audit, including airflow measurements, thermal imaging diagnostics, and indoor air quality analysis. In Brossard, we fixed an unbalanced system in a new home where one bedroom constantly stayed at 18°C despite heating. By adjusting airflow with motorized dampers, we stabilized the temperature throughout the house.
A smart HVAC system means ventilation that adapts to your needs
The latest trend: smart ventilation systems connected to thermostats, CO2 sensors, humidity sensors, and motion detectors. These systems adjust airflow in real time, optimizing comfort and energy usage.
We recently installed a setup in a Town of Mount Royal home, connecting a central system to an ecobee thermostat with multiple sensors. The result: ventilation now auto-adjusts based on which rooms are occupied, the humidity level, and the residents’ daily schedule. The outcome: more comfort, less energy waste.
Why choose AirGreen for your residential ventilation?
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Certified expertise: trained, certified technicians with experience in both new homes and renovation projects
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Custom assessments: every project starts with a full analysis of your space and real needs
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Turnkey service: from evaluation to grant assistance, including regular maintenance
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Local presence: we serve Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore with fast, efficient mobile teams
Common mistakes to avoid when planning a ventilation system
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Choosing equipment without analyzing required airflow
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Forgetting to clean existing ductwork
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Ignoring relative humidity levels
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Installing a heat recovery system without balancing the duct network
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Overlooking new energy standards
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Hiring a general contractor without HVAC specialization
Our practical tips for healthier air at home
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Check your filters every 3 months
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Schedule an annual inspection
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Monitor humidity (ideally between 40% and 60%)
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Ask AirGreen for a home audit to detect air leaks or imbalance
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Take advantage of available grants to improve indoor air quality
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell HVAC equipment. We deliver tailored solutions that transform your indoor environment.
Whether you’re looking for a high-performance air exchanger, duct cleaning, or expert advice for a healthier home, our team is here to guide you at every step – with precision, transparency, and passion.