A poorly maintained or improperly designed ventilation system can be much more than just a nuisance to your everyday comfort. On the North Shore, where climate fluctuations and residential or commercial buildings require well-thought-out HVAC solutions, mistakes in installation or maintenance of ventilation systems can have unexpected consequences on your health. At AirGreen, we’ve encountered several cases where faulty ventilation was directly linked to frequent migraines among building occupants.
On-site expertise that uncovers overlooked truths
For many years, our work on HVAC ventilation systems across the North Shore, especially in Blainville, Boisbriand, Terrebonne, and Saint-Eustache, has revealed a recurring pattern: clients suffering from chronic headaches would see their health improve significantly after a complete update or maintenance of their ventilation system. This reality, still under-reported, deserves your full attention.
The build-up of invisible contaminants
1. A clogged ventilation system encourages the spread of mold and fine dust
The first unexpected cause of migraines linked to ventilation is the presence of contaminants in the ducts. A poorly cleaned system accumulates dust, allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants which, once redistributed through the air, trigger inflammatory reactions in sensitive individuals. On the North Shore, where seasonal humidity is common, this problem is made worse by the lack of regular cleaning.
At AirGreen, we recently cleaned the duct network in a house in Mascouche where black mold had been detected. The residents had been suffering from migraines for months without knowing the cause. Just days after our intervention, the symptoms disappeared.
2. Dirty filters reduce indoor air quality
The filters in your air exchanger or centralized ventilation system are designed to trap harmful particles. But when they’re not replaced regularly, they become a source of pollution themselves. A saturated filter releases micro-particles, leading to sinus irritation, respiratory issues, and in some people, migraines.
We recently replaced filters in a condo building in Laval where residents reported recurring migraines. The filters hadn’t been changed in over 18 months. Our intervention not only improved airflow but also drastically reduced complaints about headaches.
Poor design or unbalanced systems
3. Improper air pressure can cause physical discomfort
An unbalanced ventilation system can create overpressure or underpressure in certain rooms, directly affecting comfort and oxygen levels in the air. Poor airflow often results in feelings of suffocation or tightness — perfect conditions for triggering tension headaches.
In a single-storey house in Mirabel, we discovered that the air outlets were improperly calibrated, with excessive pressure in the bedrooms. We carried out a full rebalancing of the system, including adjustable air registers, and the main occupant’s chronic migraines stopped completely.
The importance of your system’s sound quality
4. Continuous vibrations or high-pitched sounds can cause auditory stress
Some ventilation units emit high-pitched sounds or continuous mechanical vibrations, especially when poorly mounted or aging. These noises, often subtle, create subconscious auditory stress that can lead to migraines. This is especially common in open-concept offices or homes with noisy mechanical room fans.
In Boisbriand, a company contacted us after several employees reported repeated afternoon headaches. We replaced a faulty central fan with a super-silent ECM motor model, and the problem was instantly resolved.
Poor humidity control
5. Inefficient ventilation fails to properly manage indoor humidity
Excessive or low humidity is another factor contributing to migraines. A poorly regulated humidity level dries out mucous membranes or, conversely, promotes bacterial and mold growth. Ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining a stable humidity level around 40–50%, ideal for comfort and health.
On the North Shore, we’ve seen this issue in well-insulated homes with poor ventilation, often equipped with high-performance windows but no effective air exchanger. After installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), our team stabilized the humidity levels, and the migraines went away.
How AirGreen makes the difference
At AirGreen, our approach always begins with a comprehensive analysis of your existing HVAC system, combined with an environmental diagnosis of your living or working space. We never install “generic” ventilation solutions — each project is designed according to your specific needs, square footage, space layout, and any existing health issues.
We use certified equipment such as:
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Venmar AVS® high-efficiency ERVs
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HEPA and MERV 13 filters
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Quiet, low-energy systems
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Smart humidity sensors and automated controls
Our certified teams serve the entire North Shore, as well as Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and the South Shore.
Conclusion: your health depends on well-designed ventilation
Environmentally triggered migraines are real and often caused by poor indoor air quality. A well-designed ventilation system, maintained regularly and tailored to your needs, is an essential investment in your well-being.
Don’t let your ventilation system become a silent source of daily pain. Trust AirGreen, your HVAC ventilation experts on the North Shore, for accurate diagnostics and long-term solutions.