When indoor comfort depends on your ventilation choice
In a residential home located in Longueuil, on the South Shore of Montréal, a family contacted AirGreen to help solve an ongoing indoor comfort issue: maintaining good air quality while optimizing energy consumption. Their home, well insulated but without a mechanical ventilation system, was experiencing frequent humidity problems, condensation on windows in winter, and stale odors in rooms poorly served by natural airflow.
This case gave us the opportunity to put natural ventilation head-to-head with a mechanical ventilation system (HRV) in a real-life context, with all the technical challenges that come with the Montérégie climate.
Natural ventilation: a traditional concept with clear limitations
Natural ventilation relies on opening windows and air movement caused by pressure differences between the inside and outside. It may seem sufficient in theory—especially during mild seasons—but it comes with many limitations in a Québec climate.
The drawbacks observed in this Longueuil case:
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Weather dependent: in freezing cold weather, opening windows multiple times a day is simply not an option.
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Inconsistent air quality: outdoor air can be humid, polluted, or too dry, negatively impacting indoor comfort.
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Lack of control: it's impossible to regulate air exchange precisely.
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Side effects: excess humidity in the bathroom, fogged windows, and mold around window frames.
In this home, natural ventilation just wasn’t enough to ensure continuous and efficient airflow throughout all rooms, especially those far from exterior openings.
Mechanical ventilation: a precise, high-performance technological solution
Faced with these findings, our team recommended installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV)—a modern, energy-efficient solution perfectly suited to the Longueuil climate.
The chosen equipment:
We opted for a Venmar AVS E15 ECM HRV, designed for mid-sized single-family homes. This system:
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Offers a controlled airflow of 150 CFM.
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Is equipped with an ultra-efficient ECM motor.
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Includes an HVI-certified heat exchanger that preheats incoming air without energy loss.
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Qualifies for provincial energy efficiency rebates.
The installation process:
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Assessment of the existing ductwork and added air outlets in closed rooms (bathroom, basement, laundry).
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Installation of the HRV unit in the crawlspace with easy access for maintenance.
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System startup with a custom-balanced airflow setup based on the home’s volume.
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Provided training to the family to ensure they understand how to maintain the unit (filters, exchanger checks, etc.).
Post-installation comparison: natural ventilation vs mechanical ventilation
After three months of full use during the winter, the results were crystal clear. Here’s what the Longueuil family observed:
| Criterion | Natural Ventilation | Mechanical Ventilation |
|---|---|---|
| Air quality | Inconsistent | Stable and filtered |
| Humidity | Too high | Controlled (40–50%) |
| Odors | Lingering | Quickly eliminated |
| Energy efficiency | Unmanaged | High (heat recovery) |
| Winter comfort | Cold air when airing out | Constant tempered air |
| Maintenance required | No control | Simple and infrequent |
Why choose mechanical ventilation in Longueuil (and elsewhere in Québec)?
The harsh climate, increasingly airtight homes, and growing concerns about indoor air quality make mechanical ventilation essential in any residential or commercial building. At AirGreen, we’re seeing more and more requests like this one in Longueuil:
Our recommendations:
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Any home built after 2000 or renovated with high-performance insulation should have an HRV system.
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Homes with basement rooms or bathrooms without windows are ideal candidates.
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Buildings with pets or young children benefit greatly from cleaner, filtered air.
The AirGreen advantage: end-to-end expertise
At AirGreen, we don’t just install a machine. We provide a personalized diagnosis, custom installation service, and thorough follow-up after the work to ensure every customer gets the most from their investment.
What sets us apart:
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Local HVAC expertise in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
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Installation of Energy Star certified systems, eligible for LogisVert provincial grants.
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Certified technicians—courteous, professional, and respectful of your living space.
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Free in-home evaluations for all ventilation-related requests.
Conclusion: a smart and sustainable choice
This experience in Longueuil confirms what we encounter every day in our work: mechanical ventilation is essential today to guarantee consistent air quality, optimal comfort, and efficient energy use.
Natural ventilation alone is no longer enough. Thanks to technologies like today’s HRV systems and the expert installation provided by AirGreen, you can transform a damp, poorly ventilated home into a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient living space.
Thinking of upgrading the ventilation in your home or building in Longueuil, Montréal, Laval or the South Shore?
Contact AirGreen today for a personalized evaluation and discover how a well-planned mechanical ventilation system can improve your daily comfort.