Breathing healthy indoor air is a top priority when it comes to your family’s comfort and health, as well as for your employees or tenants. Yet stale air builds up quickly in our closed indoor spaces—especially in well-insulated homes typical of Greater Montreal. At AirGreen, we encounter cases every week where poor ventilation leads to condensation, mold, or lingering odors. Thanks to our experience in installing HVAC ventilation systems throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we’ve developed practical, proven methods to significantly improve indoor air quality.
Why Does Indoor Air Become Stale?
In enclosed spaces, moisture, chemical pollutants (like cleaning products, glues, and paints), fine particles, and even carbon dioxide from our breathing accumulate. Without an efficient ventilation system, indoor air can become up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This issue worsens in winter, when windows stay shut and natural air exchange is nearly nonexistent.
Tip 1: Install a Heat or Energy Recovery Ventilator (HRV/ERV)
This is the most recommended ventilation solution in our residential and commercial projects across Greater Montreal. An HRV or ERV removes stale indoor air while bringing in fresh outdoor air, all while recovering heat from the outgoing air to minimize energy loss.
Real-Life Example: Project in Laval
We recently installed a Venmar AVS HRV system in a single-family home in Laval. Before our intervention, the homeowners complained of constant window fog and mold in the bathroom. After the installation, humidity dropped from 68% to 42%, and the air became noticeably more breathable within the first week. This solution integrates perfectly with a central heat pump system for optimal energy efficiency.
Tip 2: Clean and Maintain Ventilation Ducts
Even the best ventilation system won’t work properly if the ducts are clogged with dust, mold, or debris. At AirGreen, we recommend a professional cleaning every 3 to 5 years, especially after renovations or in older homes.
Case Study: HVAC Maintenance in Longueuil
During a service call in Longueuil, we found that the ducts in a duplex hadn’t been cleaned since the central system was installed over 10 years ago. The result: 30% efficiency loss, mold buildup, and unpleasant odors. After a full cleaning and certified disinfection, the residents immediately noticed lighter air and a reduction in allergy symptoms.
Tip 3: Control Humidity Through Proper Ventilation
Excess humidity often points to inadequate ventilation. A good system should keep humidity levels between 35% and 50%, limiting mold, mildew, and dust mite growth.
South Shore Service Call
In Brossard, a client with chronic asthma contacted us about persistent humidity issues. After inspection, we installed a central dehumidifier integrated into her existing ventilation system. The result: a significant improvement in her breathing, disappearance of moldy smells, and better performance from her HVAC heating system.
Tip 4: Install Localized Exhaust Fans
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms produce lots of moisture and contaminants. Installing powerful, quiet exhaust fans with humidity sensors or timers allows you to target problem areas without overloading your main system.
Application in Montreal – Triplex Renovation Project
During a renovation project in Villeray, we recommended adding Panasonic WhisperGreen fans to all three bathrooms of the triplex. Thanks to their low power consumption and near-silent operation, tenants enjoyed a healthier environment without sacrificing acoustic comfort.
Tip 5: Integrate Ventilation into the Whole HVAC System
Too often, homeowners install an efficient heat pump or central heating system without properly integrating ventilation. At AirGreen, we design every HVAC project as a whole. This allows for finer control of air quality, even temperatures, and significant energy savings.
Example from the North Shore: Central HVAC in a New Home
In a new home in Blainville, we installed a 5-ton Bosch BOVA central heat pump combined with a Venmar EVO5 ventilation system. Thanks to well-balanced air distribution, indoor comfort was perfectly controlled—even in the basement rooms. This setup also allowed the client to benefit from LogisVert grants, reducing the total cost by $2,400.
Mistakes to Avoid in Residential Ventilation
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Neglecting duct or filter maintenance
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Installing an undersized air exchanger
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Failing to insulate ducts in cold areas
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Using exhaust fans that are too noisy or ineffective
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Ignoring indoor relative humidity
Why Trust AirGreen?
Our team has deep expertise in HVAC ventilation. We work daily on projects across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, whether it's residential installations, condos, or commercial spaces. Every one of our interventions is customized, based on a precise diagnosis, and always includes practical advice for maintaining air quality long-term.
Conclusion
Proper ventilation is not just about installing a device—it’s about thinking holistically about airflow, humidity, maintenance, and system integration. At AirGreen, we go above and beyond so that every client can breathe healthy, balanced, energy-efficient indoor air. Whether you're in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore, we’re here to support you with custom, long-lasting ventilation solutions.