Concrete strategies to improve indoor comfort during extreme heat
On the North Shore of Montréal, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. At AirGreen, we’ve seen a steady rise in requests for high-performance ventilation system installations in areas such as Laval, Blainville, Terrebonne, Boisbriand, and Saint-Eustache. These requests reflect a growing need for thermal comfort, but also for efficient and long-lasting solutions for health and indoor air quality. This article shares our best tips to ensure optimal HVAC ventilation during extreme heat events.
Why ventilation is crucial during heatwaves
Poor indoor ventilation during a heatwave can turn a home or commercial space into a real oven. Beyond simple discomfort, excessively high indoor temperatures increase health risks: exhaustion, headaches, dehydration, even heatstroke.
A well-designed mechanical ventilation system allows for continuous air renewal, removes excess heat, filters out pollutants, and maintains a stable ambient temperature. This is especially important in modern, well-insulated buildings that often lack natural airflow.
Tip #1: Install a Heat Recovery Ventilation System (HRV)
At AirGreen, we highly recommend installing an HRV in homes on the North Shore. This system ensures continuous air exchange while preserving thermal energy, which reduces the load on heat pumps or wall-mounted air conditioners.
We recently carried out an installation of a Venmar AVS® N Series HRV in Blainville in a single-family home. The homeowner, who suffers from allergies, wanted to filter the air and reduce indoor humidity. Thanks to our expertise, we designed a discreet duct network with zoned control, allowing for targeted ventilation in bedrooms and common areas. The result: clean air, controlled temperature, and lower energy consumption.
Tip #2: Pair ventilation with smart air conditioning
An efficient ventilation system becomes even more effective when paired with a high-quality wall-mounted heat pump. We recently equipped a home in Sainte-Thérèse with a FUJITSU KZAH R-32 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, combined with an HRV system. Smart control maintains a precise thermal balance, even on days when temperatures soar above 35°C.
This type of pairing offers many benefits:
-
Reduced ambient humidity.
-
Optimized energy efficiency.
-
Accurate room-by-room temperature control.
-
Eligibility for LogisVert subsidies (up to $2,172 depending on the model and location).
Tip #3: Regularly maintain your ventilation systems
Regular HVAC maintenance is key to long-term performance. On the North Shore, dust, pollen, and mold can easily clog filters and reduce airflow capacity.
At AirGreen, we offer personalized HVAC maintenance contracts, tailored for both residential and commercial needs. Our technicians come on-site to:
-
Clean filters and ductwork.
-
Check airflow rates.
-
Adjust smart control settings.
-
Optimize overall system efficiency.
For example, in Bois-des-Filion, we recently found mold buildup in the ducts of a multi-unit residential building. Thanks to our deep certified disinfection cleaning, tenants reported a noticeable improvement in their indoor air quality in less than 48 hours.
Tip #4: Prioritize zoned and programmable ventilation
Zoned systems allow for ventilation only in occupied areas, which avoids energy waste and improves comfort. They’re especially effective in multi-story homes, large condos, or commercial buildings.
We recently installed a zoned system in a home in Lorraine. With a central smart controller, the ventilation automatically adapts to the temperature and occupancy in each zone. The homeowner can also manage the system remotely via a mobile app. In addition to enhanced comfort, electricity bills dropped by 22%.
Tip #5: Choose quiet and aesthetic solutions
Noise is often a concern for homeowners when it comes to ventilation. That’s why we recommend high-end models like the Zehnder ComfoAir Q wall ventilation systems or the ducted units from Aldes, known for their ultra-quiet operation.
During an installation in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, the client requested an invisible and silent system for their home office. We proposed a concealed duct solution in the false ceiling, with designer aluminum ventilation grilles. The result: no noise nuisance, and a clean aesthetic that perfectly matched the interior design.
Our key takeaway: tailor-made solutions for every home
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in HVAC ventilation. Every building has its own constraints, volumes, materials, orientation, and occupancy patterns. That’s why we analyze each case on-site, before recommending the best technical, aesthetic, and budget-friendly solution.
We’re proud to have helped hundreds of families on the North Shore breathe better, sleep better, and enjoy their home—even in the middle of a heatwave.
Why trust AirGreen
At AirGreen, our strength lies in:
-
Our hands-on experience in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
-
Our team of certified technicians specialized in residential and commercial ventilation.
-
Our expertise in local regulations and LogisVert subsidy programs.
-
Hundreds of successful projects and satisfied customers, year after year.
Our approach is simple: analyze, recommend, install, and maintain custom ventilation systems, designed to last and improve daily life.