When Poor Indoor Air Quality Becomes an Invisible Problem: A Service Call Story from Laval
At first glance, everything seemed normal in this well-kept home in Laval, located in the Duvernay neighborhood. A well-maintained house, residents who care about their comfort—and yet… a lingering discomfort. For several weeks, the occupants had been experiencing unexplained symptoms: recurring headaches, constant fatigue, irritated throats, and a heavy, humid feeling in the air. After ruling out the usual suspects (seasonal allergies, sleep issues, etc.), they decided to call AirGreen, trusted experts in residential HVAC ventilation on the North Shore of Montréal.
What seemed like a routine inspection turned out to reveal a much more serious issue—one that’s far too often overlooked in Québec homes: poorly maintained or faulty ventilation.
The Kind of Ventilation Expertise That Changes Everything
From the moment our team arrived, our technicians carried out a full diagnostic of the ventilation system. The home was equipped with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), installed over a decade ago, and hadn’t received any significant maintenance in at least 6 years. It didn’t take long for us to uncover several problems:
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Filters completely clogged with dust and mold spores
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Unusual noises coming from the motor, a sign of mechanical imbalance
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Ventilation ducts choked with buildup, cutting airflow to less than 40% of its original capacity
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Excessive moisture inside the ducts, creating an ideal environment for mold growth
Real Symptoms, Hidden Causes
This case is far from unique. Many families in Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, and across the South Shore and North Shore experience chronic symptoms without realizing the true cause: indoor air quality. A faulty ventilation system can no longer properly evacuate stale air, pollutants, or bring in enough fresh air from outside.
In this home, stagnant air had reached alarming levels of CO₂ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), directly impacting the health and comfort of everyone inside.
The AirGreen Response: A Complete Ventilation Reset
After clearly presenting our findings to the homeowners, we carried out a tailored intervention plan:
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Complete duct cleaning using professional rotating brushes and a HEPA vacuum system
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Replacement of the ventilator motor, which was too worn out to be repaired
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Installation of new MERV-13 filters, capable of trapping even the finest pollutants
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Addition of a smart air quality sensor, connected to the central unit to automatically adjust airflow as needed
Everything was completed in under 5 hours, without any demolition or major disruption to the family’s daily life.
Results: Immediate Improvement in Comfort and Health
Just days after the intervention, the family reported a significant drop in headaches, better sleep quality, and above all, a noticeable freshness throughout the home. The revamped HVAC ventilation system now allows for optimal air circulation, effective filtration, and proper humidity control indoors.
Common Ventilation Mistakes to Avoid
At AirGreen, we frequently intervene in Laval and across the greater Montréal area to resolve similar issues. Here’s what we recommend to prevent these situations:
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Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before scheduling a ventilation check
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Have your ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and building type
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Replace your filters every 3 to 6 months, more often if you have pets or allergies
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Don’t ignore strange noises or odors, which are signs your system may be struggling
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Call in a specialized company, not just a general handyman, for a full analysis
A Full-Service, Personalized and Certified Experience
One of AirGreen’s key strengths is our thorough and human approach. Every service call is handled with meticulous attention to detail. Our technicians are trained to identify not just mechanical failures, but also health impacts and energy-saving opportunities.
In the case of this Laval home, we even suggested, for the medium term, replacing their aging ventilator with a higher-performance model from Vanee, ENERGY STAR certified, and fully eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.
Why You Can Trust AirGreen for Your Ventilation Needs in Laval and Beyond
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Quick response times in Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
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State-of-the-art equipment for cleaning, detecting, and repairing ventilation systems
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Certified technicians, with years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC
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Transparent service, with clear explanations of the work done and the benefits for your comfort and health
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Eligibility for provincial and federal grants, with full support for the paperwork
Our Conclusion: Ventilation Is the Backbone of Your Comfort—Don’t Overlook It
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms at home, don’t ignore them. As this true story from Laval shows, a poorly maintained ventilation system can seriously affect your quality of life. At AirGreen, we’re here to support you with customized, durable, and efficient HVAC solutions.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—book a professional inspection with AirGreen today.