Poor indoor air ventilation may seem like a minor issue at first glance. Yet the consequences on health, comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term expenses can be substantial—especially in a climate as extreme as Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. At AirGreen, we've helped countless homeowners and building managers resolve issues caused by poor HVAC ventilation, often far more costly than they ever expected.
The Hidden Costs... That Are All Too Real
Poor ventilation leads to several economic consequences that are often underestimated:
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Increased energy consumption: Inadequate air exchange forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder to offset humidity and temperature imbalances.
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More frequent equipment maintenance: Clogged filters, dirty ductwork, and overheated motors drastically reduce the lifespan of your HVAC systems.
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Structural damage to the building: Excessive humidity from poor ventilation can lead to mold, rotting materials, and expensive water infiltration repairs.
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Compromised health: Occupants are exposed to elevated levels of CO2, allergens, fine dust particles, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), increasing the risk of respiratory and allergic conditions.
At AirGreen, we’ve seen cases where inefficient ventilation caused heating bills to spike by 20 to 30% during Montreal winters, on top of triggering major repair work in rental properties.
Real-World Examples from AirGreen Projects
Montreal – Petite-Patrie: The Failure of a Poorly Installed Heat Recovery Ventilator
A residential building had been fitted with a basic air exchanger without proper balancing of the duct network. The result? Humidity built up in the bathrooms, and mold contaminated two units. AirGreen replaced the system with a Venmar AVS N Series HRV featuring balanced airflow distribution and smart humidity control. Total damage costs: $12,000. AirGreen installation cost: $4,700. Energy savings: 18% in the first year.
Laval – Sainte-Dorothée: Undersized Ventilation in a Commercial Space
A corner store struggled with persistently stale air despite using a wall-mounted air conditioner. After assessment, we discovered there was no fresh air intake. Our solution: installation of a Lennox central ventilation system with heat recovery, integrated with the existing thermostat and duct rebalancing. The improved air quality reduced staff absenteeism and improved customer comfort.
Longueuil – Vieux-Longueuil: Excess Condensation and Heat Loss
A homeowner noticed condensation forming around the windows and a constant cold draft despite heating. The diagnosis: poorly insulated ventilation ducts and no mechanical ventilation in the attic. Our fix: installation of a Zehnder ComfoAir Q system, highly effective in northern climates. Outcome: immediate comfort improvement and a 23% reduction in electricity bills.
Why Do These Problems Happen So Often?
Many ventilation systems are installed without a proper air distribution plan. Additionally, some contractors skip over key checks like static pressure or required air exchange rates based on square footage, indoor activities (kitchen, laundry, etc.), or occupancy levels. The result? Oversized or ineffective systems—often noisy and incapable of managing humidity.
At AirGreen, we use airflow simulation tools and thermographic diagnostics to design custom solutions tailored to the climate conditions of Montreal and its surrounding areas.
The Numbers: How Much Does Poor Ventilation Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs associated with inefficient ventilation, based on our field experience:
| Issue | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Increased energy usage | $400 to $1,200 |
| Structural material deterioration | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Health issues related to air quality | Hard to quantify, but significant |
| Ongoing maintenance costs | $500 to $1,500 |
| Premature system replacement | $3,000 to $10,000 |
How AirGreen Optimizes Your Ventilation
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your home or building: airflow measurements, duct analysis, humidity level checks, and inspection for indoor pollution sources. Then, we propose targeted solutions:
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Installation of high-performance HRV/ERV systems (Venmar, Fantech, Zehnder, Lennox)
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Rebalancing existing ductwork
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Adding fresh air intake ducts for kitchens and bathrooms
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Maintenance and cleaning of ventilation networks
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Integration with home automation or existing thermostats
Every project includes before-and-after photos, a performance report, and personalized maintenance tips.
Available Grants
Several provincial and federal grants can help cover the cost of an efficient ventilation system, including programs like LogisVert and Rénoclimat. We assist you with filling out the grant applications and maximizing your return on investment.
A Few Practical Tips
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Clean your ventilation grilles every season.
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Have your ducts inspected every 3 to 5 years.
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Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity (ideal: 35% to 50%).
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Don’t block vents with furniture or rugs.
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Consider a heat recovery air exchanger if you live in a well-sealed home.
AirGreen, Your Ventilation Expert in Greater Montreal
For over 15 years, AirGreen has been serving Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, installing, repairing, and maintaining residential and commercial ventilation systems. Our strength lies in our rigorous approach, precise diagnostics, and full transparency about recommended work. Proper ventilation isn’t a luxury—it’s essential to protect your health, comfort, and property investment.