Winter in Montréal isn’t just about bitter cold or heavy snowfall—it’s a true test for your ventilation systems. Too often, a sneaky problem slips in quietly and goes unnoticed in homes and buildings: clogged air ducts. At AirGreen, we’ve seen the consequences of this issue far too often. Poor air quality, increased energy consumption, unexpected breakdowns... And yet, these are issues that can easily be avoided. Here’s why you should never neglect duct maintenance in the winter, and how to take action effectively, whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore.
Why do air ducts clog more often in winter?
When temperatures drop, homes and buildings are sealed tighter. We shut everything, insulate as much as possible... and that has a downside: air doesn’t circulate properly, and impurities build up quickly in the ductwork. Dust, pet hair, leftover pollen, cooking particles, moisture, mold—all of it collects in your ventilation network.
Out in the field, our teams often come across ventilation systems already dirty just a few weeks into winter, especially in homes that haven’t had any preventative maintenance in years.
Signs of a clogged air duct: don’t ignore them
Here are the most common warning signs we see during service calls:
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Noticeable reduction in airflow from ventilation grilles
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Persistent or unusual odors in certain rooms
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Visible dust build-up around vents
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Overheating in central heating systems (heat pumps or furnaces)
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Unexpected increase in electricity bills
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Worsening allergy or respiratory symptoms among occupants
In Longueuil and across the South Shore, for instance, a customer recently called us about uneven heating between floors. Upon inspection, we discovered the ducts were partially blocked by a rodent nest, combined with ten-year-old dust buildup. After cleaning and disinfecting the ducts, airflow returned to optimal levels.
What are the risks of neglecting duct cleaning in winter?
1. Higher energy consumption
A system that struggles to push air uses more energy. Your central heat pump works harder, which reduces its seasonal efficiency (SEER/HSPF) and shortens its lifespan.
2. Health risks
Contaminants stuck in the ducts keep circulating in your indoor air. In some cases, we’ve found mold spores and fine particles that are harmful to respiratory health—especially for children and older adults.
3. Shorter HVAC system lifespan
Poor airflow puts extra strain on the fan motor, which reduces the system’s overall longevity.
4. Poor indoor air quality
With windows shut tight all winter, your indoor air quality depends 100% on your ventilation system. Dirty ducts mean polluted air, 24/7.
How AirGreen handles clogged air ducts: our professional approach
At AirGreen, we take a comprehensive approach to cleaning and restoring ventilation ducts across the Greater Montréal area. Here’s what our service includes:
Full duct system inspection
Using specialized cameras, we inspect each section of the ductwork to identify:
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Areas of heavy dust accumulation
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Presence of mold or contaminants
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Any obstructions (objects, nests, renovation debris)
Negative pressure cleaning and rotary brushing
With professional-grade equipment, we create negative pressure inside the system while using rotating mechanical brushes. This effectively removes particles without spreading them into your home’s air.
Disinfection if needed
If mold or bacteria are present, we apply a certified and safe disinfectant, with no toxic residues.
Personalized recommendations
Every job ends with a detailed report and maintenance tips tailored to your setup. We also offer preventive maintenance plans for residential, commercial, or multi-unit buildings in Laval, Montréal, and surrounding areas.
Case study: Successful winter intervention in Laval
This past January, a family in Laval contacted us about a persistent bad smell throughout their home. Their central heating system (with a Bosch BOVA IDS Premium 3T heat pump, using R-454B refrigerant) seemed to be working fine, but the air felt stuffy.
After a full inspection, we found a heavy buildup of dust, mold, and even leftover construction debris from renovations done two years earlier. A thorough cleaning operation, combined with the installation of high-efficiency filters and a Venmar AVS air exchanger, completely solved the issue.
Result: a 17% drop in energy consumption, significantly improved air quality, and total customer satisfaction.
Our tips to avoid clogged ducts this winter
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Have your ducts inspected every 2 to 3 years
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Schedule full maintenance in the fall to prevent winter issues
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Never block your vents with furniture or curtains
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Replace air filters every 3 months (or more often with pets)
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Pay attention to odors, noises, and temperature fluctuations in your home
Why choose AirGreen for your ductwork needs?
Because we’re not just technicians: we’re experts in thermal comfort and indoor air quality. We operate across the Island of Montréal and also in Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our expertise covers:
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Central heat pumps from Bosch, Fujitsu, Gree, Lennox, Goodman
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Centralized and decentralized ventilation systems
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Installation of rigid or flexible ductwork
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Residential buildings, multiplexes, businesses, and offices
We combine precise diagnostics, careful execution, and complete transparency. Most importantly, we adapt each service to your specific situation.