Improving indoor air quality, maximizing energy efficiency, and extending equipment lifespan—these are the key benefits of annual ventilation system maintenance. Yet many homeowners and property managers in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore often ask the same question: is regular maintenance of their ventilation system a justified investment or just another unnecessary expense? At AirGreen, we conducted our own on-site investigation to answer this very legitimate question.
The Invisible Yet Vital Role of Ventilation
In the world of residential and commercial HVAC systems, ventilation often gets overlooked. Yet it’s what ensures constant air renewal, limits the buildup of humidity, CO₂, and pollutants, and guarantees even thermal comfort. A poorly maintained system can not only harm the occupants’ health but also lead to excessive energy use and costly breakdowns in the long term.
What Does a Ventilation Maintenance Service by AirGreen Include?
We carry out a thorough inspection of all components in the system: ducts, vents, fans, filters, motors, and electronic controls. Here are the main steps:
-
Cleaning of ducts and vents: removing dust, allergens, and mold.
-
Airflow checks: measuring static pressure and adjusting fan speeds.
-
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing: measuring particle concentration, humidity levels, and CO₂.
-
Heat or energy recovery ventilator maintenance (HRV/ERV): filter cleaning, balancing incoming and outgoing airflows.
-
Lubrication of moving parts and electrical system checks.
-
Detailed report provided to the customer with personalized recommendations.
Real-World Case: Poorly Maintained Ventilation System in a Duplex in Laval
This past March, we were called to diagnose an excessive humidity issue in a residential duplex in Laval. The result: a completely clogged HRV unit, ducts lined with dust, and an overheated fan motor. No maintenance had been done since the system was installed… 7 years ago. After a full maintenance service, indoor air quality significantly improved, condensation issues disappeared, and energy consumption dropped by 12% in just one month.
The Risks of Skipping Maintenance
Neglecting your ventilation system can lead to:
-
Moisture infiltration, causing hidden mold growth in walls.
-
Accelerated equipment wear, especially motors, bearings, and control boards.
-
Loss of energy efficiency, sometimes up to 30%.
-
Uneven air distribution, creating hot and cold spots in the building.
-
Indoor air contamination, which can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms.
Myth or Fact: Do Newer Systems Require Less Maintenance?
That’s a common misconception. New systems are not maintenance-free. On the contrary, their performance relies on precise balancing and sophisticated electronics that must be checked regularly. High-efficiency recovery ventilators, for instance, are highly sensitive to filter blockage. Even smart systems, like connected HRVs, need annual diagnostics to ensure optimal calibration.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Ventilation Maintenance?
AirGreen is a company specialized in HVAC installation and maintenance in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore. We stand out thanks to:
-
Certified and experienced technicians who know all the systems on the Québec market inside and out.
-
A structured maintenance protocol, tailored to each installation type (residential, commercial, multi-unit).
-
Fast, flexible service appointments, with impeccable post-visit follow-up.
-
Complete transparency on pricing and service steps.
When Should Maintenance Be Done?
We recommend scheduling maintenance in spring or fall, before the most extreme seasons hit. This ensures your system performs optimally during both the summer (cooling) and winter (heating) periods.
Is Maintenance Mandatory?
In Québec, ventilation system maintenance isn’t strictly mandatory in private homes, but it’s strongly recommended by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and Health Canada, especially for homes equipped with HRV or ERV systems. For commercial buildings or multi-unit housing, certain maintenance obligations may apply depending on air quality standards or lease requirements.
Maintenance vs. Savings: A False Dilemma
Annual maintenance generally costs between $175 and $350, depending on system complexity. In comparison, a motor failure or replacement HRV can cost several thousand dollars. By extending the lifespan of your system and optimizing its performance, you more than recoup the original investment.
Practical Advice for Homeowners
-
Replace filters every 3 months or according to manufacturer recommendations.
-
Never block vents or grilles, even in winter.
-
Watch for signs of poor ventilation: excess condensation, lingering odors, air that feels dry or stuffy.
-
Schedule an annual maintenance with a qualified professional like AirGreen.
Client Testimonial – Triplex in Longueuil
“Since we started doing maintenance with AirGreen, the air feels fresher, our tenants are more satisfied, and our electricity use has remained stable despite the rising rates. Their team is punctual, professional, and always ready to explain things.”
Conclusion: Annual Maintenance Is a Winning Strategy
Based on our investigation and numerous on-site interventions, it’s clear that annual ventilation system maintenance is an absolute necessity, both for the occupants’ health and for the durability and energy efficiency of the installation. At AirGreen, we believe that a bit of preventive care is worth a thousand repairs. Trust our experts to maintain your ventilation system in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North Shore or South Shore.