An unexpected incident recently disrupted daily life in a residential building in the Rosemont neighbourhood of Montréal. What initially seemed like a simple case of a malfunctioning ventilation system turned out to be much more surprising. Thanks to our swift intervention at AirGreen, and the unexpected help of a... hamster, we were able to diagnose an issue invisible to the naked eye and deliver a durable, efficient, and safe HVAC solution. Here’s the detailed story of a ventilation service call that was as technical as it was unexpected.
A ventilation system slowing down… then stopping completely
It all started with an emergency call from a property manager concerned about a drop in performance in the central ventilation system of a three-story rental building. Tenants were complaining about poor airflow, stagnant odours, and unusually high humidity in the units on the top floor.
Upon arrival, we conducted a full inspection of the HVAC system, starting with the main fan, ducts, dampers, and exhaust grilles. At first glance, nothing appeared blocked or broken. Yet the airflow remained insufficient, and the fan motor emitted an odd sound—like a faint squeak followed by a sudden stop.
The unexpected discovery of a little intruder
It was only after removing a specific section of the return air duct that we uncovered the source of the issue: a domestic hamster, apparently having escaped its cage, had found refuge in the main duct. Stuck in a hard-to-reach area, the living animal had unintentionally blocked the airflow, causing the motor to overheat and triggering the safety system, which shut off the fan.
Thanks to our precision and specialized tools, we were able to rescue the animal without injury and immediately perform a full cleaning of the duct. Though rare, this type of incident highlights the importance of preventive maintenance for residential ventilation systems, even in newer buildings.
Diagnosis, repair, and upgrade of the ventilation system
Once the blockage was cleared, we assessed the overall condition of the system. The findings:
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Significant accumulation of fine dust in several secondary duct sections.
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Filters not changed in over a year, gradually choking the system.
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Aging central fan (Fantech brand, model FG 10), showing decreased performance compared to current energy efficiency standards.
With the client’s approval, we proceeded with a partial upgrade of the ventilation system, including:
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Replacing the Fantech FG 10 fan with a newer model, the Vortice Lineo 100V0, which is quieter, more energy-efficient, and compliant with Novoclimat standards.
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Installing new HEPA filters in critical sections.
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A complete disinfection of the ducts using a certified antifungal product.
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Installing a rodent-proof grille at the exterior duct inlet.
Final result: cleaner air, optimized system, happy tenants
By the end of the work, the property manager noticed an immediate improvement in air quality. The measured airflow increased from 67 CFM to 124 CFM, ensuring better distribution throughout all units. Humidity levels returned to normal, and the stagnant odour vanished completely. Even better, we set up a biannual HVAC maintenance plan with our team to avoid future issues.
Why choose AirGreen for your ventilation systems in Montréal?
At AirGreen, we understand that every residential or commercial ventilation system is unique. That’s why we:
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Use advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify hidden issues.
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Respond rapidly, even in urgent situations.
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Offer long-term, cost-effective solutions, compatible with energy-efficiency grant programs.
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Provide a full-service ventilation solution across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Over the past two years, we’ve successfully completed over 350 ventilation installations and repairs, often in complex scenarios involving poor duct design, undersized fans, or undetected indoor pollutants.
Practical tips: how to avoid unexpected duct blockages
Here are a few simple but essential recommendations we share with our clients:
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Have your ventilation system inspected at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall.
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Change filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and occupants (pets, children, smokers).
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Install protective grilles on exterior duct inlets and outlets.
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Educate residents on the importance of keeping small animals away from air vents.
A memorable story, an exemplary service
This atypical case, although amusing at first glance, perfectly illustrates the risks of a neglected ventilation system. Thanks to our expertise, responsiveness, and human approach, AirGreen was able to turn a quirky incident into a modernization opportunity, benefitting all building occupants.
Do you suspect a ventilation problem in your building in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, or South Shore? Don’t wait. A quick evaluation can save you from major trouble.
Contact us today for a professional diagnosis or a complete ventilation installation. At AirGreen, we do far more than install ducts – we ensure your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.