Preserving indoor air quality is a priority that is often overlooked—especially when it comes to the presence of radon in residential basements. This radioactive gas, invisible and odorless, poses a serious health risk if not properly addressed. On the North Shore, where many homes are built on soil that promotes radon accumulation, it is essential to adopt specialized ventilation solutions to ensure its removal. At AirGreen, we bring our expertise to families and homeowners concerned about their well-being by offering custom CVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ventilation systems to effectively combat this invisible threat.
Why is radon such a common issue on the North Shore?
Radon is the result of the natural breakdown of uranium found in soil and rocks. It enters buildings through cracks in the foundation, concrete slabs, or gaps around pipes. The North Shore, including towns like Terrebonne, Blainville, Boisbriand, and Saint-Eustache, is known for its granite and shale-rich terrain—geological formations that emit higher levels of radon.
The problem worsens in poorly ventilated basements, where stagnant air allows radon to accumulate to dangerous levels. Prolonged exposure to this gas significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers.
A long-term solution: mechanical ventilation systems
To address this issue, we recommend installing a mechanical ventilation system (known as HRV or ERV), which allows for continuous air renewal and radon evacuation. These systems can be centralized or localized, depending on the layout of the home and the detected radon levels.
The concrete benefits of a well-installed HRV/ERV system:
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Continuous evacuation of radon through controlled sub-slab depressurization.
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Consistent air renewal, improving comfort and reducing humidity.
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Significant reduction of indoor contaminants, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and allergens.
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Improved energy performance when integrated with an existing CVAC system.
Case study: installation of a radon ventilation system in Sainte-Thérèse
We recently completed a full ventilation system installation on the North Shore, in a single-family home located in Sainte-Thérèse, built in the 1980s. The homeowner, concerned for his family’s health, had radon testing done that revealed concentrations over 400 Bq/m³ — well above Health Canada’s recommended safety threshold of 200 Bq/m³.
Challenges encountered:
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Porous concrete foundation allowing diffuse radon infiltration.
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No pre-existing ventilation system in the basement.
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Limited technical space for installing new ventilation equipment.
AirGreen’s solution:
After a complete evaluation, we installed a Zehnder ComfoAir Q350 dual-flow HRV system with a heat exchanger and intelligent airflow control. This high-performance unit ensures continuous ventilation with efficient air exchange between stale indoor air and fresh outdoor air. We paired the system with an active sub-slab depressurization fan, connected to an airtight vent leading outdoors.
The result: in less than 30 days, radon levels dropped to 58 Bq/m³—a reduction of more than 85%. The client was able to obtain a partial reimbursement through the federal radon mitigation grant program, which covered around 40% of the total cost.
Why choose AirGreen for your basement ventilation?
At AirGreen, we have developed solid expertise in ventilation system installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore. We take every parameter into account: soil geology, building structure, contamination levels, and energy needs.
What sets our approach apart:
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Free on-site technical assessment with radon risk analysis.
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Careful selection of equipment (Zehnder, Venmar, Lifebreath) tailored to your layout.
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Clean, fast, and guaranteed installation, with post-installation performance testing.
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Personalized guidance on available subsidies for ventilation and decontamination.
Other benefits of a well-designed ventilation system
Beyond radon mitigation, a high-performance mechanical ventilation system contributes to:
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Reducing humidity and preventing mold growth.
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Providing cleaner air for people with allergies or asthma.
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Lowering heating costs in winter thanks to the integrated heat exchanger.
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Increasing property resale value with certified air quality improvements.
Safety tips and practical advice
Here are some important recommendations for homeowners on the North Shore:
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Test your basement for radon at least once every five years.
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Avoid sealing cracks without a prior diagnosis—it could worsen the issue.
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Always hire a certified professional who follows proper depressurization and ventilation standards.
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Integrate the ventilation solution with a central CVAC system for maximum effectiveness.
AirGreen: your ventilation partner on the North Shore
We understand how much your family’s health and indoor air quality matter. That’s why our team responds quickly with concrete, customized solutions perfectly suited to the homes and buildings of the North Shore.
Whether you’re in Mirabel, Boisbriand, Blainville, or Saint-Jérôme, our AirGreen experts are available to carry out a full evaluation of your basement and propose the best ventilation strategy against radon.
Contact us today
Protect your home and your loved ones with professional, long-term ventilation. Contact us for a free quote and discover how our CVAC systems can transform your indoor comfort, while protecting you from radon.