Buying or reusing a used ventilation system may seem appealing at first, especially for property owners looking to cut costs. However, in Montréal – a region where extreme weather puts HVAC equipment to the test – this decision raises important concerns about reliability, safety, and energy performance. At AirGreen, we were recently called in to assess an existing used ventilation installation in a residential building in the Plateau-Mont-Royal. Here’s what we found, and why we strongly advise our clients to be extremely cautious with this type of equipment.
An Emergency Call That Revealed the Truth: A Used Ventilation System at the Heart of the Problem
The client contacted us after recurring issues with stale air and poor indoor air quality in their six-unit building. During our initial inspection, we discovered that the ventilation system had been salvaged from another property over 15 years ago, then put back into service without any major refurbishment.
Problems Identified During Our Inspection in Montréal:
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Clogged air filters that had never been replaced.
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Poorly insulated ductwork, leading to significant energy loss.
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Outdated control system, incompatible with current standards.
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Heavily worn ventilation motor, running at reduced power.
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Presence of mold inside the ducts, caused by unmanaged condensation.
These observations left no room for doubt: a used ventilation system can pose major risks if not thoroughly refurbished.
Why a Used Ventilation System Is Rarely a Good Investment
1. Health Risks for Occupants
An inadequate or poorly maintained ventilation system can lead to the buildup of indoor pollutants, excess humidity, and mold, all of which impact respiratory health. In Montréal, where buildings are often well insulated, poor ventilation only makes things worse.
2. Poor Energy Efficiency
Older systems, even if partially functional, do not meet the same efficiency standards as modern units. They consume more electricity for less performance, ultimately offsetting any initial savings from the purchase.
3. Non-Compliance with Current Regulations
In several Montréal boroughs, the Quebec Building Code requires HVAC equipment to meet strict standards for airflow, sealing, and energy efficiency. Used systems are rarely compliant without extensive upgrades, which come at additional cost.
Our Recommendation: Choose New or Certified Equipment
At AirGreen, we understand that budget is a key concern. That’s why we offer new ventilation solutions tailored to every need, with available financing and eligible subsidies throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore.
Examples of Recent Installations:
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Installation of a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV air exchanger in Laval, custom-configured for a triplex, resulting in a significant improvement in indoor comfort.
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Replacement of an outdated central system with an Aldes heat recovery mechanical ventilation (HRV) system in Longueuil, providing optimal air renewal for a daycare facility.
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Pilot project in Saint-Eustache on the North Shore, combining centralized ventilation and smart air quality sensors (CO₂, humidity, fine particles).
In each case, the owners experienced an immediate improvement in air quality, lower energy costs, and peace of mind thanks to our comprehensive warranty and responsive after-sales service.
The Real Hidden Cost of a Used Ventilation System
Time and Money Lost
In the case of our Plateau-Mont-Royal client, the attempt to save money by using a second-hand ventilation system led to:
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Three emergency service calls.
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Two weeks of inconvenience for the tenants.
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And ultimately, a complete system replacement, resulting in higher costs than if a new system had been installed from the start.
What to Do If You’re Considering a Used Solution?
Our Professional Advice:
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Request a full evaluation by a certified technician.
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Check the maintenance history and ask for proof of performance.
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Consider the upgrade, compliance, and labor costs.
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Verify eligibility for available subsidies — often not applicable to used systems.
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Get expert support from professionals like AirGreen for a neutral and thorough assessment.
AirGreen: Your HVAC Expert in Montréal and Surrounding Areas
For over 15 years, we’ve completed hundreds of HVAC installations in all types of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. We respond quickly, with unmatched attention to detail and a customer-first service approach focused on long-term satisfaction.
Whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or South Shore, our team is here to guide you toward the best ventilation solutions tailored to your needs and your building. We also offer complete HVAC maintenance services, ensuring optimal performance year-round.
Conclusion: Reliability, Safety, and Performance First
Used ventilation systems may appear budget-friendly upfront, but the health, energy, and regulatory risks make them rarely worth it. At AirGreen, we help you make the right choices from the start, with reliable, high-performance, and durable equipment.
Trust your ventilation needs to certified professionals who are passionate about what they do.