Laval: Behind the modern finishes, ventilation is often overlooked
At AirGreen, we receive countless calls every month from owners of recently built homes in Laval who are dealing with poor air quality, lingering humidity, or insufficient airflow. These problems affect homes that are sometimes less than five years old. And yet, they reveal a concerning structural issue: ventilation in new constructions is often underestimated—or poorly designed.
In this article, we’ll share real-life cases we’ve encountered in Laval, break down the technical reasons why ventilation fails in new homes, and above all, explain the concrete solutions we implement to fix these issues and bring HVAC systems up to standard.
Inadequate ventilation despite strict building codes
The Québec Building Code sets clear standards, especially when it comes to minimum airflow, humidity removal, and indoor air quality. And yet, in the field, we often see these standards applied in the most minimal—and literal—way.
Why does this happen?
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The ventilation system is often designed at the very end, once architectural plans are finalized.
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Undersized heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) are installed just to meet the bare minimum requirements.
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Air vents are poorly positioned, creating dead zones in main living areas.
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Airflow testing is sometimes skipped or rushed before the keys are handed over.
Case Study #1: New home in Fabreville (Laval)
A couple contacted us just a few months after moving into their new home: constant fog on windows, lingering odors in the bathroom, and a heavy, stale air feeling. The builder claimed everything was up to code. But AirGreen’s inspection revealed:
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An HRV with only 80 CFM for a 2,200 sq. ft. home.
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No exhaust vent in the laundry room.
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Poor air balancing causing overpressure in the bedrooms.
AirGreen’s intervention:
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Replacement of the HRV with a VENMAR AVS N Series 130 CFM model.
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Added vents in humid areas and full rebalancing of the duct network.
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Smart humidity control installed via a connected hygrometer.
Result: stabilized humidity, improved comfort, and noticeably better air quality within just weeks.
Case Study #2: Single-family home in Saint-François (Laval)
In this home built in 2022, the owners noticed significant condensation in the attic, despite proper insulation. After inspection, our technicians found:
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An improper connection between the kitchen range hood and the HRV.
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Moist air was being redirected straight into the attic.
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No exterior exhaust outlet for the air exchanger.
Solutions implemented:
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Full redirection of the ductwork.
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Installation of an outdoor wall vent.
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Added a supplementary dehumidification system connected to the HRV.
Why are these errors so common?
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Real estate market pressure: tight construction deadlines = HVAC systems installed in a rush.
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Minimal budget allocated to HVAC systems, despite their critical role in a home’s health.
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No inspection by an independent expert, such as AirGreen.
Our recommendations for new homes in Laval
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Always have your HVAC system inspected by a certified specialist, even in a new home.
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Ask for actual airflow measurements (not just the models that were installed).
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Make sure every humid room (bathroom, laundry room, kitchen) has its own dedicated exhaust vent.
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Choose trusted products like Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, with HVI certifications.
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Set up an annual HVAC maintenance plan starting in the very first year.
What AirGreen offers new homeowners in Laval
We provide a full HVAC audit service specifically designed for recently built homes:
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Inspection of ducts, vents, and actual airflow levels.
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System sizing verification.
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Improvement recommendations eligible for LogisVert and Rénoclimat grants.
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Full system reconfiguration if needed.
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A technical report to support formal complaints to the builder, if necessary.
AirGreen: your trusted ventilation partner in Laval
At AirGreen, we understand that a brand-new home doesn’t guarantee optimal comfort if the ventilation was overlooked. That’s why we respond quickly, with precision and transparency, to restore HVAC systems at the first sign of malfunction.
We work across Laval: Chomedey, Duvernay, Fabreville, Sainte-Dorothée, Saint-François, and throughout the North Shore. Every intervention is personalized, documented, and includes clear advice to maintain long-term healthy ventilation.
Do you live in a new home in Laval? Are you experiencing humidity, discomfort, or poor air quality? Contact AirGreen for a precise diagnosis and real solutions.