Qualité d'air à Laval : peut-on réellement tomber malade à cause d'une ventilation trop performante ?
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Air Quality in Laval: Can You Really Get Sick from an Overperforming Ventilation System?

Is top-quality ventilation always synonymous with comfort and well-being? In Laval, where winters are harsh and summers increasingly hot, installing high-performance HVAC ventilation systems has become a top priority for many homeowners and commercial property managers. Yet, some AirGreen clients have asked a surprising question: Can you actually get sick from a ventilation system that’s too powerful? At AirGreen, HVAC ventilation experts in Laval and across the North Shore, we decided to answer this question with accuracy—real-world examples included.

Mechanical Ventilation: A Pillar of Indoor Air Quality

Before diving into concerns about excessive performance, we must first understand the core objective of a mechanical ventilation system (HRV or ERV): to extract stale air (filled with CO₂, humidity, VOCs, etc.) and replace it with fresh, filtered, and tempered air. Proper ventilation reduces risks related to:

  • Excess humidity (mold, condensation),

  • Allergens (pollen, fine dust),

  • Indoor pollution (VOCs from furniture or cleaning products),

  • And the buildup of viruses and bacteria in stagnant air.

In Laval, where many buildings are well-insulated, indoor air doesn't renew itself naturally. That’s where centralized or decentralized ventilation systems come into play—often paired with a full HVAC system.

Too powerful, really? When ventilation gets a bad rap

In our day-to-day work, some clients in Laval have reported symptoms after installing a new ventilation system: dry throat, mild headaches, fatigue. These often temporary symptoms have sparked the idea that a “too powerful” system could be harmful to your health. But is that really true?

Here’s what we’ve observed:

1. Airflow set too high can disrupt indoor comfort

When the airflow rate is too high for a room’s volume, the circulated air becomes noticeable, creating an uncomfortable draft. This can dry out the mucous membranes, especially during winter when paired with low humidity.

👉 AirGreen’s Solution: We always calibrate airflow based on the exact room volume, its usage (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom), and occupancy levels. In Laval, every home has its own layout—we never do one-size-fits-all installations.

2. Poorly pre-heated or low-humidity fresh air can cause irritation

In winter, if the ventilation system brings in air that’s too cold, it can create discomfort. The same goes for overly dry air. Using a ventilation system without a heat recovery unit (HRV or ERV) or built-in humidifier can be problematic.

👉 At AirGreen, we systematically install energy recovery ventilation systems designed to handle North Shore extremes. Our ERV models ensure a balanced supply of fresh air and thermal comfort.

3. Poorly maintained filtration is a real health hazard

More than performance, it’s often lack of ventilation system maintenance that causes problems. A clogged, poorly replaced, or subpar filter can release fine particles into the air instead of blocking them.

👉 Our maintenance contracts include filter replacement at the ideal frequency, and we use HEPA or MERV-13 filters for homes with sensitive individuals or allergy sufferers.

Case Study: AirGreen intervention in a family home in Laval

Last February, we were contacted by a family in Laval-Ouest who had recently had a central ventilation system installed by a general contractor. The client was concerned about her children experiencing persistent sore throats after the installation.

Our diagnosis:

  • The installed system had no humidity sensor and no automatic speed control.

  • The airflow rate was too high in continuous mode.

  • The fresh air intake duct was poorly insulated, excessively cooling the incoming air.

Our intervention: We replaced the fan with a model featuring intelligent variable speed control, integrated a programmable humidity sensor, insulated the ductwork, and installed a central humidifier connected to the existing HVAC system. Result: symptoms disappeared in less than two weeks.

The takeaway: Performance must be tailored—not limited

It’s not the system’s performance that makes people sick, but rather a mismatch between the system’s configuration and the building’s actual needs. A high-performance ventilation system is beneficial—as long as it’s well-designed, properly sized, and properly maintained.

At AirGreen, we always perform a technical assessment before any ventilation installation. Every building is unique: the system used in a downtown condo can't be the same as in a single-family home in Fabreville or Duvernay.

Our recommendations for healthy ventilation in Laval

  • Choose a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV or ERV) suited to our climate.

  • Integrate smart controls for airflow and humidity.

  • Replace filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on the model.

  • Have your system inspected by certified professionals.

Why choose AirGreen for your ventilation in Laval?

AirGreen is a specialized HVAC company serving Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore. We combine technical expertise, deep knowledge of government grants, and attentive customer service. Our mission: to ensure you enjoy healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient indoor air year-round.

Whether it’s a new project, a renovation, or simply an indoor air quality check, our specialists guide you every step of the way. We only use certified, reliable, high-performance products installed with precision to the highest standards.


AirGreen Laval: For ventilation that truly supports your well-being.

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