Is the air we breathe in Montreal really safe?
At AirGreen, we don’t just install HVAC ventilation systems in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore — we also commit to informing our clients about the environmental issues that impact their comfort and health. One of the most critical of these issues is indoor and outdoor air quality in our region.
In this article, we highlight 5 disturbing statistics that reveal just how much air pollution in Montreal can affect your health, your family’s wellbeing, and even the longevity of your HVAC system. These hard facts make the case stronger than ever for a properly maintained and well-designed ventilation system that fits your actual needs.
1. Nearly 10% of premature deaths in Montreal are linked to poor air quality
According to a study by the Regional Public Health Department, around 1,500 deaths per year in Montreal are associated with air pollution. That number is alarming, especially knowing that the main sources of this pollution — wood heating, road traffic, and industry — are part of our everyday life.
At AirGreen, we’ve installed countless controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems, air exchangers, and central heat pumps in densely populated areas of the Island of Montreal and Laval precisely to mitigate the effects of ambient pollution inside buildings.
2. Indoor air is up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air
Another essential yet lesser-known fact: the air you breathe at home or in your business can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Why? Because of the accumulation of fine particles, mold, CO2, cleaning products, construction materials, and more.
That’s why we always stress the importance of installing high-performance ventilation systems, like air exchangers with heat recovery — especially in tightly sealed, modern homes. In Longueuil, for example, we recently helped a family struggling with asthma greatly improve their quality of life with a high-efficiency Venmar EVO5 system.
3. 1 in 4 Montrealers lives in a home that does not meet ventilation standards
According to a survey by Statistics Canada, 25% of homes in Montreal have inadequate ventilation, exposing occupants to excess humidity, mold spores, and high CO2 levels.
We regularly intervene on the South Shore, particularly in Brossard and Saint-Hubert, to renovate or correct poorly designed HVAC installations. These upgrades restore a healthy indoor environment while improving the building’s energy efficiency.
4. Indoor CO2 levels often exceed comfort thresholds in Montreal’s schools and offices
A study from the Université de Montréal measured CO2 concentrations exceeding 2000 ppm (parts per million) in several schools and public buildings. That’s well above the comfort standard of 1000 ppm, and is often due to poor ventilation or outdated systems.
At AirGreen, we’ve modernized several commercial setups in Laval and on the North Shore with variable airflow ventilation systems that include smart indoor air quality sensors, ensuring optimal fresh air intake at all times.
5. Montreal ranks among the Canadian cities most affected by PM2.5 fine particles
Even though Montreal doesn’t face smog as intense as cities like Toronto or Vancouver, PM2.5 fine particles remain a serious threat, especially in winter with wood heating and in summer during wildfire episodes.
These microscopic particles can easily infiltrate poorly ventilated homes and worsen respiratory conditions. We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for central ventilation systems with integrated HEPA filters, particularly in neighborhoods like Ahuntsic and Rosemont, where older buildings often lack effective air renewal.
Why having a proper ventilation system is essential for Montrealers
Beyond the numbers, these statistics prove how vital regular HVAC maintenance and a custom-tailored ventilation design are for every building.
We encourage all our clients to opt for:
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A high-performance air exchanger, ideally ENERGY STAR certified
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MERV 13 or HEPA filters, especially in high-pollution zones
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Annual cleaning of ventilation duct networks
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Smart systems that adapt to occupancy and room usage
Real-world AirGreen case studies
In Laval, we recently retrofitted a multi-unit building with a centralized ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV) and CO2 detectors in the hallways. The result? Noticeably better comfort, fewer tenant complaints, and lower energy costs.
On the North Shore, in Terrebonne, we installed a dual-flow ventilation system with HEPA filtration in a daycare center serving 80 children. Parents and staff reported fewer colds and headaches within just a few weeks.
What you can do right now
If you live in Montreal, Longueuil, Laval, or anywhere in the Greater Montreal Area and suspect that your ventilation is inadequate, don’t wait for the problems to get worse. A complete indoor air quality analysis by our technicians could save you from health issues, repair costs, and energy waste.
Conclusion: Never underestimate the impact of the air you breathe
At AirGreen, we firmly believe that true comfort starts with clean, well-renewed air. Thanks to our custom HVAC solutions, on-the-ground expertise, and hands-on customer service, we’re committed to providing you with high-performance, long-lasting systems suited to the climate realities of Montreal and surrounding areas.
Breathing clean air isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.