Ensuring Optimal Ventilation in Winter: A Crucial Factor for the Health and Comfort of Montréal Residents
When winter sets in across Montréal, with its freezing temperatures and tightly sealed windows, indoor air quality becomes an absolute priority. Indoor air can quickly become stale, dry, or overloaded with humidity, leading to health problems, mold growth, and a general decrease in comfort. At AirGreen, we understand that a properly maintained and winter-adapted HVAC ventilation system is essential to maintain a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment.
In this article, we share 5 concrete and specific tips to improve residential ventilation during the winter, based on our expertise in HVAC installation and maintenance across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. These insights come from real cases encountered during our day-to-day service calls in Quebec homes.
1. Maintain Balanced Humidity Levels with a Properly Calibrated Mechanical Ventilation System
In winter, Québec homes become thermal cocoons, but this airtightness can lead to excessive moisture buildup. Humidity from cooking, showers, or even just breathing can foster mold growth, damage building materials, and harm respiratory health.
At AirGreen, we recommend installing or servicing a properly sized air exchanger (HRV or ERV). These systems allow you to:
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Efficiently renew indoor air without losing heat.
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Regulate indoor relative humidity (ideally between 30% and 50%).
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Provide a constant supply of fresh outdoor air.
Real-world example: In Rosemère, on the North Shore, we recently replaced an outdated, ineffective HRV with a high-efficiency Venmar EVO5 500 HRV model. The result: a healthier home, no more condensation on the windows, and a clear improvement in comfort as reported by the homeowners.
2. Never Block Air Intakes or Outlets, Even in Extreme Cold
It’s a common winter reflex: some homeowners block vents or grilles to "keep the heat in." This practice severely disrupts air circulation, causes pressure imbalances, and increases the presence of indoor pollutants (CO₂, VOCs, allergens…).
During our inspections in Montréal—especially in Villeray and Outremont—we found several cases of vents blocked by snow, preventing the proper function of ventilation systems.
Our tips:
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Regularly inspect outdoor air vents and grilles.
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Clear snow from wall- or roof-mounted vents after every snowfall.
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Avoid placing furniture or curtains in front of supply vents.
3. Make Proper Use of the Kitchen Hood and Bathroom Fan
The two biggest sources of indoor humidity are the kitchen and the bathroom. A functional range hood and a quiet but powerful bathroom fan are essential.
Recent installation in Brossard: a client had persistent condensation in the bathroom, even with anti-humidity paint. We installed a Panasonic WhisperCeiling fan with a timer. Within days, humidity levels dropped by 75%.
AirGreen Recommendations:
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Run fans for 15–20 minutes after showering or cooking.
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Ensure exhaust ducts lead outside—not into the attic.
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Clean hood filters monthly.
4. Service Your Central Ventilation System Before Winter Hits
A high-performing central ventilation system is the backbone of a well-ventilated home. But over time, ducts get dirty, filters clog, and airflow becomes uneven.
Our HVAC maintenance services in Laval and Longueuil include:
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Full cleaning of ventilation ducts.
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Replacement of HEPA or pleated MERV filters.
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Inspection of motors and heat exchangers.
Client case in Longueuil: a family experienced lingering odors and unexplained fatigue. After a full cleaning of their central system (we found dust and debris from old renovations), air quality was immediately restored.
5. Install a Heat Recovery Ventilation System for Well-Insulated Homes
With improved building insulation standards, many homes in the South Shore and North Shore are now extremely airtight. While this boosts energy efficiency, it increases the risk of stale indoor air if not properly renewed.
The best solution: a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) or energy recovery system (ERV). These units:
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Replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air while preserving indoor heat.
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Lower energy use related to heating.
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Improve air quality without sacrificing thermal comfort.
AirGreen installation in Laval: in a new Novoclimat-certified home, we integrated a Lifebreath 155 MAX system. This high-efficiency model ensures full air exchange without losing valuable heat energy.
Why Choose AirGreen to Optimize Your Winter Ventilation in Montréal?
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell or install equipment. We provide a comprehensive, tailored HVAC approach adapted to Québec’s harsh winters. Our seasoned technicians deliver with precision, considering:
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Your building’s features (old vs. new construction, air-tightness, air volume).
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Your current system (heat pump, air exchanger, mechanical ventilation).
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Your concerns regarding health, energy use, and indoor comfort.
We serve the entire Greater Montréal region: Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore.
Practical Tips and Mistakes to Avoid in Winter
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Don’t skip seasonal maintenance: dirty filters = poor air quality.
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Watch for vents hidden behind curtains or furniture.
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Never vent a fan into the attic: major condensation risk.
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Consider adding a dehumidifier if your air exchanger doesn’t regulate humidity properly.
Conclusion: A Québec Winter Doesn’t Have to Mean Stale Indoor Air
Maintaining optimal indoor air quality during Montréal’s winter is not optional — it’s essential for your health, comfort, and home durability. Thanks to our HVAC expertise and on-the-ground service experience, we help you maintain healthy, clean, and balanced air all season long.
Contact AirGreen today for a custom ventilation assessment, tailored installation, or complete winter maintenance. Investing in efficient ventilation is investing in your long-term well-being.