Inadequate ventilation in condominiums: a common but avoidable issue in Longueuil
In Longueuil, on the South Shore of Montréal, many residential condominiums — whether new or older — struggle to maintain optimal indoor air quality. At AirGreen, we frequently observe the consequences of poorly designed, undersized, or neglected ventilation systems in multi-unit buildings. Although this issue is widespread, it’s far from inevitable. Thanks to our expertise in HVAC, we help building managers and condominium boards effectively correct these shortcomings.
Common causes of poor air quality in condominiums
Central ventilation poorly suited to actual use
In many condos across Longueuil, ventilation systems were designed based on minimum building standards, without truly accounting for the number of occupants, unit airtightness, or Québec’s harsh seasonal fluctuations. The result: the installed systems can’t adequately renew the air, leading to buildups of humidity, pollutants, mold, and CO₂.
Lack of regular maintenance
Even the best mechanical ventilation systems (HRVs/ERVs) become ineffective without professional HVAC maintenance. We often find blocked ducts, saturated filters, or defective heat exchangers. This neglect affects not only the air quality but also the health of the occupants and the longevity of the systems.
Installations not meeting current standards
Some condos have never updated their systems, even though ventilation standards and RBQ recommendations have evolved significantly. In Longueuil, this issue is especially common in buildings constructed before the 2000s, where natural ventilation was still allowed and is now clearly insufficient.
Case study: ventilation retrofit in a 12-unit building in Longueuil
AirGreen was recently contracted to work on a 12-unit condominium on Saint-Laurent Street in Longueuil. Residents were complaining about unpleasant odours, window condensation, and persistent stale air.
Full diagnostics by our HVAC experts
After a thorough inspection, we discovered:
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Exhaust ducts partially blocked by dust and debris.
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A central ventilation system with no airflow regulation.
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No efficient air exchanger to ensure proper air renewal.
Solution provided by AirGreen
We replaced the outdated system with a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV air exchanger equipped with smart controls. This model delivers balanced ventilation while recovering heat efficiently during the winter. We also cleaned and disinfected all ductwork, replaced extraction grilles, and added CO₂ detectors in common areas.
Observed results
Within just a few weeks:
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Resident complaints stopped entirely.
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Humidity levels dropped from 72% to 45%.
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A noticeable improvement in air freshness was felt in every unit.
Why condominiums must invest in quality ventilation
Health and comfort of occupants
Poor ventilation contributes to respiratory problems, allergies, and headaches. In our post-pandemic world, attention to indoor air quality has become a public health concern.
Real estate value
A modern, well-maintained HVAC system increases the market value of condo units. In Longueuil, where real estate demand remains strong, this represents a serious competitive advantage for any building.
Energy efficiency
New ventilation systems with heat recovery reduce thermal losses, which lowers heating costs in winter. This translates to long-term savings for condo owners.
How AirGreen helps condominiums in Longueuil
Personalized assessment of your current system
We offer a complete ventilation audit, including:
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Airflow analysis.
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Regulatory compliance evaluation.
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Inspection of ductwork and mechanical components.
Installation of HVAC systems tailored to your building
We recommend systems such as:
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Air exchangers from Venmar, Fantech, Lifebreath, depending on the specific needs of your building.
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Multi-zone control systems, to optimize ventilation based on how each area is used.
Ongoing maintenance and after-sales service
Our teams provide:
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Annual system maintenance (filter cleaning, motor checks, airflow calibration).
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Follow-up visits to ensure long-term performance.
Practical tips for condo boards
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Don’t rely solely on minimum code requirements: aim for performance, not just compliance.
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Include annual HVAC maintenance in your financial planning.
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Consult an expert at the first signs of trouble (persistent odours, high humidity, mold).
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Make sure every unit gets sufficient outdoor air supply — especially after recent insulation upgrades.
Why trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we have extensive real-world experience with ventilation systems for residential buildings, particularly in Longueuil, Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, and South Shore. We work with precision, transparency, and professionalism, tailoring each solution to the unique needs of the condominium. Our certified technicians support you from the initial assessment through to after-sales service, with a total commitment to indoor air quality.
Are you managing a condominium in Longueuil and concerned about your ventilation quality? Now is the time to contact AirGreen, your trusted HVAC ventilation partner on the South Shore. Reach out today for a professional assessment.