Improving indoor air quality with a well-designed ventilation system: a look at a residential project carried out by AirGreen in Longueuil
At AirGreen, we often work with clients struggling with persistent odors in the home, especially those related to cooking. As part of our residential ventilation service in Longueuil, we recently assisted a family dealing with a kitchen that opened directly onto the living room — a setup that posed a real challenge: despite having a functional range hood, lingering smells from frying, spices, and general cooking were getting trapped in fabrics, walls, and furniture. This real-life experience gives us the opportunity to answer a common question: can a ventilation system truly eliminate kitchen odors?
Understanding the issue: inadequate ventilation and lingering odors
This project took place in a renovated bungalow in Longueuil, where the open-concept kitchen and long cooking sessions would saturate the air with greasy particles and strong-smelling vapors. The existing range hood was a recirculating model that couldn’t effectively capture airborne contaminants. The result: a constant smell of food throughout the living areas, even with windows frequently opened.
The homeowners were looking for a solution that would be long-lasting, efficient, quiet, and energy-efficient. They also wanted to make sure the solution wouldn’t compromise their home’s insulation, especially during the winter.
AirGreen’s intervention: assessment, recommendations, and a custom solution
Our team visited the home to conduct a full airflow analysis, evaluate the layout of the rooms, and test the effectiveness of the existing hood. Using thermographic inspection and measurements of CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we confirmed that the air exchange rate was insufficient.
We recommended installing a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) from Venmar AVS, model E15 ECM — a unit that’s ideally suited for mid-sized single-family homes like this one. This HRV is well known for its ability to continuously renew indoor air while retaining thermal gains inside the home.
Technical details of the installation
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Model installed: Venmar AVS E15 ECM
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Type: Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
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Airflow capacity: up to 160 CFM
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Filters: Replaceable MERV 6 filters
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Noise level: ultra-quiet (under 1 sone at medium speed)
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Installation: in the basement, with ductwork integrated into the drop ceiling
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Wall control: programmable timer + smart humidistat
The installation was completed over the course of a single day, with precise positioning of air intake and exhaust grilles in the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. The system was fine-tuned to create a slight negative pressure in the kitchen, helping to actively extract cooking pollutants.
Measurable results within days
One week after installation, the homeowners contacted us to share their satisfaction. They reported:
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An almost complete disappearance of kitchen odors throughout the house
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A noticeable feeling of freshness, even without opening the windows
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Less condensation on windows during winter cooking sessions
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A reduction in respiratory irritation for one of their children, who has asthma
Why is an HRV effective against cooking odors?
Unlike standard range hoods, a mechanical ventilation system (MVS) with heat recovery operates continuously, ensuring a regular renewal of indoor air. For cooking, this means fine particles, greasy vapors, and odors are effectively extracted by strategically placed return grilles.
Plus, thanks to heat recovery technology, stale indoor air is replaced with fresh outdoor air without major heat loss, which is crucial in a climate like Longueuil or Greater Montréal.
What homeowners on the South Shore should know
Many homes on the South Shore, including those in Longueuil, are still equipped with range hoods that recirculate air instead of extracting it. This only worsens problems with odors and indoor air pollution — especially when windows stay closed most of the year. A mechanical ventilation system with an HRV is a smart solution, especially when it’s installed by experts like our AirGreen team.
Practical tips before choosing a ventilation system
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Evaluate your kitchen’s layout: open-concept, load-bearing walls, drop ceilings?
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Measure the required airflow based on your home’s total square footage
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Choose a system with MERV-rated filtration, which helps trap grease particles and VOCs
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Work with a certified installer who understands Quebec’s building code and energy regulations
Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC installation?
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell a product. We take the time to understand each client’s real needs, factoring in their lifestyle, home layout, specific challenges, and we size equipment with precision. Our active presence in Longueuil, Montréal, Laval, North Shore and South Shore allows us to respond quickly and effectively, with outstanding after-sales service.
Our expertise is backed by hundreds of successful installations, including numerous ventilation projects in similar residential settings. Thanks to high-performance systems from Venmar, Lifebreath, Aldes, we guarantee our clients a long-term and effective solution not only to kitchen odors, but also to humidity and airborne pollutants.
In conclusion: yes, proper ventilation eliminates kitchen odors
This project in Longueuil proves that a thoughtfully designed ventilation system can effectively eliminate kitchen odors, boost comfort, improve health, and even reduce heating costs. If you're facing similar challenges, we invite you to contact our AirGreen team for a personalized assessment of your HVAC system.