Our team of HVAC ventilation experts was recently called out to the North Shore to handle a situation that, unfortunately, we see far too often: DIY installations gone terribly wrong. At AirGreen, we’re frequently called in for emergency repairs on residential or commercial ventilation systems that were either poorly designed or installed by non-professionals, often resulting in serious issues with air quality, safety, and occupant comfort. Today, we’re sharing a true story from one of our recent interventions in Boisbriand — a perfect example of why ventilation is not a DIY project.
A Failing Installation: Initial Diagnosis on the North Shore
When the homeowner first contacted us, he reported persistent odours, excessive condensation in some rooms, and a noisy system that seemed to blow more warm air than fresh air — in the middle of summer. He admitted to having attempted a DIY installation of a discounted ventilation system he picked up during a liquidation sale.
Our technicians arrived on site to carry out a full assessment of the existing ventilation setup. The findings were conclusive:
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No fresh air intake installed
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Ducts that were too narrow and poorly insulated
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Joints sealed with regular duct tape, no proper clamps
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The air exchanger was installed backwards, with reversed airflow
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No airflow calculation based on the home’s square footage
The entire system failed to meet any HVAC ventilation standards in Québec, which posed significant risks to the residents’ health (mold, stale air, CO₂ buildup, etc.) and to the longevity of the home itself.
Tear-Down and Intervention: The AirGreen Approach
We had to proceed with a complete dismantling of the DIY system. The first step was to deactivate the old air exchanger — an outdated and noisy unit whose motor was already overloaded due to restricted airflow.
Then, we:
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Carried out a load and ventilation analysis for the entire home
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Selected a high-performance model suited to the home’s needs: a Venmar AVS® N Series air exchanger, ENERGY STAR® certified, with integrated heat recovery
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Installed new rigid insulated ductwork, including acoustic silencers for quiet operation
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Added properly placed fresh air intakes and exhaust vents
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Balanced the supply and exhaust airflow to ensure equalized pressure
We also installed a user-friendly wall-mounted control panel that allows the client to easily switch between modes: heat recovery, continuous ventilation, or humidity-controlled settings.
Before/After: The Real Impact of a Properly Designed Ventilation System
Within hours of installation, the changes were obvious:
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Persistent odours disappeared
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A drastic reduction in condensation on windows
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Improved air quality (less dust, fresher air)
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Near-silent system operation, even at full capacity
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Improved energy efficiency thanks to the heat recovery feature
We provided the homeowner with a detailed installation report, including measured airflow rates, ductwork plans, and maintenance instructions. Transparency is a core value in everything we do at AirGreen.
Why You Should Never DIY Your Ventilation
It might seem tempting to save a few hundred dollars by doing your own installation. But the risks are significant:
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Non-compliance with the building code
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Potential for air contamination
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Poor or no system performance
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Premature equipment wear
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Ineligibility for government rebate programs
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Damage to your home’s structure (condensation, mold, etc.)
At AirGreen, we’ve seen too many ventilation disasters not to stress the importance of hiring certified professionals. A successful installation is a delicate balance of technical calculations, airflow management, proper material selection, and on-site expertise.
The AirGreen Difference: Comfort You Can Count On
This Boisbriand project is just one of many we handle each month on the North Shore, as well as in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and the South Shore. Our technicians are trained to the latest HVAC standards, and we use only certified, warrantied equipment that qualifies for energy efficiency programs.
In addition to repairs, we offer:
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Complete installation of centralized or decentralized ventilation systems
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Annual maintenance including filter checks, airflow readings, exchanger and duct inspections
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Custom solutions for homes, multiplexes, businesses, or daycares
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Assistance with applying for government grants for energy-efficient systems
What This Client Had to Say About Our Service
Here’s the homeowner’s testimonial:
“I learned the hard way that ventilation is not a DIY project. The AirGreen team was exceptional — professional and fast. The difference was immediate after their visit. I highly recommend their services to anyone who wants it done right.”
Practical Tips to Avoid Ventilation Mistakes
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Never buy a used air exchanger or one on clearance without professional assessment
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Always have airflow calculations done based on your home’s living space
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Opt for rigid ducts over flexible ones for permanent installations
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Ensure your installer is RBQ-certified and familiar with Québec codes
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Schedule annual maintenance, even for newer systems