An exhausting, misunderstood daily life in a home in central Montréal
In a residential neighborhood in central Montréal, a family of four had been suffering for over a year from unexplained symptoms: chronic fatigue, recurring headaches, trouble concentrating, and sleep disturbances. After consulting doctors, nutritionists, and psychologists without concrete answers, the parents began to suspect their living environment.
After a conversation with a neighbor who had recently contacted AirGreen for a ventilation assessment, they decided to have the air quality in their own home evaluated. A decision that would change their lives.
First technical visit: abnormally high CO2 levels in every room
As soon as our technicians arrived, they used an ambient air quality analyzer to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and relative humidity. The findings were unequivocal: CO2 levels exceeded 1,500 ppm in the bedrooms, with peaks over 2,000 ppm in the early morning. These levels indicate inadequate ventilation and cause occupants to feel constant exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep.
VOCs were also present at concerning levels, likely due to cleaning products, off-gassing from materials, and a lack of mechanical air renewal.
Identifying the causes: a misconfigured air exchanger and outdated ventilation system
Our inspection revealed several technical issues which, when combined, explained the situation:
-
Defective air exchanger (HRV): clogged filter, underperforming motor, and no calibration in over 5 years.
-
Air intake vents poorly positioned, too close to moisture sources (bathroom and kitchen).
-
Overall HVAC system neglect throughout the home.
-
No natural ventilation, as windows were often kept closed to block outside noise.
This imbalance led to stagnant polluted air, causing the accumulation of CO2 and invisible pollutants, directly affecting the health and well-being of the family members.
AirGreen’s action plan: equipment replacement and complete ventilation system overhaul
To restore healthy air quality, our team implemented a three-step modernization plan:
-
Replaced the central air exchanger with a Venmar EVO5 500 HRV
-
94 CFM capacity, ideal for a single-family home
-
MERV-13 filters for fine particle and allergen filtration
-
Automatic defrost function for year-round use
-
-
Rebalanced the ventilation network
-
Redirected air intake vents to living areas
-
Complete duct cleaning with dry mist disinfection
-
Installed acoustic dampers to reduce noise transmission
-
-
Added smart CO2 detectors
-
Integrated systems that adjust HRV speed based on ambient CO2 levels
-
Real-time display of CO2 levels for greater awareness
-
Tangible results: renewed energy, restored comfort, transformed daily life
Just days after the intervention, the family noticed a significant improvement in their overall condition. The children were waking up more easily, the headaches had disappeared, and the parents reported increased mental clarity at work. The mother shared:
“We thought we were depressed… but it was our indoor air that was draining us. Today, we finally feel like ourselves again. Thank you, AirGreen.”
This authentic testimony illustrates just how directly indoor air quality in a Montréal home can impact health.
Why ventilation remains a neglected issue in Montréal homes
In Montréal, many homes—especially older or renovated plexes—have deficient mechanical ventilation. Outdoor noise, installation costs, or simply a lack of awareness still cause many families to live with stagnant air, without realizing it.
At AirGreen, we believe that HVAC installation should not be a luxury, but rather an essential public health service. Our projects across the North Shore, South Shore, Laval, and Longueuil regularly expose us to similar cases where a simple ventilation system upgrade changes everything.
Practical advice to avoid fatigue caused by poor air quality
Here are some warning signs to watch for:
-
Persistent fatigue despite regular sleep
-
Frequent morning headaches
-
Eye, nose, or throat irritation at home
-
A heavy or stale feeling in the air
-
Visible mold in certain rooms
Recommended HVAC best practices:
-
Have your ventilation system inspected every 2 to 3 years
-
Replace or clean filters with every season change
-
Ensure your HRV is calibrated and running year-round
-
Install visible CO2 detectors to monitor air quality
-
Avoid blocking vents with furniture or curtains
Conclusion: a story that highlights the importance of air renewal
This Montréal family’s case is not unique. Every week, we meet residents suffering from chronic symptoms related to poor ventilation. Thanks to AirGreen’s intervention, this family has regained their health, energy, and comfort.
At AirGreen, we see ventilation as a pillar of quality of life. And we’re proud to offer personalized, accessible, and lasting HVAC solutions to families throughout Greater Montréal.
Contact AirGreen for an indoor air quality evaluation in your home
Do you live in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North Shore or South Shore? Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue, sleep disturbances, or a sense of stale indoor air? Call us for a full evaluation of your ventilation system. At AirGreen, we bring life back to your air… and to your energy.