Providing a healthy, comfortable, and breathable indoor environment is a goal shared by all homeowners in Laval. Yet, despite the best intentions, certain common mistakes in residential ventilation can seriously compromise indoor air quality. At AirGreen, we work daily with families in Laval, Greater Montréal, the North Shore, and the South Shore on their HVAC ventilation projects, correcting these errors and implementing efficient, long-lasting systems tailored to each home.
In this article, discover the 7 most common mistakes we encounter during our service calls, and how to avoid them to maintain healthy air in your home.
Insufficient or Non-Existent Ventilation
Many homes in Laval—especially older constructions—don’t have a proper mechanical ventilation system. Without controlled ventilation, humidity builds up, pollutants stagnate, and odors linger. This can lead to respiratory issues, structural degradation, and even mold growth.
At AirGreen, we often meet clients who believed they were ventilating their home properly simply by opening windows. Unfortunately, this method is ineffective, especially in winter or during pollution peaks. We always recommend installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) to ensure consistent air renewal without energy loss.
Neglecting Ventilation System Maintenance
Another frequent mistake is assuming a residential ventilation system works indefinitely without maintenance. Clogged filters, dusty ducts, and worn motors can all negatively impact system performance and the quality of air being circulated.
On a project in Laval-sur-le-Lac, we were called in for an issue with persistent stale air, despite the presence of a recent HRV system. When we opened the unit, we discovered the filters hadn’t been cleaned since installation three years prior. A simple annual HVAC maintenance would have been enough to keep the system efficient and the indoor air clean.
Installing an Incorrectly Sized Unit
Proper ventilation system sizing is essential. Too small, and it won’t renew the air effectively. Too large, and it may cause drafts or thermal discomfort.
At AirGreen, every residential ventilation project in Laval starts with custom airflow calculations based on square footage, number of occupants, humidity levels, and specific needs. This allows us to recommend the ideal system, such as the Lifebreath RNC205 HRV or the Venmar EVO5 700 HRV, two models we frequently and successfully install in single-family homes.
Ignoring Key Areas Like Bathrooms and Kitchens
It’s common to see high-humidity areas such as the bathroom or kitchen left out of the central ventilation system. This leads to condensation, lingering odors, and an increased risk of mold.
We recently worked on a home in Chomedey, where the absence of ventilation in the kitchen caused excess humidity and grease buildup in the cabinets. We installed a controlled-flow range hood connected to the main HRV system, allowing effective vapor extraction without compromising energy efficiency.
Using Materials That Undermine Air Quality
Some construction or renovation materials release VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—harmful pollutants that are often invisible. Without proper ventilation, these substances can accumulate indoors and pose health risks.
On a job in Fabreville, our technicians noticed a strong odor coming from recently installed flooring. Using our indoor air quality detection system, we recommended reinforced filtration on the existing HRV unit and temporarily increased airflow rates to help clear out the pollutants more quickly.
DIY Installation of the Ventilation System
Installing a controlled mechanical ventilation system is not a DIY job. Incorrect wiring, calibration errors, or poorly insulated ducts can make the system ineffective—or even hazardous.
At AirGreen, we were called to Saint-François to fix a DIY-installed ERV. The result: the ducts were reversed, drawing outside air directly into the bathroom. We dismantled and reinstalled the entire system to meet CSA F326 standards, leading to a dramatic improvement in comfort and air quality.
Choosing a System Unsuitable for Laval’s Climate
In Laval, the weather swings are extreme: -25°C in winter, 35°C in summer with high humidity. Some ventilation systems—like basic exhaust fans or low-grade HRVs—aren’t designed to operate efficiently in these conditions.
We always recommend systems designed for the Quebec climate, with features like automatic defrost and summer bypass, which allow the ventilation system to adapt to seasonal changes without wasting energy. One great example is the Venmar AVS N-Series 120 CFM, which we’ve successfully installed in multiple homes in Vimont, with excellent results.
Why Trust AirGreen With Your Residential Ventilation in Laval?
At AirGreen, we don’t just install HVAC ventilation systems—we analyze your home, your habits, your budget, and your goals to offer a customized solution. Whether it’s an HRV heat recovery system, spot ventilation, or an integrated HVAC system, our qualified team guides you from the initial assessment to installation and long-term maintenance.
Our local team, based in Montréal, serves the entire Laval area, including Sainte-Dorothée, Chomedey, Duvernay, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Fabreville, and more.
The Bottom Line
Avoiding common residential ventilation mistakes not only improves indoor air quality, but also protects your family’s health, your home’s durability, and your overall comfort. Professional installation, regular maintenance, and personalized analysis are key to achieving this.
Contact AirGreen to benefit from our recognized HVAC expertise, our thorough approach, and our dedication to customer satisfaction. Start improving your home’s air quality today.