514-316-2973
sales@airgreen.ca
An air exchanger replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. When its filters, core or hoods get dirty, airflow drops and the air renews less well. On this page: your maintenance calendar, an 8-sign diagnosis, an interactive diagram and everything AirGreen does during a visit.
In an HVAC system, the air exchanger keeps indoor air comfortable, healthy and energy-efficient: it replaces stale or polluted air with fresh outdoor air. Like any mechanical system, it can develop faults that get in the way of how it works. The best way to avoid them is regular maintenance: cleaning the unit, looking after the filters and checking the moving parts. Everywhere in Greater Montréal, AirGreen handles each of these to prevent breakdowns and keep performance at its best.
Every mechanical device wears over time, your air exchanger included. That wear hurts its performance and, by extension, your whole HVAC system. Regular maintenance counters these effects, extends the unit’s lifespan and improves its efficiency.
Dust, dirt and debris build up and force the unit to work harder to move air. The result: less efficiency and more energy used. Regular cleaning keeps airflow and energy efficiency at their best.
Filters catch pollutants and contaminants before they get into the house. Over time they clog, cut airflow and hurt indoor air quality. Wash them every 2 to 3 months; old non-washable filters get replaced.
Fans and motors need to turn freely: a dirty or dry part causes friction and noise. On a recent unit, motors run without lubrication: we clean the blades, no oil. Only some older models have a dedicated oiling point, and that’s the only place a few drops go.
| What changes | Maintained | Neglected |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Steady, filters and core clear | Dropping: clogged filters and core |
| Air quality | Pollutants caught by the filters | Clogged filters, air renewed less well |
| Energy | The unit works normally | The unit strains to move air |
| Noise | Moving parts turning freely | Friction and noise from dirty parts |
| Lifespan | Extended | Faster wear |
The HRV recovers heat from stale air before exhausting it. Fresh air reaches the rooms pre-warmed, and the core produces condensation that the tray and drain carry away.
They catch dust, pollen and contaminants before the air reaches the core. They clog faster than any other part.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
The heart of the unit: outgoing air warms incoming air (HRV), and also passes on part of its moisture (ERV), without the two ever mixing.
Source: Venmar 20505 rev. 02; Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
Two motors: one pushes fresh air into the rooms, the other pushes stale air outside.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
In winter, stale air condenses in the core. The tray collects that water and the drain carries it away.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
The two openings on the outside wall: one draws in fresh air, the other exhausts stale air.
Source: Venmar 20505 rev. 02; Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1; CMHC 2018
They deliver fresh air to the rooms and pull stale air back, mostly from the bathroom and kitchen.
Source: CMHC 2018
Most signs come from overdue maintenance. A few need a repair: we tell you which ones.
The air in the house is too humid. The humidity setting may be too high, or the exchanger isn’t bringing in enough fresh air.
Condensation keeps coming back with a lower setting, or the unit doesn’t seem to start.
Source: Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1; Health Canada
The humidity setting may be too low. Below 30%, the air becomes uncomfortable.
The air stays dry at a normal setting: an ERV, which keeps part of the moisture, may be an option.
Source: Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
Often an outdoor hood blocked by snow or ice, or a dirty core.
The air stays cold once the hood is clear: core, settings or supplementary heating to check.
Source: Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
A dirty fan, a part not seated properly after cleaning, or a worn motor.
The noise continues after cleaning.
Source: CMHC 2018
Dirty filters, core or tray.
The odour persists after cleaning.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
A clogged, poorly connected or frozen drain.
The water doesn’t drain or the tray overflows.
Source: CMHC 2018
Clogged filters, a blocked hood or a closed grille.
Airflow stays weak: fan or balancing to check.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
A power cut, a wall control or a circuit board.
Nothing changes: electrical diagnosis by a technician (RBQ 16).
Source: CMHC 2018
Intervals come from CMHC and manufacturer guides. Click “Done today” when a task is finished: everything updates.
Indicative calculation. Your unit’s manual always has the final word.
Filters: 6 times a year on the CMHC schedule (2 months), 4 times on the manufacturer schedule (3 months). Hoods: more often after storms.
| Task | Frequency | You | AirGreen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filters | Every 2 to 3 months | ✓ Yes, about 5 minutes | ✓ Included in the visit |
| Outdoor hoods | Every 3 months and after every storm | ✓ Yes | ✓ Checked during the visit |
| Tray and drain | Every 3 months | ✓ Yes, with 2 L of lukewarm water | ✓ If the water doesn’t drain |
| Core | Once a year, in the fall | ✓ Per the model’s manual | ✓ Manufacturer’s method |
| Fans and motors | Once a year | Light brushing only | ✓ Recommended |
| Deep duct cleaning | Inspection once a year | Grilles only | ✓ Recommended |
| Controls, board, electrical | As needed | Breaker only | ✓ RBQ 16 Electrical |
“Not sure” counts as something to check.
Yearly cleaning: soak for an HRV, vacuum for many ERVs.
You or AirGreenBlades brushed. No oil on a recent motor.
AirGreen recommendedVacuum, lukewarm water and mild soap, dry completely.
YouDead leaves pile up there: clear them out.
YouSources: Venmar 20505 rev. 02; CMHC 2018
Snow and ice cleared at all times, and after every storm.
YouIf snow gets drawn in, turn the unit off for a few hours.
YouCondensation on windows: lower the setting. Never below 30%.
YouKeep the pace: every 2 to 3 months.
YouSources: Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1; Health Canada
Pollen season starts: keep up with cleaning.
YouAbout 2 L of lukewarm water in the tray: it should drain freely.
YouClear the debris left by the thaw.
YouYearly check of the grilles and duct openings.
AirGreen recommendedSources: CMHC 2018; Health Canada
Above 50%, use a dehumidifier if needed.
YouEvery 2 to 3 months, summer and winter.
YouA clean tray prevents odours.
YouBook the yearly core and fan maintenance.
AirGreenSources: Health Canada; CMHC 2018
A well-adjusted exchanger keeps humidity in the right range. Too high, condensation shows up on windows. Too low, the air gets dry.
Between 30 and 50% is the range Health Canada recommends. Keep up the maintenance so it stays steady.
Health Canada; INSPQ
The first four need no tools. The last three, we suggest you leave to us.
Step 1 of 7
Turn the exchanger off and unplug it before opening the door. It’s the first step of every maintenance, no exceptions.
Keep the owner’s manual handy: it shows where the filters are and how to take out the core.
Source: CMHC 2018
Remove the filters, vacuum them, wash in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinse and let them dry completely.
Older units have non-washable filters: those get replaced.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
Remove leaves, paper, snow or ice from both hoods on the outside wall.
A blocked hood means cold air at the grilles and less airflow.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
Pour about 2 litres of lukewarm water into each tray. It should drain freely; if not, clean until it flows.
Also wipe the tray with a damp cloth.
Source: CMHC 2018; Venmar 20505 rev. 02
HRV core: soak in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinse, dry. ERV core: often soft-brush vacuum only.
Always follow your model’s manual: some cores must never go in water.
Source: Venmar 20505 rev. 02; Venmar Kubix 09323 rev. A1
Remove and check the grilles, vacuum the duct openings.
A deep duct cleaning is a job for a technician.
Source: CMHC 2018
Gently brush the blades to remove dirt. A recent motor needs no oil.
Only some older models have a dedicated oiling point: a few drops, and only there.
Source: CMHC 2018
Recent motors run without lubrication. Only some older models have a dedicated oiling point.
Many ERV cores are vacuum-only. The model’s manual has the final word.
Blocked hood: cold air at the grilles and less airflow. Clear it after every storm.
Below 30%, the air gets too dry and uncomfortable. The Venmar guide advises against it.
Pour about 2 L of lukewarm water into the tray: it should drain freely.
Our experienced refrigeration technicians work in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore, in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings.
At 514 316-2973 or online. We confirm the date with you.
Every part of the unit is checked before cleaning.
High-power vacuums and eco-friendly, non-toxic products. The core is handled per the manufacturer’s method.
We show you what was done and what you can do between visits.
Seven air exchanger brands, installed everywhere in Greater Montréal. Each brand page shows its HRV and ERV models, their specs and our advice for choosing.
Every 2 months according to CMHC, every 3 months according to several manufacturer guides. Wash them in lukewarm water with mild soap, then let them dry completely.
Once a year, ideally in the fall: core, fans, grilles and duct openings. Venmar guides schedule core cleaning before the cold season.
No, not on a recent unit: its motors run without lubrication. Some older models have a dedicated oiling point; only there, a few drops are enough.
An HRV core, generally yes: soak in lukewarm soapy water, rinse, dry, once a year. Many ERV cores are vacuum-only. Your model’s manual decides.
Both renew the air. An HRV recovers heat from outgoing air; an ERV recovers heat and part of the moisture. The difference is in the core, and it changes how you clean it.
Between 30 and 50% relative humidity, according to Health Canada. A hygrometer makes it easy to check.
The air is too humid. Adjust the exchanger’s humidity setting, leave curtains partly open and keep the thermostat at 18°C or higher, as the Venmar guide recommends.
First check that the outdoor hood isn’t blocked by snow or ice. If the air stays cold, a visit lets us check the core and the settings.
Keep the outdoor hoods clear. If snow gets drawn into the unit, turn it off for a few hours.
A dirty or worn fan is often the cause. Unplug the unit and brush the blades; if the noise continues, it needs a repair.
Pour about 2 L of lukewarm water into the tray. If it doesn’t drain, the drain is clogged or frozen: give us a call.
A full inspection of the unit, cleaning with high-power vacuums and eco-friendly, non-toxic products, then a review with you and advice for what’s next. You get the final quote in writing before any work starts.
You can handle the filters, hoods and tray. Ducts, motors and electrical components are a job for a technician. AirGreen holds RBQ subclasses 15.8 Ventilation and 16 Electrical.
For permits filed after August 30, 2012, the energy-efficiency requirements of the Québec Construction Code cover mechanical ventilation in new houses.
Seven brands: Venmar, vänEE, Lifebreath, Greentek, Fantech, Broan-NuTone and Direct Air, everywhere in Greater Montréal. Each brand has its own page with its HRV and ERV models.
No matching question. Try “filter”, “core” or call us at 514 316-2973.
Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore. Final quote in writing before we start.
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. · Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · sales@airgreen.ca
Frequencies are general guidelines. Your unit’s manufacturer guide always has the final word. The online diagnosis gives leads; only an on-site inspection confirms the cause.