How Often Should a Residential Air Exchanger Be Cleaned in Quebec?
Quick answer:
In Quebec, a residential air exchanger should generally be cleaned every 2 to 4 years, depending on the occupancy of the home, the presence of pets, and the outdoor environment.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners in Quebec, and the short answer is as follows:
👉 A residential air exchanger should be cleaned every 2 to 4 years maximum,
but the exact frequency always depends on your home and your specific situation.
If someone gives you a single answer that applies to everyone, it's not reliable.
This cleaning frequency is based on the realities of homes in Quebec, including the climate, prolonged use of heating in winter, and urban and rural residential environments.
The Simple Answer for Homeowners in a Hurry
- Recommended minimum: every 4 years
- Ideal frequency in many cases: every 2 to 3 years
- Never cleaned after 5 years or more: cleaning strongly recommended
Why the variation?
Because an air exchanger accumulates what your home produces and what your outdoor environment brings to it.
Why an Air Exchanger Gets Dirty over Time
Even if it still works, an air exchanger gradually accumulates:poussière fine
- Fine dust
- Pollen
- Pet hair
- Moisture
- Outdoor contaminants
In Quebec, heating systems run for several months of the year with the windows closed.
The same indoor air circulates continuously, which accelerates the clogging of the system.
Factors That Influence Cleaning Frequency
The Number of Occupants in the House
The more people there are, the more the air is used.
- Household with several children
- Full-time work from home
- Constant presence at home
👉 More frequent cleaning recommended
Presence of Pets
Pets have a direct impact on the cleanliness of the system:
- Hair
- Dust recirculation
👉 With pets, cleaning is often required every 2 to 3 years
The Outdoor Environment
Some homes get dirty faster without the owners realizing it:
- Proximity to an agricultural field
- Busy roads
- Construction or renovations in the area
- Windier neighbourhood
👉 The air sucked in is more polluted as soon as it enters the system
The Age and Maintenance of the System
An air exchanger:
- never cleaned
- poorly maintained
- with filters that are rarely changed
-
will become clogged more quickly and lose efficiency.
Cleaning the Filters vs. Complete Cleaning
(not to be confused)
Many homeowners believe that cleaning the filters is enough.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Clean or replace the filters every 3 to 6 months
- Clean the visible vents
Check the condensation water flow
What It Does Not Do
- Does not clean the entire interior of the system
- Does not clean the ducts connected to the exchanger
- Does not remove contaminants accumulated inside
👉 Professional cleaning is still necessary,
even with good basic maintenance.
Signs That Cleaning Is Necessary
Even without waiting 4 years, there are some clear signs:
- Rapid accumulation of dust in the house
- Persistent odour when starting up
- Heavier or less fresh air
- Difficulty controlling humidity in winter
- Air exchanger noisier than before
Is It Dangerous to Never Clean an Air Exchanger?
We're not talking about an immediate danger, but about progressive risks:
- Decreased indoor air quality
- Motor overload
- Decreased energy efficiency
- Premature wear and tear on the system
In the long run, it costs more in repairs and energy.
How Often Should Cleaning Be Recommended?
Clear summary
- Home without pets, few occupants: every 4 years
- Home with children or pets: every 2 to 3 years
- Dusty or rural environment: every 2 years
- Never cleaned after 5 years: immediately
This article was written by specialists in residential ventilation system cleaning in Quebec, based on recognized professional practices in the industry.
The Approach Recommended by Int-Air Conduit
At Int-Air Conduit, we don't push unnecessary cleaning.
Each home is evaluated based on:
- The type of dwelling
- The environment
- The actual use of the system
- The visual condition of the exchanger
We’re a specialized and trained company that uses professional technologies to offer rigorous, safe, and sustainable work.
The goal is not to clean more often.
👉 The goal is to clean at the right time, in the right way.
