What is an air exchanger?

For several decades, houses have been very airtight. They must therefore be assisted by an air exchanger. This device is responsible for renewing the air in the house. Concretely, it renews the air inside by evacuating stale and humid air to the outside.

The air exchanger brings “new” air from outside. It then releases the polluted air and humidity that has circulated between the walls of the house to the outside.

When should I have my air exchanger cleaned?

Experts suggest that this unit be cleaned every 4 years to ensure regular maintenance. Of course, this recommendation may vary from house to house depending on your environment and situation. Cleaning the air exchanger is a recommendation based on an average established by specialists in this type of cleaning. However, there are several factors to take into account and specialized technicians will be able to provide you with more personalized advice. For example, if you have a hot air system, the frequency of cleaning may vary.

Why should I have my air exchanger cleaned?

Although it differs from other ventilation systems and ducts, the air exchanger must also be regularly and regularly maintained. The health and comfort of everyone in your home depends on it. An air exchanger filled with dust or other debris will not allow air to enter the ducts normally. However, the air will still come out. This will create negative pressure in the house and outside air will seep in through openings, cracks and crevices. If the filter used to evacuate the air from the inside to the outside is also clogged, the air exchanger will no longer do its job. The air will not be renewed and you will always breathe the same stale and polluted air in the house. Also, if the device is not cleaned regularly, it may no longer work properly.

Eventually, the entire device will become clogged and will need to be cleaned by qualified technicians. Thorough cleaning of the air exchanger ensures the best possible air quality for everyone in your home. This ensures a reduction in allergens distributed throughout the home while improving the performance of your device. The air exchanger being a rather complex device, it is better to contact specialists to carry out its cleaning. Calling on a team of professionals to carry out this task ensures quality work.

Other signs that indicate cleaning is needed

In addition to the maintenance required at the recommended frequency, other signs may indicate that it is time to clean your air exchanger.

The presence of dirt on the wall grilles is generally a good indicator of the general condition of the air exchanger and its filters. This indicator also indicates that the air outlets are dirty. The accumulation of dust on the device and its general state of cleanliness are also good clues. Other signs, often more discreet, may suggest an air exchanger in poor condition. Have you noticed that dust comes back faster on different surfaces after cleaning them? Do you notice bad odours in your home? Is there excess humidity in one or more rooms of your home? Has anyone in your household developed health problems? It can be allergies, sinusitis, headaches, respiratory irritation or asthma. If you answered « yes » to one or more of these questions, your air exchanger may need to be cleaned.