Service and emergencies · calls accepted from 7 AM to 11 PM
R.B.Q. 5840-4443-01 · CMMTQ Member · 514 917-5525
Service and emergencies · calls accepted from 7 AM to 11 PM
R.B.Q. 5840-4443-01 · CMMTQ Member · 514 917-5525
Heating and air conditioning are one thing. Renewing the air, controlling its humidity, and filtering it are another. The two are often confused in sales pitches.
It draws air from the room, passes it over a coil, and returns it warmer or cooler. It filters the air as it passes, but this filter primarily protects the unit.
What it doesn’t do: introduce outside air. In an older, permeable house, air still renews itself through leaks in the building envelope. In a newer or well-insulated house, it no longer renews itself naturally.
Health Canada recommends maintaining indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50%. Above this, vapor condenses on cold surfaces: fogged windows, exterior wall corners, basements. Below this, the air dries out mucous membranes and wood can warp.
Quebec winters push in both directions depending on the building. A twenty-dollar hygrometer settles half the debates.
The Clivia series is the only wall-mounted unit in the Gree R32 range to offer an optional fresh air kit. It introduces outside air into the room where it is installed.
This is useful, but limited: it treats the room, not the building. It does not replace an air exchanger. An HRV serves the entire dwelling, recovers heat from extracted air, and operates independently of the heating system. For a whole-house need, this is the equipment to consider.
A denser filter retains more particles, but it also restricts airflow more. In a central system, an overly restrictive filter chokes the blower, reduces airflow, and can cause a coil to freeze. The choice is made based on available airflow, not the rating on the packaging.
On a wall-mounted heat pump, the filter is washable. This is the only maintenance operation the owner performs themselves, and it’s the one most often forgotten.
No, except with the Clivia series fresh air kit, and then only in the room where it’s located. Renewing the air for the entire dwelling requires an air exchanger.
Indoor humidity exceeds what cold surfaces can handle. We first look at humidity sources and air renewal before discussing equipment.
Between 30 and 50% relative humidity, according to Health Canada.
It treats one room and does not replace ventilation or humidity control. It has its place as a supplement, not a substitute.
Every two to four weeks with regular use. It’s quick, and a clogged filter reduces performance long before it makes noise.
We’ll come to you, take measurements, and explain what works best and why. Then, you decide.
