Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Manitoba
Breathe cleaner, healthier air with proper ventilation and filtration
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Manitoba
Manitoba's extreme climate means our homes are sealed tight for much of the year. While this keeps us warm in winter and cool in summer, it also traps stale air, pollutants, and excess moisture inside. Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues, discomfort, and even damage to your home.
Patterson Mechanical installs ventilation and air quality systems throughout Stonewall, Winnipeg, and the Interlake region. We help homeowners breathe easier with solutions designed for Manitoba's unique climate challenges.
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)
HRVs are essential for modern, airtight Manitoba homes. They exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat from the outgoing air—keeping your home ventilated without wasting energy.
- Fresh air exchange: Continuously replaces stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air
- Heat recovery: Transfers heat from exhaust air to incoming fresh air, saving energy
- Moisture control: Helps reduce excess humidity in winter and condensation on windows
- Code compliance: Required in new construction to meet Manitoba building codes
We install, maintain, and repair HRV systems. If your HRV isn't running properly or your home feels stuffy, give us a call.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
Similar to HRVs, ERVs also transfer moisture between air streams. This makes them ideal for homes that struggle with dry air in winter or excess humidity in summer.
- Moisture transfer: Balances humidity levels between incoming and outgoing air
- Year-round comfort: Reduces dry air in winter, helps control humidity in summer
- Energy efficient: Recovers both heat and moisture for maximum efficiency
Air Filtration Systems
Upgrade your home's air filtration beyond the standard furnace filter. We install whole-home air filtration systems that capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles.
- Media air cleaners: High-efficiency filters that capture more particles than standard filters
- Electronic air cleaners: Use electrostatic attraction to trap microscopic particles
- HEPA filtration: Hospital-grade filtration for those with allergies or respiratory concerns
Humidifiers
Manitoba winters are notoriously dry. When your furnace runs constantly, indoor humidity can drop to desert-like levels, causing dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory discomfort. Whole-home humidifiers add moisture to your heated air for better comfort.
- Bypass humidifiers: Use furnace heat to evaporate water into the airstream
- Fan-powered humidifiers: More powerful option for larger homes or higher humidity needs
- Steam humidifiers: Precise humidity control for maximum comfort
Bathroom and Kitchen Ventilation
Proper exhaust ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens removes moisture at the source, preventing mold growth and protecting your home. We install and replace exhaust fans, range hoods, and ducting.
- Bathroom exhaust fans: Quiet, efficient fans properly ducted to the exterior
- Range hoods: Kitchen ventilation to remove cooking odours, grease, and moisture
- Proper ducting: Ensuring exhaust air actually exits your home, not into the attic
Signs You Need Better Indoor Air Quality
- Condensation on windows in winter
- Stuffy or stale-smelling air
- Excessive dust buildup
- Dry skin, static electricity, or respiratory irritation in winter
- Musty odours or signs of mold
- Family members with allergies or asthma symptoms worsening indoors
If you're experiencing any of these issues, an indoor air quality assessment can identify solutions to improve your home's comfort and healthiness.
New Construction & Renovations
Building a new home or doing a major renovation? Indoor air quality systems should be part of your planning. Manitoba building codes require mechanical ventilation in new homes, and we can help you choose and install the right HRV or ERV system, along with any additional filtration or humidity control you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean or service my HRV?
HRV filters should be cleaned every 2-3 months. The core should be cleaned at least once a year, and the unit should be professionally serviced annually to ensure proper operation. A poorly maintained HRV won't ventilate effectively and may even freeze up in winter.
What's the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
Both exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while recovering energy. HRVs transfer only heat, while ERVs transfer both heat and moisture. ERVs are often preferred in homes that get too dry in winter or too humid in summer, as they help balance humidity levels.
Will a humidifier help with my dry skin and static electricity?
Yes! A whole-home humidifier adds moisture to your heated air, reducing dry skin, static shocks, and that uncomfortable dry feeling common in Manitoba winters. It can also help protect wood floors and furniture from cracking.
Do I need an HRV if I have an older, drafty house?
Older homes with natural air leakage may not need an HRV for basic ventilation, but you might still benefit from one for controlled ventilation and heat recovery. If you've upgraded windows or added insulation, an HRV becomes more important as the home becomes tighter.
Improve Your Home's Air Quality
Contact Patterson Mechanical to discuss ventilation, filtration, and humidity control solutions for your Manitoba home.