The importance of air exchangers during Quebec winters

In winter, maintaining good indoor air quality while optimizing energy efficiency is crucial, especially in high-rise buildings. Air exchangers play an essential role in this process. Here’s how they work and their benefits.

How air exchangers work

Air exchangers ensure ventilation by removing stale air from inside the building and bringing in fresh air from outside. This process occurs through separate ducts, allowing for efficient heat exchange. The outgoing air, often warmer, transfers its heat to the incoming air, preheating it without wasting heating energy.

Types of air exchangers

• Counterflow heat exchangers: These systems maximize thermal exchange efficiency by circulating incoming and outgoing air in opposite directions.
• Crossflow exchangers: Although less efficient, these systems are useful in compact spaces, with incoming and outgoing air circulating perpendicularly.

Benefits of air exchangers

• Improved air quality: By reducing the concentration of pollutants like CO2 and fine particles, air exchangers contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
• Energy savings: By recovering heat from outgoing air, they reduce the heating load on systems, leading to significant energy savings.
• Humidity control: Air exchangers help maintain optimal humidity levels, essential for comfort and health. Proper humidity control can also prevent mold growth and enhance heating efficiency.

Tips for using air exchangers

• Regular maintenance: Clean filters and inspect ducts to ensure optimal performance.
• Proper use: Adjust settings based on your building’s ventilation and heating needs.

Additional tips

• Keep curtains open during the day: In winter, open curtains during the day to let in sunlight. This helps naturally warm the interior and reduces window condensation. Condensation often forms when warm, humid indoor air contacts cold window surfaces. Allowing sunlight in can mitigate this and improve indoor comfort.
• Store window screens in winter: Remove screens during winter to enhance air circulation and reduce window condensation. This helps maintain a more uniform temperature and prevent moisture buildup.

By using an air exchanger and following these tips, you can not only improve indoor air quality but also achieve significant energy savings, which is particularly beneficial during Quebec winters.

Canada post strike: Plan ahead for your condo fee payments

With the onset of the Canada Post strike, we remind all co-owners that timely payment of common fees is critical for the smooth management of your condominium. These fees are the primary, and often sole, source of revenue for the association, allowing it to cover shared expenses and ensure the proper operation of your property.

To prevent payment delays and any resulting consequences, we encourage those who send checks via Canada Post to switch to an alternative payment method immediately.

Available payment options

• Pre-authorized debit

  • Free of charge.
  • To enroll, email us at [email protected] to request a registration form.

• Mobile banking payment (from a Canadian account)

  • Free of charge.
  • Use your banking app’s supplier payment feature. Check your statement for instructions and your customer number.

• Credit card payment

  • Transaction fees apply (paid by the co-owner as a last-resort option).
  • Visit the “Home” page of your condominium’s UpperBee portal to complete your payment.

Sending checks during the strike

If you choose to continue paying by check, we recommend using an alternative delivery method (e.g., courier or a non-Canada Post service) to avoid delays caused by the strike.

Important reminder

Late payments of common fees may result in penalties and/or interest charges on your account. Please plan your payments in advance to avoid unnecessary costs.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this period. We are available to assist you with any questions or concerns.

The SolutionCondo Team