You've just completed your renovations. The kitchen looks great, the bathroom sparkles, and your new floors are impeccable. But have you thought about what's lurking in your air ducts?
Every year, the City of Montreal issues over 25,000 renovation permits. That's thousands of homes where gypsum is cut, walls sanded and structures demolished. And all this dust? It ends up exactly where you think it will: all over your ventilation system.
The question we're constantly asked at Vortex Air is: «Is it really necessary to clean ducts after renovations?» The short answer: yes, absolutely. The long answer, with all the details that will convince you to act, is what we'll cover in this guide.
Because breathing in gypsum dust for months after your beautiful work isn't exactly the result you were looking for.
Why Montreal renovations leave your air ducts contaminated
Renovations create a massive amount of airborne particles. We're not just talking about big, visible dust - we're talking about fine particles that float in the air for hours on end and settle everywhere, including inside your ducts.
Even if your contractor has done an excellent job of protecting you with plastics and tape, dust still finds its way in. It gets under doors, through air returns, and into every nook and cranny of your ventilation system.
According to Health Canada, indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air after renovation work. That's not an exaggeration - it's the measurable reality of what happens when you cut, sand and demolish inside an enclosed space.
Invisible enemies: gypsum dust, plaster and fine particles (PM2.5)
Gypsum dust is particularly problematic. These fine particles remain suspended in the air for hours after the work has been completed. Your ventilation system draws in this air and distributes these particles to every room in the house.
Plaster and joint compounds contain chemical additives. When sanded, they create an ultrafine dust that irritates the respiratory tract. If you've ever felt that dry throat and coughing sensation after work, this is it.
PM2.5 particles (fine particles less than 2.5 microns in size) are the most dangerous. They are so small that they can penetrate deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream. Renovations generate large quantities of PM2.5.
Paint, even «low-emission» versions, gives off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These vapors mix with dust in your ducts, creating a sticky layer that traps even more contaminants.
When insulation materials are cut or handled, they release fibers. These fibers settle in your ducts and can circulate in your home for months if not removed.
The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) confirms that prolonged exposure to these contaminants significantly increases allergic and respiratory symptoms. It's not just uncomfortable - it's a real risk to your health.
Hidden risks for your health and your ventilation system
Children are the most vulnerable. Their developing respiratory systems react more strongly to airborne irritants. If your child develops a persistent cough or asthma symptoms after your renovations, take a look at your air ducts.
Pets suffer too. They breathe faster than we do, and spend more time close to the ground where heavy particles settle. Your cat or dog probably inhales more contaminants than you do.
For your HVAC system, it's a nightmare. Dust clogs ducts, reduces airflow, and forces your system to work harder. The result? Your energy bills go up and your equipment ages faster.
Statistics show that around a third of Montreal households have poor indoor air quality. After renovations, this figure rises dramatically if ducts are not cleaned.
Your system's filters will quickly become clogged. Even if you change them regularly, they can't do anything about the dust that's already accumulated IN the ducts. These are two separate problems requiring two separate solutions.
Have your air ducts inspected free of charge in Montreal. At Vortex Air, we come to you with our endoscopic cameras, show you exactly what's lurking in your ducts, and give you honest advice. No pressure, just the truth.
Is it really necessary to decontaminate after renovations? (Yes, here's why)
We understand the hesitation. You've just spent thousands of dollars on renovations, and now you're told you need to invest even more to clean your ducts. But here's why it's not an optional expense.
The facts supported by the experts [Protégez-Vous, INSPQ, RBQ].
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) explicitly recommends that ventilation systems be cleaned after major work, particularly involving gypsum or plaster. It's not just advice - it's in their directives under articles 15.7 and 15.8.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) makes it clear that renovations are one of the main trigger events for professional cleaning. Their industry standards classify construction work as a «high contamination risk» situation.
Protégez-Vous, in their guide to indoor air quality, points out that neglecting post-renovation cleaning is one of the most common mistakes made by Quebec homeowners. They recommend professional cleaning within 30 days of completion.
Yet only 20 to 30% of homeowners have their ducts cleaned after renovations. This is a huge under-penetration of the market, often caused by a lack of awareness rather than informed choice.
The INSPQ confirms that gypsum and plaster particles can remain suspended in ducts for months, even years. Without intervention, you'll continue to breathe in these contaminants long after your renovations are complete.
Common myths to avoid (and why they're dangerous)
MYTH #1: «If I don't see dust, it's clean».»
False. The most dangerous particles are the ones you can't see. PM2.5 are invisible to the naked eye but cause the worst respiratory problems. Your ducts can be heavily contaminated without any visible signs.
MYTH #2: «My filters will catch all the dust».»
Standard filters catch large particles entering the system. They do absolutely nothing for the dust already accumulating in the ducts. And after renovations, your ducts are literally lined with debris.
MYTH #3: «My contractor did clean renovations».»
Even the most meticulous contractors can't completely prevent the dispersion of dust. It's physically impossible. Cutting gypsum generates particles that become airborne. These particles travel throughout the house via air currents.
MYTH #4: «I can clean my own ducts».»
No. Vacuuming your ventilation grilles may remove 5% of contamination. The rest requires professional equipment - rotary brushes, HEPA suction-pulse systems, and the expertise to reach every section of the network.
The INSPQ points out that DIY cleaning attempts can even exacerbate the problem by further dispersing particles without adequately capturing them. You create a cloud of contaminants without actually decontaminating.
Post-reno checklist (RBQ + health)
Here are the essential steps to follow after your work:
- Let the system shut down during heavy work If possible, turn off your HVAC system during sanding and cutting. This limits (but does not eliminate) the amount of dust drawn into the ducts.
- Wait 24-48 hours after completion of work Allow dust to settle. Clean all visible surfaces. Vacuum with a HEPA filter. But understand that this only treats surfaces - not the inside of your ducts.
- Have your ducts inspected by camera This is the only way to see the true extent of the contamination. A visual inspection of the grids tells you nothing about the condition inside the network.
- Plan professional cleaning with HEPA equipment Choose a certified company (INVC, NADCA) that uses the suction-pulsion method with HEPA filtration. Insist on a before-and-after photo report.
- Request a full report for your files This document can be useful if you're selling your home, for insurance purposes, or simply for peace of mind. Keep it with your other renovation documents.
Download our RBQ checklist - it's free! A detailed PDF guide that lists each step, with checkboxes and explanatory notes. Print it out and follow it after your next job.
How much does post-renovation decontamination cost in Montreal?
Let's talk money. Because this is often where homeowners hesitate.
Average rates and factors influencing prices
For a typical 1,500-square-foot home in Montreal, expect to pay between 400 $ and 700 $ for a complete post-renovation cleaning. This is more expensive than routine maintenance because the contamination is more extensive.
If your renovations have generated a lot of dust-demolition of walls, intensive sanding of floors, major drywall work-add about 20% to these rates. The amount of debris to be removed requires more time and effort.
Factors influencing price include:
The size of your system - More ducts = more cleaning time. A large bungalow with a finished basement costs more than a two-bedroom condo.
Accessibility - Hard-to-reach conduits or complex systems with several branches require more work.
Type of renovation - Light paintwork is less contaminating than intensive demolition and sanding.
The initial state - If your ducts have never been cleaned and you're adding renovation dust on top of years of accumulated dirt, it gets more complex.
Additional services - Cleaning the air exchanger, bathroom fan or other components is added to the base price.
The difference between routine cleaning and post-work cleaning is important. Routine maintenance removes mainly normal household dust. Post-renovation, we're talking about construction debris, encrusted gypsum particles, and much denser contamination.
The true cost of doing nothing
Here's what it costs to NOT clean your ducts after renovations:
On health: Allergy and asthma symptoms persist. Doctor visits, medications, missed days of school or work - it all adds up quickly. Studies show a 30% reduction in allergic symptoms after professional cleaning.
On energy: A clogged system works 15 to 25% harder to maintain temperature. On your annual heating and air-conditioning bill, that's easily 200 $ to 400 $ more. In just a few years, you've paid for the equivalent of cleaning in pure energy waste.
On the equipment: Your furnace and air conditioner age faster when they're constantly forcing against clogged ducts. Replacing a furnace 5 years early means thousands of dollars lost.
On your insurance: Some insurers require proof of proper maintenance. If you have an air quality problem later and it's discovered that you neglected post-renovation cleaning, your claim could be jeopardized.
On resale value: Potential buyers who have the house inspected and discover contaminated ducts may ask for a price reduction or withdraw from the offer altogether.
Seen in this light, 400 $ to 700 $ for professional cleaning isn't an expense - it's an investment that pays for itself quickly.
Get a free estimate in 2 minutes. Fill out our online form or call us directly. We'll give you a clear price based on your specific situation. No commitment, no pressure.
How professional air duct decontamination works
Transparency is important. Here's exactly how we do it at Vortex Air when we clean ducts after renovations.
Key steps in the Vortex Air process (INVC / NADCA certified)
Step 1: Inspection by endoscopic camera
We always start by looking. Our high-resolution camera allows us to inspect every section of your ductwork. We show you the images in real time - you see exactly what we see.
This inspection tells us where the contamination is heaviest, whether certain sections need special attention, and what equipment will be needed. We take photos beforehand to document the initial state.
Step 2: Suction-pulse cleaning (SFP) with HEPA filtration
This is the heart of the process. We create powerful negative pressure in your system with our commercial HEPA equipment. That means the air is drawn TO our machine, never pushed toward your home.
Rotating brushes are inserted into each duct section. These brushes mechanically dislodge all dust, gypsum debris and particles embedded in the walls. Anything we loosen is immediately sucked up and captured by our HEPA filters.
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles. That includes all particles of gypsum, plaster and even the finest PM2.5. Nothing gets back into your home.
Step 3: Sanitization and disinfection
For renovations that have generated a lot of dust, or if residual moisture is detected, we apply a Health Canada-approved sanitizer. This is an optional but recommended step to ensure that your ducts are truly clean.
We use a misting technique that reaches all interior surfaces. The product eliminates bacteria and prevents mold growth if moisture was present during the work.
Étape 4: Rapport photo avant-après
On refait une inspection complète avec la caméra. Vous voyez les résultats: des conduits propres, sans débris, sans accumulation. La différence est spectaculaire et rassurante.
Le rapport qu’on vous remet inclut toutes les photos, les sections nettoyées, les produits utilisés (si applicable), et nos recommandations pour l’entretien futur. C’est votre preuve de service professionnel.
Étape 5: Vérification du débit d’air
On s’assure que votre système respire bien. Le débit d’air doit être optimal après le nettoyage. Si on détecte des problèmes de circulation, on vous en informe honnêtement — même si ça nécessite d’autres interventions qu’on offre pas.
Tout le processus prend généralement entre 3 et 5 heures pour une maison moyenne. On protège vos planchers et vos meubles pendant notre travail. On nettoie tout après notre passage. Vous retrouvez votre maison propre, avec un système de ventilation qui fonctionne comme du neuf.
Ce qui distingue une entreprise certifiée à Montréal
Au Québec, n’importe qui avec un aspirateur peut prétendre nettoyer des conduits. Mais les professionnels certifiés, c’est une autre histoire.
La certification INVC (Institut National de Ventilation et de Climatisation) garantit que les techniciens ont reçu une formation spécialisée et suivent des protocoles stricts. Chez Vortex Air, toute notre équipe est formée et certifiée INVC.
La certification NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) est le standard nord-américain de l’industrie. On est actuellement en processus d’obtenir cette certification pour ajouter une couche supplémentaire de crédibilité à notre service.
La conformité RBQ est obligatoire au Québec pour ce type de travail. Les articles 15.7 et 15.8 du Code du bâtiment encadrent le nettoyage et la décontamination des systèmes de ventilation. On respecte ces exigences à la lettre.
La Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) établit aussi des standards que les professionnels sérieux suivent. On s’aligne sur leurs recommandations pour l’entretien et la décontamination.
Quand vous engagez une entreprise certifiée, vous avez:
- Des techniciens formés qui savent ce qu’ils font
- L’équipement professionnel approprié (pas juste un aspirateur commercial)
- Des assurances responsabilité qui vous protègent
- Un recours si quelque chose va mal
- Une garantie sur le travail effectué
Service certifié, garanti sans résidus — contactez Vortex Air. Appelez le 514-214-7492 (disponible 24/7) ou visitez vortexair.ca. On est fiers de notre expertise locale et de notre approche transparente.
Quand planifier votre nettoyage post-rénovation à Montréal?
Le timing est important. Voici quand agir pour des résultats optimaux.
Le bon moment selon les experts (automne ou 1 mois post-travaux)
Idéalement, planifiez le nettoyage environ un mois après la fin complète de vos rénovations. Ce délai permet:
À la poussière de se stabiliser — Les particules les plus fines finissent par se déposer. Vous avez eu le temps de nettoyer toutes les surfaces visibles.
Aux odeurs de peinture de se dissiper — Les COV des peintures et des vernis ont eu le temps de s’évaporer en grande partie.
Au système de fonctionner normalement — Vous avez réactivé votre chauffage ou climatisation, et vous savez si des symptômes ou des odeurs apparaissent.
Si vos rénovations se terminent en été ou au début de l’automne, c’est le moment parfait. Vous nettoyez avant que le chauffage parte à plein régime pour l’hiver montréalais. Faire circuler de l’air propre pendant les 6 mois où votre maison reste fermée, ça fait toute la différence.
Le printemps est aussi une bonne option, particulièrement si vous rénovez en hiver. Vous nettoyez après la saison de chauffage et avant que la climatisation démarre.
L’humidité à Montréal est un facteur important. Nos étés sont humides, ce qui peut aggraver les problèmes si de la poussière de gypse retient l’humidité dans vos conduits. Nettoyer à l’automne élimine ce risque avant l’hiver.
Les quartiers comme Ahuntsic, Rosemont, Brossard, Laval et Longueuil ont tous leurs particularités, mais la recommandation reste la même: nettoyez dans le mois suivant vos rénovations, idéalement à l’automne.
L’entretien futur pour maintenir une bonne qualité d’air
Une fois que vos conduits sont propres après les rénovations, maintenez cette qualité d’air avec un entretien régulier.
La recommandation générale est aux 3 à 5 ans pour un nettoyage préventif. Mais après des rénovations, vous êtes repartis à zéro avec un système propre. Votre prochain nettoyage peut attendre le cycle régulier.
Les statistiques montrent que 65% des rénovateurs québécois ont entre 40 et 60 ans — l’âge où on investit dans sa propriété et où on prend l’entretien au sérieux. C’est aussi l’âge où les problèmes respiratoires et les allergies deviennent plus préoccupants.
Changez vos filtres régulièrement — aux 3 mois minimum. Après des rénovations, changez-les plus souvent pendant les premiers mois. Vous verrez probablement qu’ils se salissent plus vite à mesure que les dernières particules résiduelles sont capturées.
Faites entretenir votre système HVAC annuellement. Un technicien qualifié peut détecter des signes de re-contamination ou des problèmes émergents avant qu’ils deviennent sérieux.
Surveillez l’humidité dans votre sous-sol. Un déshumidificateur, surtout en été, prévient la formation de moisissures dans vos conduits. Montréal est une ville humide — gérer cette humidité est essentiel pour la qualité d’air.
Planifiez votre nettoyage pré-hiver dès aujourd’hui! Les places se remplissent vite en automne quand tout le monde prépare sa maison pour l’hiver. Chez Vortex Air, on offre du service 7 jours sur 7, mais réservez tôt pour avoir la plage horaire qui vous convient.
FAQ — Décontamination post-rénos à Montréal
Est-ce obligatoire de nettoyer les conduits d’air après des travaux?
Légalement, c’est pas obligatoire au Québec. Mais la RBQ le recommande fortement dans ses directives, et plusieurs assureurs peuvent l’exiger pour maintenir votre couverture complète. Au-delà des obligations légales, c’est une question de santé et de bon sens. Si vous venez d’investir des milliers en rénovations, protégez cet investissement avec un nettoyage approprié.
Quels sont les signes d’un conduit contaminé après rénovation?
Les signes incluent: une fine couche de poussière blanche qui revient constamment sur vos meubles, une odeur de plâtre ou de construction quand le système fonctionne, une augmentation des symptômes allergiques ou respiratoires, des grilles de ventilation visiblement poussiéreuses même après nettoyage, et un débit d’air réduit aux bouches de ventilation.
Peut-on faire soi-même la décontamination?
On le déconseille fortement. Le nettoyage professionnel nécessite de l’équipement spécialisé — des aspirateurs HEPA commerciaux, des brosses rotatives, et l’expertise pour atteindre chaque section du réseau. Tenter le DIY risque de disperser davantage la poussière sans vraiment décontaminer. Et vous perdez la documentation professionnelle qui peut être importante pour votre assurance.
How long does the procedure last?
For an average home (1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft.), allow between 3 and 5 hours. Larger homes with complex systems can take 6 to 8 hours. We work efficiently without compromising quality. You can stay at home while we work - we take care of everything.
Is it covered by home insurance?
Rarely, unless the contamination is the result of a claim (water damage during renovations, for example). However, some insurers may require proof of post-renovation cleaning to keep your policy up to date. Check with your agent. The professional report we provide can serve as official documentation.
What is the impact on allergies and health?
The impact is often spectacular. Customers regularly report: significant reduction in coughing and sneezing, better sleep, less morning congestion, reduced use of allergy medication, and a general feeling of fresher, cleaner air. Asthmatic children often show the most marked improvements.
What's the difference between cleaning and decontamination?
Regular cleaning removes normal household dust - hair, pet dander, exterior dust. Post-renovation decontamination specifically targets construction debris, embedded gypsum particles, and industrial contaminants. It's more intensive, uses specialized techniques, and often includes a sanitizing step with approved products.
Which Montreal neighborhoods do you serve?
We serve all of Greater Montreal and surrounding areas: Montreal (all boroughs), Laval, North Shore (Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny), South Shore (Brossard, Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, Boucherville), and neighboring regions. We travel up to 50 km from our Montreal base. Give us a call - if we can serve you, we will.
