Air Exchanger & HRV Cleaning in Saskatchewan

Signs Your Air Exchanger or HRV May Need Cleaning

Air exchangers and HRVs need regular maintenance because dust and debris can collect on filters, fans, grilles, and other accessible components over time.

It may be worth having your system inspected or cleaned if you notice:

• Visible dust or debris on filters, grilles, or accessible interior surfaces.
• Reduced airflow from air exchanger supply or exhaust vents.
• Musty or stale odours that appear to be coming from the air exchanger or its connected vents.
• Dirty filters or components that have not been cleaned or maintained for an extended period.
• Debris inside accessible ducting or piping connected to the system.
• An unknown maintenance history after moving into a home or taking over a property.

Natural Resources Canada recommends regularly checking and cleaning HRV and ERV components such as filters and heat-exchange cores as part of routine maintenance. Learn more from Natural Resources Canada.

If you’re unsure whether your air exchanger needs professional cleaning, Dun-Rite Vac can inspect the accessible components and explain what we find before recommending the appropriate next step.

Our Air Exchanger & HRV Cleaning Process

The exact cleaning process can vary depending on the design of your air exchanger or HRV, the condition of the system, and what can be safely accessed.

1. Inspect the accessible components – We review the unit, filters, grilles, connected piping, and other accessible areas to understand the condition of the system before cleaning begins.
2. Remove and clean accessible filters – Filters are removed and cleaned where appropriate based on the system design and condition.
3. Clean blower components and interior surfaces – Accessible blower fans and interior surfaces are cleaned to remove accumulated dust and debris.
4. Clean grilles and registers – Accessible vents, grilles, and registers included in the service are cleaned as appropriate.
5. Clean accessible connected ducting or piping – Where appropriate, connected airflow pathways may be air-scrubbed using professional duct-cleaning equipment.
6. Review the completed work – Once the cleaning is complete, our team can explain what was cleaned and any conditions we noticed during the service.

If your air exchanger or HRV has components that require a different maintenance approach, our technicians can explain what is appropriate for your particular system before or during the service.

What’s Included in Air Exchanger & HRV Cleaning?

The exact scope can vary depending on the design of your system and what can be safely accessed, but a typical Dun-Rite Vac air exchanger or HRV cleaning may include:

• Cleaning accessible filters where appropriate.
• Cleaning accessible blower fans and interior surfaces.
• Cleaning accessible grilles, registers, and vent openings included in the service.
• Removing accumulated dust and debris from accessible components.
• Cleaning accessible connected ducting or piping where appropriate.
• Reviewing the condition of accessible components during the service.

What May Not Be Included

Air exchanger cleaning does not automatically include repairs, replacement parts, electrical work, or servicing components that cannot be safely accessed as part of a standard cleaning appointment.

If our technicians notice a condition that appears to require repair, replacement, or another type of service, we can explain what we found so you can determine the appropriate next step.

Air Exchanger & HRV Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can help keep your air exchanger or HRV clean and working as intended between professional cleanings.

Homeowners can help maintain the system by:

• Checking filters regularly and cleaning or replacing them according to the system manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keeping exterior intake and exhaust openings clear of leaves, snow, lint, and other debris.
• Checking accessible grilles and vents for visible dust or buildup.
• Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for the heat-exchange core and other serviceable components.
• Having the system inspected if you notice reduced airflow, unusual odours, or significant buildup inside accessible areas.

Natural Resources Canada recommends regular maintenance of HRV and ERV systems, including checking filters and cleaning the heat-exchange core as appropriate. View Natural Resources Canada’s HRV and ERV guidance.

If your air exchanger has not been professionally cleaned for some time or you’re unsure about its condition, Dun-Rite Vac can inspect the accessible components and help you determine whether cleaning is needed.

Air Exchanger & HRV Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can help keep your air exchanger or HRV clean and working as intended between professional cleanings.

Homeowners can help maintain the system by:

• Checking filters regularly and cleaning or replacing them according to the system manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keeping exterior intake and exhaust openings clear of leaves, snow, lint, and other debris.
• Checking accessible grilles and vents for visible dust or buildup.
• Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for the heat-exchange core and other serviceable components.
• Having the system inspected if you notice reduced airflow, unusual odours, or significant buildup inside accessible areas.

Natural Resources Canada recommends regular maintenance of HRV and ERV systems, including checking filters and cleaning the heat-exchange core as appropriate. View Natural Resources Canada’s HRV and ERV guidance.

If your air exchanger has not been professionally cleaned for some time or you’re unsure about its condition, Dun-Rite Vac can inspect the accessible components and help you determine whether cleaning is needed.

Air Exchanger & HRV Cleaning FAQs

How do I know if my air exchanger or HRV needs cleaning?

Visible dust or debris on filters, grilles, blower components, or accessible interior surfaces can be a sign that the system needs attention. Reduced airflow, unusual odours, or an unknown maintenance history are also good reasons to have the system inspected.

What parts of the air exchanger do you clean?

Depending on the system and what can be safely accessed, cleaning may include filters, blower fans, interior surfaces, grilles, registers, and accessible connected ducting or piping.

Do you clean the heat-exchange core?

The heat-exchange core is an important part of HRV maintenance, but the correct cleaning method depends on the system manufacturer and the design of the unit. Our technicians can inspect the accessible components and explain what can be appropriately cleaned during your service.

Is air exchanger cleaning the same as furnace and air duct cleaning?

No. Your air exchanger or HRV is a separate ventilation system from your main furnace and ductwork. Depending on your home, both systems may need their own cleaning and maintenance.

How often should an HRV or air exchanger be cleaned?

There is no single professional-cleaning schedule that applies to every system. Maintenance needs can vary based on the equipment, how often it runs, household conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Filters and other serviceable components should be checked regularly.

Can you clean an air exchanger that has not been maintained for several years?

In many cases, yes. Our technicians can inspect the accessible components, determine what can be safely cleaned, and explain what the system may need before the work begins.

Do you repair air exchangers or replace parts?

Air exchanger cleaning does not automatically include repairs, electrical work, or replacement parts. If we notice something during the cleaning that appears to require another type of service, we’ll explain what we found so you can determine the appropriate next step.

Can I book air exchanger cleaning with other Dun-Rite Vac services?

Depending on your needs and scheduling availability, you may also be able to book services such as furnace and air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, central vacuum cleaning, or HVAC coil cleaning. Ask our team about the services appropriate for your property when booking.

Related Cleaning Services

Depending on your home’s ventilation and HVAC systems, you may also want to explore these Dun-Rite Vac services:

• Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning – Removes accumulated dust and debris from accessible ductwork and HVAC components.
• Dryer Vent Cleaning – Clears built-up lint and debris from accessible sections of the dryer exhaust system.
• Central Vacuum Cleaning – Removes accumulated debris and blockages to help maintain airflow and suction.
• Heating & A/C Coil Cleaning – Removes buildup from accessible heating and cooling coils.

If you’re unsure which service is appropriate for your home, contact Dun-Rite Vac and our team can help you determine the right next step.

Professional Air Exchanger & HRV Cleaning You Can Trust

Dun-Rite Vac provides air exchanger and HRV cleaning for homeowners throughout Saskatchewan and Western Manitoba.

Dun-Rite Vac is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), with ASCS-certified personnel listed in NADCA’s professional directory.

Dun-Rite Vac is also a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating.

Our team focuses on thorough cleaning, clear communication, and helping homeowners understand what their ventilation system actually needs.