Most HRV and ERV problems don't happen suddenly — they develop gradually from neglect. Filters clog slowly over months. Cores get dusty. Exterior hoods get blocked by debris or ice. Airflow drifts out of balance without anyone noticing. By the time a homeowner calls for a repair, what started as a simple maintenance issue has often become a more expensive fix — or a full breakdown during the coldest stretch of a Canadian winter.

Regular professional maintenance prevents exactly this. Here's what skipping annual service actually costs:

• Efficiency losses of up to 30–40%. A clogged filter or dirty heat-exchange core forces the motor to work harder for less result — raising electricity consumption and reducing airflow at the same time.
• Shortened equipment lifespan. A well-maintained HRV or ERV can last 15–20 years. Units that go without regular service typically fail earlier — often right at the point where a repair bill starts to approach the cost of replacement.
• Voided warranty risk. Many manufacturers require documented annual maintenance as a condition of their warranty. Skipping service can void your coverage on parts you'd otherwise be entitled to claim.
• Degraded indoor air quality. A ventilator that isn't moving the right amount of air isn't protecting your family's health the way it should — which defeats the entire purpose of having one.
• Airflow imbalance and pressure problems. An unbalanced ventilator can cause negative air pressure that affects your furnace, dryer, and other combustion appliances — a safety concern that a routine check catches and corrects.

Every plan visit is performed by a certified HVAC technician — not a seasonal subcontractor. Here's a full breakdown of what we do on every annual maintenance call

We offer maintenance plans to fit different households and budgets. All plans include the full annual service visit described above — the difference is in the level of additional coverage and benefits included throughout the year.

* Contact us for current plan pricing. Bundle pricing is available when combining ventilator maintenance with a furnace, AC, or water heater plan.

Some ventilator maintenance tasks — like rinsing the filters — are genuinely homeowner-friendly. Others require tools, training, and experience to do safely and accurately. Here's how to think about what you can handle yourself and what's best left to a certified technician:

The bottom line: DIY filter rinsing and visual hood checks every few months are genuinely useful habits. But they don't replace an annual professional inspection — they complement it. Think of it the same way you'd think about washing your car vs. having it professionally serviced.

Use this schedule to stay on top of your HRV or ERV throughout the year. Plan members receive reminders automatically — no need to track it yourself.

If it's been more than a year since your last professional inspection — or you've never had one done since moving into your home — watch for these warning signs that your unit needs attention:

• Rooms feeling stuffy or air quality seems worse than it used to be — possible restricted airflow from clogged filters or core
• Visible dust or debris around vent grilles — filters overdue for cleaning
• Condensation returning on windows after a period without it — airflow imbalance or unit not exhausting properly
• Unexplained increase in heating or electricity costs — motor working harder due to restricted airflow
• Any unusual noise from the unit — rattling, grinding, or clicking that wasn't there before
• Musty or stale odours coming from vents — possible mould on the core or standing water in the drain pan

If any of these apply, call us for a service visit. Our technicians can often have a unit back to full performance in a single visit — and plan members get priority scheduling.

Most Ontario homes have more than just a ventilator to maintain. If your furnace, air conditioner, or water heater could also benefit from annual professional service — and they all could — bundling everything under one maintenance plan with Constant Home Comfort is the most cost-effective approach.

Our bundled maintenance plans give you:

• One annual visit that covers all bundled equipment — no juggling multiple service windows or different companies
• Bundle pricing that's lower than buying individual plans separately — the more you include, the more you save
• A single point of contact for your entire home comfort system — one call handles furnace, AC, ventilator, and water heater
• Consistent documentation of service history across all equipment — useful for warranty claims and home resale

Ask about our full-home maintenance bundle when you call. Our team will walk you through what's included and price out the right combination for your household.

Some homeowners skip a maintenance plan thinking they'll only call when something breaks. Here's what that approach typically costs compared to staying ahead of problems with a plan:

• Certified technicians on every visit. No seasonal contractors, no unfamiliar faces. Our own licensed technicians perform every maintenance visit — the same team that installs and repairs across Ontario.
• All brands and models covered. We maintain HRVs and ERVs from Lennox, Venmar, Lifebreath, Fantech, Honeywell, Carrier, and more. You don't need to have purchased your unit from us.
• No contract lock-in. Our maintenance plans operate on an annual basis. Renew each year if you're happy — no multi-year commitment required.
• 24/7 priority support for plan members. If something comes up between scheduled visits, plan members go to the front of the line.
• Serving all of Ontario. GTA, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Windsor, Barrie, and surrounding areas — wherever your home is, we cover it.
• Bundle and save. Combine your ventilator plan with furnace, AC, or water heater coverage for maximum savings and convenience.

Do I need a maintenance plan if my HRV is still under warranty?

Yes — in fact, many manufacturer warranties specifically require documented annual maintenance as a condition of coverage. A maintenance plan creates exactly the paper trail you need to support a warranty claim if a component fails within the covered period. Without it, the manufacturer may deny a claim even if the unit is technically still within its warranty window.

Can I sign up for a plan if I didn't buy my ventilator from you?

Absolutely. We maintain HRV and ERV units from all major brands, regardless of where they were purchased or who installed them. When you sign up, we'll do an initial assessment of your unit to establish a baseline condition — and that first visit counts as your annual maintenance visit for the plan year.

When is the best time of year to schedule maintenance?

We recommend scheduling your annual ventilator service in September or October — before the heating season begins in earnest. This ensures your defrost system is tested and ready for winter, your filters are clean heading into the months of highest use, and any issues are caught while the weather is still mild enough to address them without urgency.

How long does the annual maintenance visit take?

A standard ventilator maintenance visit takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. If we discover an issue that requires repair during the visit, that may extend the time — but we'll always advise you before proceeding with any additional work and confirm the cost.

What if my ventilator needs a repair during the plan year?

Plan members receive priority scheduling and a 10–15% discount on parts and labour for any repairs needed outside of their annual visit. We'll diagnose the issue, provide an upfront quote, and complete the repair as quickly as possible — often on the same visit as the diagnostic call.

Does the plan cover replacement of major components like the motor or core?

The plan covers the annual service visit in full. If a major component replacement is required — such as a motor, fan assembly, or heat-exchange core — this is quoted and billed separately, with plan members receiving their applicable parts and labour discount. We'll always give you a clear upfront quote before any repair work begins.

Don't wait until something goes wrong. A maintenance plan is the simplest, most cost-effective way to protect your ventilator investment, keep your indoor air quality where it should be, and avoid the stress of emergency repairs in the middle of winter.

Call Constant Home Comfort at 1 (888) 675-5907 to speak with our team about the right plan for your home. We're available 24/7 and serve homeowners across the GTA, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Windsor, Barrie, and all of Ontario.

Call 1 (888) 675-5907 | Maintenance Plans for All HRV & ERV Brands | Serving All of Ontario