How much does it cost to install a whole-house ventilation system with ductwork in Toronto?

A whole-house ventilation system with dedicated ductwork typically costs $4,000 to $10,000 installed in the GTA, depending on the type of system, home size, and whether you are retrofitting into an existing home or installing during new construction. The two main options are an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) at $2,500 to $5,000 installed and an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) at $3,000 to $6,000 installed, with dedicated ventilation ductwork adding $1,500 to $4,000 on top of the unit cost.

The biggest cost variable is whether the ventilation system can share existing HVAC ductwork or needs its own dedicated duct runs. A fully ducted system with independent supply and exhaust runs to each major room is the gold standard for indoor air quality, but it requires running new ductwork through walls, ceilings, and chases — which is straightforward in new construction but labour-intensive in a retrofit. In older Toronto homes with finished ceilings and limited chase space, running dedicated ventilation ducts can push total project costs toward the $8,000 to $10,000 range. Homes with unfinished basements or accessible attic spaces keep costs closer to the $4,000 to $6,000 range because duct routing is simpler.

For air-conditioned GTA homes, an ERV is generally the better choice because it transfers both heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. During Toronto's humid summers, an ERV prevents humid outdoor air from overwhelming your air conditioning by pre-dehumidifying the incoming fresh air. During winter, it recovers heat from the outgoing stale air and pre-warms the incoming fresh air, reducing heating costs. An HRV only transfers heat, not moisture, so it can over-dry the home in winter — a common complaint in GTA homes that already struggle with dry indoor air during heating season.

The Ontario Building Code requires mechanical ventilation in new construction and major renovations to meet ASHRAE 62.2 fresh air requirements. Even in older homes where it is not code-required, adding whole-house ventilation dramatically improves indoor air quality by diluting cooking odours, VOCs from building materials, carbon dioxide from occupants, and moisture from showers and cooking. This is especially important in GTA homes that have been air-sealed and insulated for energy efficiency — a tight building envelope without mechanical ventilation traps pollutants and moisture inside.

When budgeting, include these often-overlooked costs: balancing the system after installation ($200 to $400), electrical work for controls and wiring ($300 to $600, ESA-Licensed Electrical Contractor required), exterior wall or roof caps for intake and exhaust ($100 to $300), and a City of Toronto mechanical permit ($200 to $500). Annual maintenance includes cleaning or replacing filters every 3 to 6 months ($30 to $80 per filter set) and cleaning the heat exchange core once per year.

Get at least three quotes from contractors experienced with ventilation system installation, and ask specifically about dedicated versus shared ductwork, the ERV versus HRV recommendation for your home, and whether the system will be balanced and commissioned after installation. Toronto Ductwork can match you with local ventilation professionals for free estimates through the Toronto Construction Network.