Indoor Air Quality

Correcting the source is often the most effective first step. This may include:

• Repairing plumbing, roof, foundation, or drainage leaks
• Addressing water intrusion and damp materials
• Venting combustion appliances properly
• Using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans
• Keeping chemicals, fuels, and paints properly stored
• Preventing vehicle exhaust from entering the home
• Removing contaminated or damaged materials when appropriate

HVAC equipment cannot correct an active water leak, unsafe combustion appliance, radon problem, or significant mold contamination. Those conditions may require another qualified professional.

Ventilation introduces outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. However, simply opening windows is not always practical during very hot, cold, humid, or smoky conditions.

Depending on the home, a mechanical ventilation system may provide more controlled air exchange.

HVAC filters capture particles from the air passing through the system. Filter effectiveness varies based on the filter type, particle size, airflow, installation, and how frequently the filter is changed.

A higher-efficiency filter is not automatically appropriate for every system. A filter that is too restrictive can reduce airflow and affect HVAC performance. Felger Hart Residential can evaluate your equipment and recommend a compatible filtration option.

Both excessive and insufficient humidity can affect comfort and the condition of the home. Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help manage moisture as air circulates through compatible HVAC equipment.

Humidity equipment should be selected based on the home, season, existing HVAC system, and source of the moisture concern.

A whole-home filtration system is installed as part of the central HVAC system and filters air as it circulates through the ductwork.

Options range from standard media filters to larger, higher-efficiency filter cabinets. The correct filter must balance particle capture with the airflow requirements of the heating and cooling equipment.

Electronic air cleaners use an electrical charge or other technology to capture certain airborne particles. They require correct installation and routine cleaning or replacement of their collection components.

Felger Hart Residential can explain the operating and maintenance requirements before recommending this type of system.

Air purification products use different technologies and are designed for different applications. Product claims, treated particle types, installation locations, and maintenance requirements should be carefully compared.

Our team will help you understand what a product is designed to address and whether it is compatible with your HVAC system.

Ultraviolet lights may be installed near an indoor coil or within compatible ductwork. Their performance depends on placement, exposure time, intensity, and the type of material being treated.

UV equipment should be viewed as one possible part of an indoor air quality strategy—not a replacement for filtration, ventilation, moisture correction, or routine cleaning.

Energy recovery ventilators and heat recovery ventilators exchange stale indoor air for outdoor air while transferring some heat between the two air streams.

These systems may help provide controlled ventilation while reducing some of the heating or cooling impact associated with bringing outdoor air into the home. The correct type depends on the home, climate, HVAC design, and humidity-control goals.