Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Dayton
When you call HEP in Dayton, you get more than a team that simply fixes furnaces and A/C units—you get specialists passionate about clean, breathable air. Our technicians know that true comfort starts with healthy indoor air, so every service visit combines precision tuning of your heating and air conditioning with proven air-quality solutions. From high-efficiency filters that trap pollen and dust to UV lights that neutralize bacteria, we tailor our recommendations to the unique conditions of your home and the demands of Ohio’s four-season climate.
Whether you’re dealing with muggy summer humidity, a dry winter chill, or lingering odors that just won’t quit, HEP delivers whole-home answers. We install and maintain energy-smart HVAC systems, seal leaky ductwork, balance ventilation, and provide real-time air quality monitoring—everything you need for cleaner air, lower utility bills, and year-round peace of mind. Reach out today and discover why so many Dayton homeowners trust HEP to keep their families comfortable and their air refreshingly pure.
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality (IAQ) especially important for homes in the Dayton area?
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons, which means homes are sealed tight against cold, pollen, and humidity at different times of the year. This can trap dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors, sometimes making indoor air two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Poor IAQ can aggravate allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses that are common in the Miami Valley. By monitoring and improving IAQ, Dayton homeowners can protect their family’s health, enhance comfort, and reduce HVAC energy use because clean, balanced air lets equipment work more efficiently.
What are the most common indoor air pollutants found in Dayton homes?
The pollutants we see most often include: (1) seasonal pollen from ragweed, grasses, and trees that blows in from the surrounding Ohio Valley; (2) mold spores that thrive in our humid summers, especially in basements and crawl spaces; (3) dust mites and pet dander that accumulate when homes are closed up during winter; (4) VOCs released from household cleaners, paints, and new furnishings; and (5) combustion by-products such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves and furnaces. Each of these can cause respiratory irritation or long-term health issues if concentrations remain high.
How can routine HVAC maintenance improve indoor air quality?
During a precision tune-up our technicians clean evaporator coils, blower compartments, and condensate drains where microbes often grow. We also inspect ductwork for leaks that can draw in attic or crawl-space contaminants and we verify that your system has proper airflow and filtration. A well-maintained heating and cooling system circulates air evenly, keeps humidity in the 30–50 % range, and filters out particles before they reach occupied rooms. This proactive service reduces breakdowns, lowers energy bills, and noticeably freshens the air you breathe every day.
What IAQ products do you recommend for Dayton households and how do they work?
• High-efficiency pleated or media filters (MERV 11-16) capture up to 95 % of fine particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. • Whole-house air purifiers with HEPA or electrostatic cells remove ultrafine particles and many airborne pathogens. • UV-C germicidal lamps installed in the air handler deactivate mold, bacteria, and viruses that grow on wet coils. • Energy or Heat Recovery Ventilators (ERV/HRV) introduce fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, all with minimal energy loss—great for today’s tightly insulated Dayton homes. • Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers keep relative humidity in the healthy 30–50 % band year-round, limiting mold growth in summer and static electricity in winter. Our comfort specialists can test your air and recommend a custom combination that fits your budget and lifestyle.
How often should I replace or clean my HVAC air filter for optimal indoor air quality?
As a rule of thumb, 1-inch pleated filters should be checked every 30 days and replaced at least every 60 days. Thicker 4- to 5-inch media filters typically last 3 to 6 months. However, households with pets, smokers, recent remodeling activity, or allergy sufferers may require more frequent changes. Because Dayton’s pollen counts spike in spring and fall, we suggest changing filters at the start of each of those seasons plus again before winter. A clean filter not only improves air quality but can lower energy consumption by up to 15 % because your furnace or AC doesn’t have to push air through a clogged barrier.
Do you offer professional indoor air quality testing, and what does the process involve?
Yes. Our IAQ specialists perform a comprehensive assessment that includes: (1) real-time particle counts for dust and pollen, (2) humidity and temperature profiling throughout the home, (3) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide measurements, (4) infrared inspection for duct leakage, and (5) optional lab sampling for mold spores or VOCs. Testing typically takes 60–90 minutes. We then provide a detailed report with readings compared to EPA and ASHRAE guidelines and outline step-by-step solutions—whether that’s simple filter upgrades, duct sealing, ventilation improvements, or advanced purification equipment. Many Dayton customers find this data-driven approach invaluable for prioritizing investments that will yield the greatest health and comfort benefits.