Air-quality Solutions
Air-quality Solutions | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge’s ever-changing climate, true comfort starts with the air you breathe. HEP’s air-quality specialists pair cutting-edge HVAC technology with proven purification methods—high-MERV filtration, UV light sterilization, humidity control, and thorough duct cleaning—to strip away pollen, dust, and lingering odors while keeping temperatures just right. From historic bungalows near Jackson Square to new builds overlooking Melton Hill Lake, our NATE-certified technicians design custom solutions that help families sleep easier, breathe deeper, and even save on energy bills.
Every visit begins with a detailed indoor-air analysis, followed by clear recommendations and transparent pricing. Whether you need a single-room ERV upgrade or a whole-home makeover, we fine-tune ventilation and air quality so your home feels as fresh as the mountains that surround Oak Ridge. Call today and let HEP turn every inhale into a sigh of relief.
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality (IAQ) such an important issue for homes in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge experiences hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Those conditions encourage mold, mildew, and dust-mite growth inside houses that are sealed tightly for energy efficiency. Tight construction limits natural air exchange, so airborne pollutants—such as pollen, pet dander, VOCs from household products, and radon common to East Tennessee—can accumulate to unhealthy levels. A properly designed HVAC system with balanced ventilation, advanced filtration, and humidity control continuously removes contaminants and brings in conditioned fresh air, helping your family breathe easier year-round.
What ventilation options do you install to improve IAQ?
We offer three primary whole-home ventilation solutions: 1. Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) – Exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture, ideal for Oak Ridge’s humid summers and mild winters. 2. Heat-Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) – Similar to ERVs but transfer only heat, best for homes that struggle more with winter ventilation. 3. Balanced Supply/Exhaust Fans – Cost-effective units that bring in filtered outdoor air and exhaust an equal amount, often paired with smart controls. We size each system to your home’s square footage, occupancy, and existing HVAC equipment to ensure optimal airflow without sacrificing efficiency.
How often should I replace filters and have my ducts cleaned?
• Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters: every 30 days. • Pleated MERV-8 to MERV-11 filters: every 60–90 days. • High-efficiency MERV-13 or HEPA media: every 3–6 months, depending on pets and allergies. Duct cleaning is recommended every 5–7 years, or sooner if you notice visible dust on registers, musty odors, recent renovation work, or rodent activity. Regular filter changes and periodic duct maintenance keep airflow unrestricted, reduce energy bills, and protect sensitive HVAC components like the evaporator coil.
Can whole-home dehumidifiers and humidifiers make a noticeable difference?
Absolutely. Summer humidity in Oak Ridge often climbs above 70 percent, causing clammy conditions and higher cooling costs. A whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture before it circulates through your supply ducts, lowering indoor relative humidity to the 45–50 percent comfort range. In winter, supplemental humidifiers add moisture to combat dry air that can trigger nosebleeds, static shocks, and wood-floor shrinkage. Maintaining proper humidity also discourages mold growth and dust-mite populations, two leading indoor allergens.
What types of air purification technologies do you install, and how do they work?
1. Media Air Cleaners (MERV-13 to 16) – Dense filters capture up to 95 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. 2. True HEPA Bypass Filters – Separate cabinet with a dedicated fan that removes 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns and larger. 3. UV-C Germicidal Lamps – Mounted near the evaporator coil or within the ductwork; ultraviolet light destroys DNA of mold, bacteria, and viruses. 4. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Cells – Combine UV light with a titanium-dioxide catalyst to neutralize VOCs and odors. 5. Electronic Air Cleaners (EACs) – Use an electrostatic charge to attract and trap fine particles on washable collector plates. We’ll review your allergy or asthma concerns and HVAC layout to recommend the right combination for your needs and budget.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for upgrading IAQ equipment in Oak Ridge?
Yes. TVA’s EnergyRight Residential program periodically offers rebates for qualifying heat-pump upgrades that include advanced filtration or ERV/HRV ventilation. The federal Inflation Reduction Act (2022) also provides a 30 percent tax credit, up to $600 per item, for certain ENERGY STAR–certified air cleaners and up to $2,000 for heat-pump HVAC systems that integrate IAQ enhancements. We stay up to date on utility, state, and federal incentives and will complete the paperwork to ensure you receive every eligible dollar when you install new ventilation or purification equipment with us.