Fresh-air Intake
Fresh-air Intake | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Philadelphia
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, HEP specializes in fresh-air intake heating and air conditioning systems that let you breathe like you’re miles from Broad Street. Our technicians design custom solutions that pull outside air through high-efficiency filters, temper it to your ideal comfort level, and circulate it quietly through every room. The result is a home that feels less like a sealed box and more like a living, breathing space—cool in the summer, cozy in the winter, and always infused with crisp outdoor freshness.
With advanced heat-recovery ventilators, smart zoning, and hospital-grade filtration, we tackle the city’s pollen, traffic fumes, and humidity head-on, dramatically improving ventilation and air quality while lowering energy bills. From historic rowhomes in Fishtown to high-rise condos in Center City, HEP turns ordinary HVAC into an experience of pure, revitalizing air—so you can inhale confidence and exhale worry, season after season.
FAQs
Why is a dedicated fresh-air intake important for HVAC systems in Philadelphia homes?
Philadelphia’s climate has hot, humid summers and cold winters, so homes are often sealed tightly to reduce energy loss. A dedicated fresh-air intake supplies controlled outdoor air, diluting indoor pollutants, odors, and moisture without relying on random leaks. This keeps indoor air quality (IAQ) healthier while allowing the HVAC system to manage temperature and humidity efficiently.
How does a fresh-air intake improve indoor air quality compared to opening windows?
Opening windows brings in unfiltered outdoor air, noise, pollen, and humidity. A properly designed fresh-air intake pulls outside air through filters—and, when paired with an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat-recovery ventilator (HRV), tempers and dehumidifies (or humidifies) the air before it reaches the living space. You get the ventilation benefits without the comfort loss, allergens, or security concerns associated with open windows.
Will adding a fresh-air intake raise my energy bills?
Modern systems use ERVs or HRVs that transfer heat and moisture between outgoing stale air and incoming fresh air. This process can reclaim up to 70-80 % of the energy that would otherwise be lost, so the impact on utility costs is minimal. In many cases, controlled ventilation actually saves energy by preventing excess humidity that makes summer cooling systems work harder.
Does Philadelphia’s building code require mechanical ventilation?
Yes. The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by Philadelphia, mandates whole-house mechanical ventilation for new construction and major renovations. A fresh-air intake connected to an ERV/HRV or a central fan-integrated supply system is the most common way to meet the code’s airflow (CFM) requirements while maintaining comfort.
How often should the fresh-air intake and filters be serviced?
Inspect and replace or clean intake filters every 1-3 months, just like standard HVAC filters. Outdoor intake hoods should be checked each season for leaves, debris, or pest intrusion. ERV/HRV cores typically need a semi-annual vacuuming or rinsing, and the entire ventilation system should be professionally inspected once a year—ideally before peak heating or cooling seasons.
Can a fresh-air intake be added to an existing HVAC system, or is it only for new installs?
In most cases, a qualified HVAC contractor can retrofit a fresh-air intake to an existing furnace, heat pump, or air handler. They will size the duct, add a motorized damper, integrate controls, and, if needed, install an ERV/HRV. The upgrade typically takes a day and can dramatically improve IAQ and system performance without a full equipment replacement.