Air Quality FAQ

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside and around your home as it relates to your health and comfort. We often think of pollution as an outdoor problem, but the air inside your home can be even more polluted due to trapped contaminants. Poor IAQ can cause a variety of health issues, including allergies, asthma flare-ups, headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Improving your home's air quality is essential for creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

Your home's air can be affected by many different pollutants. Common sources include:

• Biological Contaminants: Mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and dust mites.
• Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter from unvented appliances like gas stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Gases emitted from household products like cleaners, paints, adhesives, and air fresheners.
• Pesticides and Radon: Chemicals from pest control and the naturally occurring radioactive gas radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation.

Improving your home's air quality starts with understanding the problem. Hellgate Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help by recommending and installing various solutions, including:

• Whole-House Air Purifiers: These systems are installed within your ductwork to trap and remove airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
• Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers: Maintaining proper humidity levels (ideally between 30-50%) is crucial. Humidifiers add moisture to dry winter air to help with respiratory health, while dehumidifiers remove excess moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Ventilation Systems: Solutions like Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) bring a constant supply of fresh, filtered air into your home while expelling stale air.
• UV Lamps: Installed in your HVAC system's ductwork, these lights use ultraviolet light to kill airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold spores as they pass through.
• Upgraded Air Filters: Simply upgrading to a high-quality filter (MERV rating of 8 or higher) can significantly improve the air you breathe by capturing smaller particles.

When you contact us, we'll first analyze your home's specific air quality issues. Our technicians will perform a professional assessment to identify your pollutants and pinpoint the best solutions for your needs. We then provide a transparent quote and professionally install the recommended products, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with your existing HVAC system. We'll also show you how to maintain the new equipment for long-term effectiveness.