- HEP Heat and Air
- Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cowan
Breathe easier in your Cowan home with HEP’s tailored approach to indoor comfort. From advanced HVAC installations to precision balancing of fresh-air intakes, our certified technicians blend cutting-edge technology with hometown service to remove pollutants, control humidity, and keep every room feeling just right—even during the muggiest afternoons or chilliest nights.
Our experts begin with a meticulous assessment of your current system, pinpointing hidden sources of dust, allergens, and stale air. We then craft a custom solution that may include high-efficiency filtration, UV purification, energy-recovery ventilators, and smart climate controls, all seamlessly integrated to boost performance and trim energy bills. Trust HEP to elevate your home’s ventilation and air quality—schedule your free in-home consultation today and discover how effortlessly healthy air can flow.
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality (IAQ) so important for homes and businesses in Cowan?
Because we spend up to 90 % of our time indoors, the air inside your Cowan property has a direct impact on respiratory health, energy levels, and even HVAC efficiency. In the Tennessee Valley, pollen, agricultural dust, and humidity-driven mold spores are prevalent. If these pollutants are not filtered or ventilated properly, they can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma, and accelerate wear on heating and cooling equipment. Improving IAQ means cleaner air, lower medical costs, better sleep, and longer-lasting HVAC systems.
What are the most common indoor air contaminants in the Cowan area, and how can my HVAC system address them?
Typical pollutants include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or building materials, and bacteria or viruses. A well-maintained HVAC system combats these threats in three ways: 1) Filtration—high-efficiency pleated or HEPA filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. 2) Purification—UV-C lamps or electronic air cleaners neutralize biological contaminants and VOCs. 3) Ventilation—energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs) exchange stale indoor air with fresh, conditioned outdoor air without a big energy penalty.
How often should I change or upgrade my HVAC air filter?
In most Cowan households, a standard 1-inch pleated filter should be changed every 60–90 days. Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers may need a change every 30 days. If you use a media cabinet with a 4- to 5-inch filter, replacement can stretch to 6–12 months. Always follow the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating recommended by your HVAC manufacturer—usually MERV 8–11 for standard systems and up to MERV 16 or HEPA for units designed for high filtration. A clogged filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can lead to expensive compressor or heat exchanger failures.
What ventilation and air purification upgrades do you offer?
We install and service: • Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat-Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) to introduce fresh outdoor air without sacrificing energy efficiency. • Whole-home HEPA bypass filters that connect to your ductwork for hospital-grade particle removal. • UV-C germicidal lights mounted in the supply plenum or over the evaporator coil to neutralize mold, bacteria, and viruses. • Electronic air cleaners and ionizers that capture microscopic particles and reduce odors. • Smart thermostats and indoor air quality monitors that track temperature, humidity, and pollutant levels in real time.
How does humidity control improve comfort and air quality in Cowan?
Our region’s summer humidity frequently exceeds 70 %. High indoor humidity encourages mold growth, dust mite populations, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling—even at moderate temperatures. A whole-home dehumidifier integrated into your HVAC system can remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day, lowering relative humidity to the ideal 40–50 % range. In winter, air that is too dry (below 30 % RH) can cause dry skin, static electricity, and cracking wood. A central humidifier restores balance. Proper humidity control not only makes you feel more comfortable but also protects furniture, musical instruments, and the home’s structural integrity.
What professional IAQ services do you provide, and what can I expect during a visit?
Our Cowan-based team offers comprehensive IAQ assessments, duct inspections, filter upgrades, ventilation system installation, UV purification, and humidity control solutions. During an IAQ assessment we: 1) Use handheld meters to measure particulate count, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity. 2) Visually inspect ductwork for leaks, microbial growth, and insulation quality. 3) Review your lifestyle factors—pets, cleaning products, smoking, or renovation materials. 4) Present a clear report with prioritized recommendations, upfront pricing, and estimated energy savings. Most upgrades can be installed in a single day, and all work is backed by our satisfaction guarantee and manufacturer warranties.