Filtration Systems
Filtration Systems | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Dunlap
When Dunlap’s heavy humidity and seasonal allergens invade your home, HEP’s experts step in with state-of-the-art filtration systems that work seamlessly with your heating and air conditioning setup. Our high-efficiency filters capture dust, pollen, smoke, and microscopic contaminants before they ever reach your living spaces, helping protect both your equipment and your family’s health.
We go beyond simple filter swaps to enhance overall ventilation and air quality. From sealing leaky ductwork and balancing humidity to installing UV lights and smart sensors, every solution is tailored to your home’s unique needs—so you breathe cleaner, fresher air while lowering energy costs.
Ready to experience the HEP difference? Schedule a free in-home assessment today, and see why Dunlap residents trust us to keep comfort high and pollutants low, season after season.
FAQs
What type of air filter do you recommend for homes in Dunlap, and how often should it be replaced?
For most residences in Dunlap we suggest a pleated filter rated MERV 8–11 for everyday dust and pollen control, and MERV 13 if anyone in the household has asthma, allergies, or wishes to capture finer particles such as wildfire smoke. A 1-inch filter should be inspected monthly and usually replaced every 30–60 days. Thicker 4- or 5-inch media can last 3–6 months. During the high-pollen spring and dusty harvest season common to Peoria County, check the filter more frequently to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency.
How does a whole-home air filtration system differ from the standard HVAC return-air filter?
The disposable filter that slides into your furnace or air handler mainly protects the equipment; it only captures larger particles (3–10 microns) and it works only when the heating or cooling is running. A whole-home filtration system adds a high-capacity cabinet or a dedicated HEPA bypass unit in the ductwork. It uses deeper media or multi-stage filtration to trap microscopic pollutants down to 0.3 microns, and many models include their own variable-speed fan so they can clean the air even when the main HVAC blower is off. The result is much lower particle counts, less dust on surfaces, and cleaner coils, all without creating excessive static pressure in the duct system.
Can improved ventilation actually lower indoor humidity and help prevent mold in Dunlap’s climate?
Yes. Dunlap sees warm, humid summers and tightly sealed modern homes often trap that moisture indoors. A balanced Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) exchanges stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air while transferring heat and— in the case of an ERV—some of the moisture. By exhausting moist air from kitchens, baths, and basements and bringing in drier outdoor air on most days, an ERV can reduce indoor relative humidity by 5–15 percent, which helps inhibit mold and mildew. Because the system recovers up to 70 percent of the energy in the outgoing airstream, you get fresh air with minimal impact on utility bills.
What are the advantages of upgrading to a MERV 13 filter or a dedicated HEPA bypass system?
• Captures viruses, smoke, and fine dust as small as 0.3 microns—up to 99.97 percent efficiency with true HEPA. • Significantly reduces allergy and asthma triggers such as pet dander and ragweed pollen common in Central Illinois. • Keeps blower wheels, evaporator coils, and supply ducts cleaner, extending HVAC life and lowering maintenance costs. • Contributes points toward green-building certifications and may qualify for utility rebates. Before upgrading we measure duct static pressure and may recommend a deeper filter cabinet or ECM blower adjustment so your system maintains proper airflow.
How can I tell if my indoor air quality is poor, and do you offer testing?
Warning signs include persistent dust on furniture, musty or chemical odors, condensation on windows, frequent allergy symptoms, and headaches that improve when you leave home. We offer an on-site Indoor Air Quality Assessment that measures particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, and total VOCs. The 30-minute test generates a detailed report and we review the results with you the same day, outlining filtration, ventilation, and humidity-control solutions tailored to your home and budget.
Are there energy-efficient ways to improve air quality without overworking my HVAC system?
Absolutely. Options include running your existing ECM blower motor on a low continuous setting (it uses about the same power as a 60-watt bulb), installing a smart thermostat that schedules periodic fan cycles for filtration, and adding a low-wattage ERV to provide fresh air without large heating-cooling penalties. Sealing duct leaks, upgrading attic insulation, and using UV-C lamps or photocatalytic air purifiers also reduce contaminant buildup while keeping operating costs in check. We perform a load calculation and cost-benefit analysis so you know exactly how each option will affect comfort, air quality, and energy consumption.