Indoor-air-quality Add-ons
Indoor-air-quality Add-ons | Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning | McMinnville
Breathe deeper and live better in McMinnville with HEP’s innovative indoor-air-quality add-ons. From hospital-grade air purifiers and germ-killing UV lights to whole-home dehumidifiers and high-efficiency filters, our specialists retrofit these proven solutions right into your existing air conditioning system. The result is a quieter, cleaner flow of comfort that removes allergens, neutralizes odors, and keeps mold at bay—perfect for the valley’s humid summers and chilly, sealed-up winters.
Every installation begins with a free, no-pressure IAQ assessment, where we measure particulate levels and pinpoint hidden hotspots. Then we custom-match equipment that works in harmony with your heating and air conditioning, so you enjoy healthier air without higher utility bills. Call, click, or stop by today and discover how HEP can turn the home you love into the sanctuary your lungs deserve.
FAQs
What types of indoor-air-quality (IAQ) add-ons can be installed with my current air-conditioning system?
Most central air-conditioning systems in McMinnville can accept several plug-and-play IAQ accessories, including: 1) MERV-13 to HEPA high-efficiency media filters, 2) electronic or electrostatic air cleaners, 3) germicidal UV-C lights placed in the supply plenum or over the evaporator coil, 4) whole-home dehumidifiers, 5) energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs) for fresh-air exchange, and 6) activated-carbon air scrubbers that remove odors and VOCs. A quick inspection of your return duct and air handler usually confirms which options fit without major duct modifications.
How do UV lights improve air quality, and are they effective in McMinnville’s climate?
Germicidal UV-C lamps emit a wavelength (around 254 nm) that damages the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores so they cannot replicate. In McMinnville’s relatively mild but damp environment, mold growth on the evaporator coil is a common issue that degrades air quality and system efficiency. A coil-mounted UV light continuously bathes the moist surfaces, preventing biofilm buildup and musty odors. Airstream UV systems placed in the supply duct further disinfect circulating air. When sized correctly, a single 36-watt lamp can neutralize up to 99 % of airborne microbes passing the lamp, making UV a cost-effective add-on for local homes.
Will installing a high-efficiency air filter restrict airflow or increase my energy bills?
A MERV-13 or HEPA filter does create more resistance than a standard MERV-8 filter, but when the filter rack is properly sized and the blower speed is adjusted, airflow remains within manufacturer specifications. Our technicians perform a static-pressure test after installation; if pressure rise exceeds 0.1 in. w.c., we can upgrade the blower motor tap or enlarge the return duct to keep your SEER rating and operating cost intact. In most McMinnville homes, a 4- or 5-inch media cabinet offers high filtration with negligible energy impact—often under $1 per month.
How often do IAQ add-ons need maintenance or replacement?
• Media filters: Inspect monthly during peak cooling, change every 3–6 months. • UV bulbs: Replace once a year; output drops about 15 % annually, even if the lamp still glows. • Whole-home dehumidifiers: Clean the condensate drain and wash the filter every 6 months, schedule a professional tune-up yearly. • ERV cores: Vacuum or wash core and clean filters twice a year (spring and fall). • Electronic air cleaners: Wash collector plates every 30–60 days. • Carbon scrubbers: Replace the adsorption cell every 1–2 years depending on cooking, pets, and wildfire smoke exposure.
Can IAQ upgrades really help with seasonal allergies and wildfire smoke that affect McMinnville?
Yes. High-efficiency filters and carbon air scrubbers capture the 0.3–1.0 µm particles that carry allergens and smoke. During Oregon’s wildfire season, a MERV-13 filter removes roughly 85 % of PM2.5; adding a carbon layer adsorbs odor-causing molecules. For pollen, mold spores, and dust mites prevalent in the Willamette Valley, the combination of a tight envelope, balanced ventilation (ERV), and continuous filtration can reduce indoor allergen concentrations by 50–90 %, often easing symptoms within a few days.
What does it cost to add IAQ equipment, and is it worth the investment?
Typical installed prices in McMinnville (labor + parts): • 4-inch MERV-13 media cabinet: $250–$450 • UV coil light: $400–$650 • Whole-home dehumidifier: $2,000–$3,500 • ERV: $2,800–$4,500 • HEPA bypass filter: $1,200–$1,800. Energy savings from cleaner coils and balanced humidity can offset 5–15 % of the upfront cost. More importantly, studies from the EPA and Harvard show that improving IAQ can yield productivity and health benefits valued at $1,000+ per occupant per year. For homeowners, that translates into fewer allergy medications, better sleep, and longer HVAC life—often paying for itself within 3–5 years.