Make-up Air
Make-up Air | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Oneida
Few things influence daily comfort like the unseen balance of fresh air, temperature, and humidity that flows through your home or workplace. At HEP in Oneida, our make-up air heating and air conditioning solutions infuse every room with steady streams of outdoor air, diluting pollutants while keeping the climate precisely where you want it. Advanced energy-recovery ventilators, high-efficiency furnaces, and smart thermostats all work in concert to maintain ideal ventilation and air quality without sending utility bills soaring.
Whether you’re dealing with lingering cooking odors, seasonal allergies, or the muggy grasp of summer, our certified technicians customize each system to your lifestyle and floor plan. Sleep better, breathe easier, and enjoy year-round peace of mind knowing HEP’s local team is just a call away—backed by 24/7 emergency support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
What is a make-up air system and why do I need one in my Oneida home or business?
A make-up air system brings in fresh outside air to replace the air that is exhausted by kitchen hoods, bathroom vents, dryers, or industrial equipment. Without it, your building can fall into negative pressure, leading to drafts, back-drafting of combustion appliances, higher energy bills, and poor indoor air quality. In Oneida’s varied climate, a properly heated or conditioned make-up air supply ensures comfort year-round while meeting local building code requirements.
How does a make-up air unit help improve indoor air quality (IAQ)?
By continuously delivering filtered outdoor air, the unit dilutes indoor pollutants such as cooking fumes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and excess humidity. Many systems include MERV-rated filters or optional HEPA and activated-carbon stages to capture particulates and odors. This exchange reduces allergens, mold risk, and lingering smells, promoting a healthier indoor environment for occupants.
Can a make-up air system be integrated with my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment?
Yes. Most make-up air units can be tied into your current HVAC ductwork or operate as a dedicated system. They can include gas, electric, or hydronic heating sections for winter and DX or chilled-water cooling coils for summer. An experienced HVAC contractor will size the airflow, select compatible controls, and ensure the new unit communicates properly with existing thermostats and exhaust fans.
How is the size of a make-up air unit determined?
Sizing is based on the total exhaust airflow rate (in cubic feet per minute, CFM) of all fans operating simultaneously, plus a safety margin. Technicians perform an airflow audit, consider building envelope leakage, and reference the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and New York State Energy Code. Undersizing leads to negative pressure, whereas oversizing wastes energy, so accurate calculations are crucial.
Will adding make-up air significantly increase my energy costs?
A correctly designed system conditions incoming air only as much as necessary. Features such as high-efficiency burners, variable-speed fans, energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs), and smart controls minimize utility impact. In many cases, stabilizing indoor pressure actually lowers heating and cooling loads by preventing unplanned infiltration and improving equipment performance.
What maintenance does a make-up air system require?
Routine upkeep includes replacing or cleaning filters every 3–6 months, inspecting burners or heating coils, checking refrigerant levels if cooling is present, cleaning fan wheels, and verifying control calibration. Seasonal tune-ups by a licensed HVAC professional ensure safe combustion, optimal airflow, and compliance with manufacturer warranties. In Oneida’s climate, pre-winter and pre-summer inspections are strongly recommended.