Indoor Air
Indoor Air | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Palmer
When Palmer’s wild temperature swings send you racing between parkas and t-shirts, HEP keeps your indoor climate as steady as your view of Pioneer Peak. Our certified technicians design, install, and maintain high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that whisper quietly, slash energy bills, and pair with hospital-grade filtration to capture allergens, dust, and even wildfire smoke particles—all while fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of your home or business.
Because comfort is only half the story, we focus just as fiercely on ventilation and air quality. From balanced heat-recovery ventilation that exchanges stale indoor air for fresh alpine oxygen, to UV lights and smart sensors that neutralize pathogens in real time, every solution is tailored to Palmer’s unique conditions. Breathe deeper, sleep better, and safeguard your family’s health with a complimentary indoor air assessment from HEP—local experts who know that in Alaska, “inside” should feel every bit as invigorating as outside.
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality so important in Palmer’s sub-arctic climate?
Palmer experiences long, cold winters and short, dusty summers. Homes are sealed tightly for energy savings, but this traps moisture, combustion by-products, pollen, and airborne bacteria indoors. Poor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies, asthma, and dry-skin conditions that are already common in low-humidity weather. A well-designed heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system exchanges stale air for fresh, filters out particulates, and keeps relative humidity at a comfortable 30–50 %, helping you breathe easier and protecting your home from mold and structural damage.
What ventilation options do you recommend for improving air exchange in Palmer homes?
For most residences we suggest balanced ventilation using either a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). These units bring in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air and reclaim up to 80 % of the heat that would otherwise be lost—critical for keeping heating bills under control during Palmer’s −20 °F cold snaps. In addition, we install dedicated kitchen and bath exhaust fans with back-draft dampers and can integrate whole-house ventilation controls into your existing furnace or air-handler so the system runs only when needed.
How often should I replace or clean my HVAC air filters in Palmer?
Because heaters run much of the year and summer winds carry silt from the Matanuska River, we recommend checking filters every 30 days and replacing them at least every 90 days. Homes with pets, smokers, or residents with respiratory issues should use high-efficiency pleated filters (MERV 11–13) and may need monthly changes. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace blower to work harder, consuming more energy, and circulating contaminants back into living spaces.
Are Heat Recovery Ventilators really worth it for Palmer winters?
Yes. An HRV can recover 60–80 % of the heat from outgoing air, meaning your furnace does not have to re-heat the incoming fresh air from −10 °F up to room temperature. This translates to energy savings of 15–25 % on heating costs over exhaust-only ventilation. HRVs also reduce excess indoor humidity that can lead to ice damming and window condensation. Our technicians size the unit based on the home’s square footage and ACH (air changes per hour) requirements, then balance the supply and exhaust ducts for optimal performance.
Can smart thermostats help improve both comfort and air quality?
Absolutely. Modern smart thermostats integrate with variable-speed furnaces and HRV/ERV systems. They can run the blower on low speed during mild weather to continuously filter indoor air without overheating the house, and they can trigger ventilation cycles when indoor CO₂ levels rise (with an optional sensor). Remote monitoring lets you adjust temperature and humidity from your phone, ensuring healthier air even when you’re away.
What maintenance services do you offer to keep my HVAC system efficient year-round?
We provide comprehensive seasonal tune-ups that include: (1) inspecting and cleaning burners, heat exchangers, evaporator and condenser coils; (2) testing safety controls and carbon-monoxide levels; (3) checking refrigerant charge and compressor amperage; (4) lubricating motors and verifying blower speed; (5) calibrating thermostats and smart controls; and (6) balancing HRV/ERV airflow and replacing filters. Members of our Comfort Care Plan receive priority scheduling, 24/7 emergency service in Palmer, and discounts on any required repairs or upgrades.