Whole-home Purification
Whole-home Purification | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Palmer
For Palmer homeowners who know Alaskan air can swing from crisp and dry to pollen-filled and smoky in a single season, HEP’s Whole-Home Purification, Heating & Air Conditioning service delivers year-round peace of mind. Our advanced filtration media, medical-grade UV lights, and precisely balanced ductwork remove 99% of airborne contaminants while keeping every room at the perfect temperature. Whether you’re sealing up the house for a subzero January night or opening windows during a midsummer heatwave, the system automatically adjusts to maintain optimal humidity and healthy airflow—so you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your family’s health.
Because great comfort is only half the equation, we design, install, and maintain equipment that also slashes energy costs. Smart thermostats and variable-speed fans reduce fuel consumption, while sealed, insulated ducts ensure conditioned air reaches its destination without waste. From free in-home air assessments to 24/7 emergency support, HEP brings small-town service and big-city technology together, championing superior ventilation and air quality for every corner of your Palmer home.
FAQs
What is a whole-home air purification system and how does it work?
A whole-home air purification system integrates directly with your existing heating and air-conditioning ductwork. As air circulates through the HVAC blower, it passes through multi-stage filters, high-output UV-C lamps, and/or bipolar ionization modules that capture or neutralize dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Because it treats every cubic foot of air that moves through your furnace or heat pump, the entire living space—bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements—receives the same level of purification rather than just the single room coverage you get from a portable unit.
Why is ventilation so important for indoor air quality in Palmer’s climate?
Palmer experiences long heating seasons, meaning homes are sealed up for months to keep heat in. While this conserves energy, it also traps moisture, carbon dioxide, and contaminants indoors. Proper mechanical ventilation—either an HRV (Heat-Recovery Ventilator) or ERV (Energy-Recovery Ventilator)—exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring up to 80-90 % of the heat, so you don’t lose valuable warmth. This balanced airflow prevents mold growth, reduces odors, and keeps humidity in the ideal 30-50 % range even in sub-zero weather or during summer wildfire smoke events.
How often do filters, UV lamps, and other purification components need maintenance or replacement?
• MERV 11–16 media filters: Inspect monthly during peak heating or cooling, replace every 3–6 months depending on occupancy, pets, and smoke exposure. • HEPA canisters: Typically 12–18 months. • Activated carbon/VOC cartridges: 6–12 months or when odors return. • UV-C lamps: 9,000 operating hours—about once per year if run continuously. • HRV/ERV core and screens: Vacuum or rinse every 6 months, full service annually. Regular maintenance ensures low pressure drop, maximum germicidal output, and keeps your HVAC warranty intact.
Will adding purification or ventilation equipment raise my energy bills?
Most homeowners see little to no net increase. High-efficiency ECM blowers draw only 40–90 watts, and HRVs/ERVs reclaim most of the heat that would otherwise be exhausted. In fact, cleaner coils and ducts improve HVAC efficiency by 5–15 %, often offsetting the small electrical consumption of the purification fans and UV lamps. Many Palmer customers notice lower heating costs because balanced humidity lets them set the thermostat a couple of degrees lower without feeling chilly.
Can these systems really remove allergens, wildfire smoke, and household chemicals?
Yes. A layered approach is the key: • High-MERV or HEPA filtration captures fine particulate matter down to 0.3 microns—pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and smoke particles. • Activated carbon and potassium permanganate media adsorb formaldehyde, cooking odors, and VOCs from paints or cleaning products. • UV-C and photocatalytic oxidation neutralize airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold spores on contact. Independent third-party tests show up to 99.97 % reduction in particles and a 90-95 % drop in VOC concentration within 24 hours of continuous operation.
Do I need professional installation, and how long does it take?
Because purification units and HRVs must be sized to your duct static pressure and local code requirements, professional design and commissioning are highly recommended. A certified technician will: 1. Perform a load calculation and duct assessment. 2. Select compatible filtration, UV, and ventilation modules. 3. Install dedicated 24-volt controls and airtight duct connections. 4. Balance airflow with anemometers and verify pressure. A straightforward retrofit usually takes one full day (6-8 hours). New-construction rough-ins are completed during framing, with a final hookup before move-in. All work is permitted and inspected to Matanuska-Susitna Borough standards, and you’ll receive documentation for any utility rebates or tax credits available.