4 HVAC Features That Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system does more than simply heat and cool your home. Maintaining good indoor air quality is another important duty for your HVAC system, but how well it can do this depends on the filters and other devices that are installed. Here are four examples of HVAC features that can improve your indoor air quality.

1. Furnace Filter Upgrades

For central HVAC systems, the furnace filter is the primary line of defense against dust and other airborne contaminants. Furnace filters protect the sensitive components in your furnace and AC from dust that could cause overheating. While standard disposable filters made of fiberglass or polyester don't do much for your indoor air quality, upgrading your filter is a great start for fresher air.

Pleated filters and electrostatic filters are two of the most popular upgrade options. Pleated filters have increased surface area to remove a greater number of pollutants, while electrostatic filters use fibers that build a static charge to attract dust and other particles. HEPA filters are the most efficient variety on the market, but not all HVAC systems produce enough air pressure to use them effectively.

2. Air Purifiers

A whole-house air purifier is your best option to maintain good air quality in every room. These devices can be added to an existing HVAC system and are usually installed within the ductwork. Whole-house purifiers are also more effective at eliminating volatile organic compounds and neutralizing smoke. Like furnace filters, some purifiers use components like electrostatic fibers and HEPA filters.

Some whole-house air purifiers use ultraviolet light to clean the air. This technology is particularly effective at destroying organic contaminants like mold spores, dust mites, viruses, and bacteria. Ionizing purifiers are another advanced option that functions by generating charged particles in the air. These particles attract dust and dirt until they form heavy clumps that fall out of the air.

3. Whole-House Humidifiers

Once air purity has been addressed, humidity is the next thing to consider when trying to improve air quality. Fortunately, there's another HVAC add-on that can address this concern as well: whole-house humidifiers.

A humidifier helps to keep your air moist and prevent problems like dry skin and sinus or respiratory irritation.



Two primary variants of whole-house humidifiers are available. Drum-style humidifiers consist of a drum filled with water and an absorbent pad that picks up moisture as it rotates. Flow-through humidifiers have a stationary pad that is constantly moistened with a steady drip of water. An HVAC technician can help you determine the best type and size of humidifier for your home.

4. Fresh Air Exchangers

Ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant air and allow contaminants to escape outside. While virtually every home has some level of natural ventilation, this is not enough for some homes to achieve the right balance of exhaust and outdoor air infiltration. Fresh air exchangers, also called mechanical ventilators, help to improve the air mixture in your home and reuse a portion of the energy in the exhaust from your HVAC system.

The two types of fresh air exchangers are Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV). The difference between these systems is that an HRV only transfers heat, while an ERV transfers both heat and humidity. If you live in a climate with humid summers or dry winters, the added humidity control from an ERV could be beneficial for your home.

HVAC systems are quite versatile when you consider all the extra features that can extend their capabilities and enhance the level of comfort in your home. Call Comfort Technology today so we can help you get the most out of your HVAC system!