Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Elora
Picture stepping into your Elora home and feeling an immediate sense of freshness—no lingering pet odours, no stuffy air, just pure, comfortable breathing. That’s the experience HEP delivers with advanced solutions that balance temperature, humidity, and cleanliness in every season. From energy-efficient HRVs that usher in crisp outdoor air to HEPA filtration that traps the tiniest allergens, our technicians design systems tailored to the character of your house and the rhythm of your life.
We’re more than a service call; we’re your partner in healthier living. By integrating smart sensors, sealed ductwork, and precise airflow adjustments, we fine-tune ventilation and air quality so you can sleep deeper, work better, and protect the people you love. Count on HEP to keep Elora’s charm outside your windows and a breath of fresh confidence inside your walls.
FAQs
Why is indoor air quality a concern in Elora’s climate?
Elora experiences humid summers and cold, tightly-sealed winters. In summer, humidity promotes mould and dust-mite growth, while in winter we keep windows closed, trapping pollutants such as cooking fumes, pet dander, and off-gassing from furniture. These conditions can aggravate allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. A properly designed HVAC and ventilation strategy removes excess moisture in summer, supplies fresh filtered air in winter, and keeps airborne contaminants below health-based guidelines.
What are the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality with my existing HVAC system?
1. Upgrade to a pleated MERV 11–13 filter compatible with your furnace or air handler. 2. Schedule professional duct cleaning every 3–5 years to remove accumulated dust and debris. 3. Install a heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) to provide a continuous stream of filtered outdoor air without major heat loss. 4. Add UV-C germicidal lamps in the supply plenum to neutralize bacteria, mould spores, and viruses. 5. Keep humidity between 35 % and 50 % using a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier, depending on the season. 6. Book annual maintenance so coils, blower wheels, and condensate pans stay clean and free of microbial growth.
How often should I replace or clean my HVAC air filter?
In most Elora homes, a 1-inch pleated filter should be replaced every 60–90 days. If you have pets, smokers, or ongoing construction, change it monthly. Thicker 4–5-inch media filters last 6–12 months. Smart thermostats or filter monitors can send reminders based on actual run time. Regular filter changes keep airflow strong, reduce energy bills by up to 15 %, and stop fine particles from recirculating indoors.
What’s the difference between an HRV and an ERV, and which is better for Elora?
Both devices exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while salvaging energy. An HRV (Heat-Recovery Ventilator) transfers sensible heat only, making it ideal for cold, dry climates. An ERV (Energy-Recovery Ventilator) transfers both heat and moisture, returning some humidity in winter and expelling excess humidity in summer. Because Elora’s summers can be muggy and winters can be dry, we normally recommend an ERV for year-round comfort and balanced humidity, though an HRV may suffice in well-humidified homes. Our technicians perform a load calculation and humidity analysis before recommending the right unit.
Can better ventilation really help with odours and airborne viruses?
Yes. Continuous mechanical ventilation dilutes concentrations of odours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and infectious aerosols. Studies show that bringing indoor CO₂ below 800 ppm and achieving 4–6 air changes per hour can reduce airborne virus survival by up to 80 %. Pairing ventilation with high-efficiency (MERV 13 or HEPA) filtration and optional UV-C sterilization further captures or neutralizes viral particles, cooking smells, and pet odours, creating a fresher, healthier indoor environment.
Do indoor air quality upgrades qualify for rebates or incentives in Ontario?
Some IAQ improvements—such as ENERGY STAR-rated HRV/ERV installations, smart thermostats, and high-efficiency furnaces with ECM blowers—may qualify for rebates under the Canada Greener Homes Grant or Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+). Eligibility depends on an energy audit performed by a registered energy advisor before work begins. We assist Elora homeowners with paperwork, contractor invoices, and post-upgrade verification to help you recover up to $5,000 on qualifying upgrades.