Indoor Environment
Indoor Environment | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hillsboro
When Hillsboro’s seasons swing from sun-kissed afternoons to brisk, rainy nights, HEP keeps your home feeling just right. Our certified technicians design, install, and maintain high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and AC systems that whisper quietly in the background while trimming energy bills. But true comfort is more than temperature alone—our tailored solutions weave smart zoning, humidity control, and advanced filtration into one seamless experience, so every room feels balanced, fresh, and effortlessly cozy.
We’re passionate about safeguarding your family’s health through unmatched ventilation and air quality expertise. From pinpointing hidden pollutants to integrating state-of-the-art ERVs and hospital-grade filters, we tackle the invisible threats others overlook. Trust HEP to deliver cleaner air, steadier comfort, and the hometown service Hillsboro homeowners deserve—24/7, season after season.
FAQs
What types of heating and cooling systems work best in Hillsboro’s climate?
Hillsboro experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Because of this relatively moderate climate, high-efficiency electric heat pumps and ductless mini-splits are extremely popular. A modern heat pump can provide dependable heating when outdoor temperatures dip into the 30s°F but can also reverse cycle to deliver air-conditioning during hotter July and August days. For larger homes with existing ductwork, a variable-speed heat pump paired with a gas furnace (dual-fuel system) is another efficient option, allowing you to switch to gas only during the coldest snaps. Homes heated by resistance electric baseboards often see energy bills fall 30–50 % when they convert to a heat pump.
How often should I service my HVAC system and replace air filters?
Plan on two professional tune-ups per year—one in early fall for heating and one in late spring for cooling. Routine maintenance keeps efficiency high, protects the manufacturer’s warranty, and lets technicians catch small issues (refrigerant leaks, worn belts, dirty coils) before they become costly breakdowns. Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced at least every 90 days—or more frequently if you own pets, smoke indoors, or suffer from allergies. A clogged filter can reduce airflow by up to 15 %, increasing energy usage and shortening equipment life.
What indoor air-quality (IAQ) products can improve ventilation and reduce allergens?
The Pacific Northwest’s wet season can trap moisture and pollutants indoors when windows stay shut, so balanced ventilation is key. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) bring in filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air with minimal heat loss. Paired with a MERV-13 or higher filter in your HVAC system, they capture most pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. For additional purification, consider a whole-home UV-C light to neutralize bacteria on the coil, or an electronic air cleaner that charges and captures fine particulates down to 0.3 µm. If humidity routinely exceeds 55 % indoors in winter, an integrated dehumidifier can curb mold growth and musty odors.
Are heat pumps energy-efficient in Hillsboro, and do they qualify for rebates?
Yes. With Hillsboro’s moderate winter lows (rarely below 25 °F) and inexpensive electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration, heat pumps deliver 2.5–3.5 units of heat for every kilowatt-hour consumed—far surpassing electric resistance heaters and rivaling high-efficiency gas furnaces. The State of Oregon, Energy Trust of Oregon, and local utility PGE all offer rebates that can range from $700 to $2,000 for qualifying high-efficiency units (HSPF2 ≥ 8.5, SEER2 ≥ 16). Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act can cover up to 30 % of the installed cost, capped at $2,000. A licensed HVAC contractor will handle paperwork and confirm eligibility.
How can I tell if my home has poor indoor air quality?
Common warning signs include persistent musty or chemical odors, visible dust buildup around supply registers, condensation or mold on window frames, aggravated allergy or asthma symptoms, and unexplained spikes in energy bills (often caused by blocked airflow). You can purchase a low-cost IAQ monitor that tracks particulates (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and humidity. If levels frequently exceed EPA guidelines—PM2.5 above 12 µg/m³, VOCs above 500 ppb, or CO₂ above 1,000 ppm—call an HVAC professional to recommend ventilation upgrades, duct cleaning, or filtration improvements.
Do I need professional duct cleaning or sealing, and how is it done?
If your ductwork is more than 10 years old, has never been inspected, or you notice uneven temperatures, high dust, or whistling sounds, an assessment is worthwhile. Technicians use cameras to look for dirt accumulation, gaps, and disconnected sections. For cleaning, they employ a negative-pressure vacuum and rotating brushes to dislodge and capture debris without spreading it through the house. For sealing, they apply mastic or aerosolized polymer from the inside to close leaks as small as 0.1 in. Sealing can improve airflow by up to 30 % and save the average Hillsboro homeowner $150-$300 per year on heating and cooling costs.