HOW ENERGY UPGRADES AFFECT INDOOR AIR
How Cold Climate Heat Pumps Can Improve IAQ​
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​​Consistent Air Circulation
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​Humidity Control
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Filtration Systems
Potential IAQ Challenges with Heat Pumps
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Dry Indoor Air in Winter
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Dirty or Poorly Maintained Filters
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Mold Growth in Ducts or Units
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KEY STRATEGIES THAT MAINTAIN HEALTHY INDOOR AIR
VENTILATION
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Exhaust fans: Install kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans that vent outdoors if you don’t already have them. Use these every time you cook, shower, or bathe.
Supplemental ventilation systems: Consider installing systems like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to bring in fresh outdoor air and exhaust indoor pollutants. -
Natural ventilation: Opening windows and doors can help, but may be limited in cold weather or high pollution areas.
MOISTURE CONTROL
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Monitor indoor humidity: Keep relative humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth and pest problems.
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Use a dehumidifier: If relative humidity is consistently above 50%, particularly in basements, a dehumidifier can help maintain safe levels.
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Tools: Inexpensive temperature/humidity gauges are available at hardware stores and online.
AIR FILTRATION
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Standalone air cleaners: To filter finer particles out of your indoor air, install a stand-alone air cleaning device. Air cleaners with HEPA filtration are better. Avoid products that generate ozone or add chemicals to the air.
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Effectiveness varies: Larger, high-quality air cleaners are more effective than most table-top models. Note that air cleaners primarily remove particles, not gases like VOCs.
HVAC MAINTENANCE
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Heat pump filters: Replace regularly according to manufacturer recommendations.
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Ducts: Leaky ducts can pull in dust, insulation particles, or even mold spores from attics and crawlspaces. Sealing and cleaning ducts prevents contaminants from spreading