Indoor air quality (IAQ) is more important than many people realize. Dust, pollen and pet dander can trigger allergies. Mold, bacteria and viruses can make you sick. Even common household chemicals and odors can affect your respiratory system.
Many homeowners think opening a window is enough. But modern homes in Salem, OR, are often sealed tight, trapping pollutants inside. Choosing the right IAQ solution can make a big difference in comfort and health.
Several technologies are available, each designed to target different types of indoor pollutants. Some remove particles, some kill germs, and some reduce odors and chemical pollutants. Understanding the options can help you make informed decisions. This guide looks at 10 of the most common IAQ solutions and highlights how you can benefit from them.
Whole-Home Air Purifiers
Whole-home air purifiers work with your HVAC system. They can clean the air in every room of your home. They capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Many systems also incorporate UV lights or ionizers to inactivate germs and microbes.
These units operate quietly in the background without taking up floor space. Maintenance is generally low and limited to occasional filter replacement. Whole-home purifiers are ideal for families who want consistent, comprehensive air protection.
High-Efficiency Air Filters
High-efficiency air filters help keep the air in your home clean. They include HEPA filters, which stand for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters can trap at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. That includes dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
MERV-rated filters use a number system called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter can capture. We install these filters in your HVAC system. They are useful for people with allergies or asthma.
High-efficiency filters do not remove odors or chemical fumes. Many homeowners pair them with UV lights, ionizers, or air scrubbers. An air filtration system that uses these filters can help keep the air fresh and safe for your family.
UV Germicidal Lights
UV germicidal lights use ultraviolet light to kill germs in the air. The light targets bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. We install these systems inside air ducts or near the coils of your HVAC equipment. By doing this, we help stop microbes from growing and spreading through your home.
UV lights work quietly in the background. They keep your system cleaner and make the air healthier to breathe. These lights do not trap dust or pet dander, but they add strong protection against germs. Our team often pairs UV lights with filters or air purifiers for the best results. Together, they create a safer and cleaner indoor environment for your family.
Ionizers and Electronic Air Cleaners
Ionizers release charged particles into the air. These particles attach to dust, pollen, smoke, and other pollutants. Once that happens, the pollutants either fall out of the air or stick to surfaces.
Electronic air cleaners use a similar process to capture particles with static electricity. We install these systems in ductwork or provide them as standalone units. Ionizers can also reduce some germs and odors. They work best when paired with filters or UV lights.
Our team uses ionizers, which add another layer of protection for your home. They improve air quality and help you breathe easier every day.
Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers go beyond basic filtration. They remove particles, odors, and chemical fumes from the air. Many systems use a mix of filters, UV light, and catalytic processes to clean your home.
We can install air scrubbers in your ducts for whole-home coverage. They are also available as portable units for single rooms. Air scrubbers are especially helpful if you deal with strong odors, smoke, or chemical smells. They also reduce bacteria and mold spores.
Our team recommends air scrubbers as a powerful way to support filters and UV systems. Together, they create a cleaner and safer indoor environment.
Dehumidifiers
High indoor humidity can create the perfect environment for mold and dust mites. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air, attempting to prevent these problems.
We integrate whole-home dehumidifiers into HVAC systems to manage humidity throughout your home. By keeping humidity at optimal levels, these systems improve comfort, reduce allergens, and protect your home from mold damage.
Dehumidifiers are important in basements, bathrooms, or regions with high humidity. They work silently in the background, removing excess moisture without creating drafts or affecting temperature changes. Proper humidity control complements other IAQ technologies and makes your air cleaner and more comfortable to breathe.
Humidifiers
During the winter months, the air can become extremely dry. Dry air can irritate the throat, skin, and nasal passages. Whole-home or portable humidifiers add moisture to the air to help maintain a comfortable environment. These systems help reduce static electricity and prevent dry skin and respiratory discomfort.
Humidifiers work well in combination with filtration, UV lights, and ionizers. Maintaining proper humidity levels also helps protect wooden furniture, floors, and musical instruments from cracking or warping.
Ventilators and Air Exchangers
Ventilators, including heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), bring in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. Modern homes are often tightly sealed, which can trap pollutants inside. Ventilators dilute these pollutants and improve air circulation. They are especially effective at reducing CO2 buildup, odors, and chemical pollutants from indoor activities.
Ventilators work best in combination with filters, UV lights, or air scrubbers. By exchanging indoor and outdoor air efficiently, these systems improve comfort and create a healthier indoor environment without wasting energy.
Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Over time, dust, dirt, and even mold can build up inside your air ducts. When that happens, those particles can move back into your living space. We clean ducts to remove the buildup and improve the air you breathe.
Sealing the ducts is just as important. Small leaks allow unfiltered air to slip into the system, reducing efficiency. By sealing the ducts, we keep the air clean and the system running smoothly. Our team recommends duct cleaning and sealing as part of a full indoor air quality plan. Clean ducts deliver cleaner air to every room in your home.
Air Quality Monitors
Air quality monitors present a clear picture of what you are breathing. These devices track pollutants like dust, smoke, and chemicals. Many also measure humidity and carbon dioxide levels.
We use monitors to spot problems and show where you need to make improvements. Some models connect to smart home systems and provide real-time alerts. With that information, you can act immediately. You might turn on a purifier, adjust humidity, or increase ventilation.
Our team installs air quality monitors to help you stay informed and in control. When you know what is in your air, you can make choices that keep your home healthier.
Woodward Heating Air Plumbing provides air purification solutions for Salem homeowners. These include whole-home in-duct air purifiers, advanced air filtration systems, and air scrubbers. We also offer a comprehensive range of HVAC services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. Call today to speak to one of our IAQ experts and learn how you can breathe easier.
