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Why Indoor Air Quality Matters | Duramax HVAC Portland OR
Indoor Air Quality & HVAC: Why It Matters More Than Ever
You spend about 90 % of your life indoors, yet indoor air can be 2–5 × more polluted than outdoor air. [EPA] Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) aggravates allergies, triggers asthma, and lowers productivity. The good news: your HVAC system—when designed and maintained correctly—can become a powerful clean-air machine. Here’s what Portland homeowners and facility managers need to know.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
PollutantSourceHealth ImpactParticulates (PM2.5)Wildfire smoke, dustRespiratory irritationVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Paints, cleaning agentsHeadaches, dizzinessMold SporesDamp ducts, crawlspacesAllergies, asthmaCarbon MonoxideFaulty furnacesHeadaches, nausea, fatal at high levels
How Your HVAC System Can Help—or Hurt
Helps
Filters capture particulates and pollen.
Proper humidity (40–50 %) suppresses mold growth.
Ventilation & ERVs dilute indoor pollutants.
Hurts
Dirty coils breed bacteria.
Leaky ducts pull in attic or crawlspace contaminants.
Oversized equipment short-cycles, never dehumidifying properly.
Five Proven IAQ Upgrades
High-Efficiency Filters (MERV 11–13)
Captures smoke, pollen, and fine dust without choking airflow.Whole-Home HEPA Bypass Units
Removes 99.97 % of particles down to 0.3 µm.UV-C Germicidal Lamps
Kills mold and bacteria on cooling coils. [ASHRAE]Energy-Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
Bring in fresh, filtered air while retaining 70 % of temperature energy.Steam Humidifiers & Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Maintain that 40–50 % “comfort sweet spot.”
Explore Duramax IAQ Solutions »
DIY IAQ Checklist
Replace filters every 60–90 days (30 days during wildfire season).
Vacuum register grills monthly.
Keep humidity between 40–50 %—use hygrometers.
Ventilate during household painting or cleaning.
Run kitchen & bath exhaust fans 15 min after use.
Professional Services Worth Every Penny
ServiceBenefitLinkDuct Cleaning & SealingRemoves dust; stops attic air infiltrationDuctwork servicesAnnual Tune-UpCoil cleaning & drainage ensures no moldHVAC maintenanceIAQ AuditParticle & CO₂ monitoring with reportContact us
FAQ
Does a better filter reduce airflow?
A properly sized MERV 11–13 pleated filter has minimal pressure drop; Duramax measures static pressure to confirm.
Can portable purifiers replace HVAC upgrades?
They help a single room but miss spores in ducts and don’t control humidity house-wide.
Is UV-C safe?
Installed inside the plenum, UV lamps never expose occupants; we use low-ozone bulbs certified by UL.
Takeaway
Your HVAC system is the front-line defense against indoor pollutants. With the right upgrades and maintenance, you’ll breathe cleaner air, sleep better, and protect your family’s health.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Call / Text: (503) 969-3432
Schedule IAQ Audit: duramaxhvac.com/contact
Duramax Heating & Cooling Inc. turns ordinary HVAC systems into whole-home clean-air solutions for Portland homes and businesses.
