Indoor Air Quality — Bay Area
Bay Area homes face specific IAQ challenges: wildfire smoke infiltration, poor ventilation in tightly sealed homes, and allergens from fog-driven mold and mildew. We recommend practical, cost-effective improvements — not overpriced gadgets with unproven claims.
Common Indoor Air Quality Problems We Address
- Wildfire smoke and fine particulate infiltration (PM2.5)
- Dust, pollen, and pet dander recirculating through HVAC system
- Stale air and CO₂ buildup in well-sealed homes
- Mold and mildew growth from humidity or condensation
- VOCs from building materials, cleaning products, and off-gassing
- Unpleasant odors from ductwork, drain pans, or coils
IAQ Improvements We Install
- High-efficiency media filters (MERV 11–13) — captures fine particles without choking airflow
- Electronic air cleaners — for homes with significant particulate loads
- Fresh air ventilation (ERV/HRV) — controlled outside air intake for well-sealed homes, with energy recovery
- UV-C germicidal lights — installed at the coil to reduce mold and bacteria growth
- Whole-home dehumidifiers — standalone units for basements or crawlspaces with humidity problems
- Coil and duct cleaning — physical removal of contaminant buildup when inspection warrants it
What We Do Not Recommend
Ionic purifiers and ozone generators can produce harmful ozone byproducts. We do not install them. We also do not recommend MERV 16 or HEPA filters in most residential duct systems — they restrict airflow enough to damage equipment unless specifically designed for that resistance.
Getting Started
Most IAQ improvements start with a visual inspection of your ductwork, coil, and filter condition, plus a conversation about what issues you are actually experiencing. We will tell you what is likely to help and what is not worth the cost.
San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Daly City, San Francisco, and nearby Bay Area cities