Clean Air is a Choice

If you called me in, showed me your house, and said (I do not recommend this) "Money is no object, I want clean, fresh air with my heat and cooling, I would do several things. I would insist that you read some of the earlier posts to ensure that you understand the importance of cleanliness and basic house tightness. I would ask what measures you've already taken in the battle for clean air and minimal allergies in your home. I would ask you if the three corgies and the angora cat are negotiable factors in your homelife, or do we have to deal with a constant flow of contaminants released from each pet. I would recommend that you get at least one more bid from a respected contractor to compare with mine, advising you to omit the phrase "money is no object." Then I would ask if your present heating/cooling system will be the basis for our campaign, or if a complete replacement is your preferred strategy. At that point, I'm ready to design your clean air solution.

Your existing system would get a thorough cleaning inside and out. I would inspect the ducts and possibly clean them. I would strip old duct insulation off, reseal joints and seams with a non-volatile sealer, and re-insulate with mirror-finish bubble-wrap insulation (no moisture, mouse or mold issues, as with fiberglass ductwrap). I would seal the seams of the blower unit with tape or sealer, and remove and clean your grilles and return registers. Already you're feeling better, I hope.

If you opt for a new system, I would install a boiler, preferrably direct vent gas, and air handlers with both heating and cooling coils. This system is meant to be in use nearly every day of the year, which is the only way to maintain clean, filtered air in your living space. Your ductwork would be mostly round steel, with short sections of vinyl flex duct for noise reduction near outlets. If your house requires a careful retrofit, I would install high-velocity ducting, like Unico or SpacePak, which would do minimum damage to the existing finishes and architecture.

I would omit the much-touted fresh air heat exchanger, since you've established that most of your remaining allergens are coming from outside (smog, pollen, pig farm upwind, the usual). You've done everything you can to clean and de-nasty your house, short of giving away your pets. Now it's time to finish the job with filtering.

I would install filters in your return grilles, pleated ones labeled "medium efficiency." Don't sniff at the word "medium." Does Mr. Maintenance want to change Hepas every two weeks? Or risk diminishing airflow, reducing the effectiveness of the whole system? Then I would place a four-inch Air Bear-style filter in your return plenum. Depending upon your sensitivity to mold, and your stubborn refusal to give up your beloved pets, I would install either a high-voltage electronic filter or a simple ultraviolet bulb to neutralize most of the tiny (viruses, organic vapors {dog flatulence, since you asked}, baby dust mites, spores) pollutants that get by the other filters. And I would advise you to be very careful about choosing the days on which you open up the house and air it out. Check the weather, wind, humidity and air quality with a good website or local weather station.

And there you go. I know you're wondering: how much to retrofit an existing system as described? Between five and eight thousand dollars. How much for a new system complete? Between twenty and fifty thousand dollars depending upon zones and equipment. Don't even think of putting this project on a credit card, even if you're desperate. State and federal incentives will help you defray the cost in tax credits, and lending institutions will consider you a worthy cause, especially if there's any equity at all in your house to secure the loan. Get a medical certification letter from your doctor and the tax incentives improve a bit more. Contact your local utility for programs that reward positive energy retrofits. Do your homework. The political climate has never been better for projects aimed at more efficient heating/cooling and improved home air quality. Don't tell them about the dogs. Or your stupid cigars.

Last note? My favorite song. Do first things first. Clean, declutter ( I made this word up), stop using fragrances, if you think that's a factor. Vacuum your cat. Fence a little spot outside for your dogs. Stop frying your favorite foods, at least in a smoky fashion. Vaccum your mattress, buy new pillows, throw out your old couch. Remedy as many as you can of the habits and conditions that got you here. And if you want some help mopping up the last twenty percent of the problem, call me. And promise me the dogs will stay outside while I work.