Great Northern Heating and Air
Great Northern Heating and Air
  • Home
  • Services
    • Boilers
    • Humidifiers
    • Radiant Heat
    • Thermostats / Zoning
    • Ventilation
    • Furnaces
    • Cooling
    • Heat Pumps
  • MiniSplit/Ductless
    • Get to Know Mini Splits
    • Configurations
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Financing
  • About
  • Promotions
  • Contact
  • Expert Tips
  • More
    • Home
    • Services
      • Boilers
      • Humidifiers
      • Radiant Heat
      • Thermostats / Zoning
      • Ventilation
      • Furnaces
      • Cooling
      • Heat Pumps
    • MiniSplit/Ductless
      • Get to Know Mini Splits
      • Configurations
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Financing
    • About
    • Promotions
    • Contact
    • Expert Tips

  • Home
  • Services
    • Boilers
    • Humidifiers
    • Radiant Heat
    • Thermostats / Zoning
    • Ventilation
    • Furnaces
    • Cooling
    • Heat Pumps
  • MiniSplit/Ductless
    • Get to Know Mini Splits
    • Configurations
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Financing
  • About
  • Promotions
  • Contact
  • Expert Tips

Ventilation

Why is Proper Ventilation So Important?

While air quality is something often overlooked, it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, especially in the seemingly pristine environment of Northwest Montana. Many people wrongly assume that our indoor air is free from the pollutants and allergens that plague the outdoors. Pollution is often associated with the smog over cities or emissions from industrial factories, with people rarely giving a second thought to the air inside our homes and workplaces. However, you might be surprised to learn that indoor air can unfortunately be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because indoor air is usually recirculated, allowing pollutants to  accumulate unless properly filtered. 

  

Installing ventilation in your home is a fantastic option for boosting indoor air quality. Most newer homes are extremely well-sealed and have almost no gaps in the structure where air can get in or out. As a result, the air inside will quickly become stale and polluted and the humidity level can also rise quite high. A mechanical ventilation system will assist to overcome these issues as it will work to draw stale air outside and bring fresh, clean air into your residence.


Having proper air filtration is also essential for preventing air quality issues and protecting your HVAC system from damage. At Great Northern Heating and Air, we offer a wide range of air filtration options that will trap pollen, mold spores, and many other allergens and pollutants so you can breathe easier.


Having proper ventilation at home is essential to maintain indoor air quality and promote a healthy living environment. Poorly ventilated homes can lead to a variety of health issues, from headaches and fatigue caused by inadequate oxygen levels to allergies triggered by dust particles that are not effectively removed from the air. Furthermore, the improper circulation of air within a home can cause condensation, which can damage wood, walls and encourage the growth of mold which can then decrease air quality further.


About Indoor Air Quality

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution ranks among the top five environmental health risks. Considering that the average American inhales 3,400 gallons of air daily, it's apparent that poor indoor air quality is a significant public health concern. The EPA identifies several key factors contributing to compromised indoor air quality:

  1. Indoor Pollutants: These include dust, allergens, mites, carbon dioxide, bacteria, chemicals, mold spores, household cleaning agents, asbestos, tobacco smoke, and pet dander, among others.
  2. Poor Building Design: Modern buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, which is beneficial for reducing energy consumption. However, this efficiency often comes at the cost of reduced airflow, making it difficult for fresh air to circulate and dilute indoor pollutants.
  3. Inadequate Ventilation Systems: A well-designed ventilation system is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. A qualified HVAC technician can guide you in selecting a system that effectively removes the majority of harmful pollutants from your indoor environment.

Why Not Just Open the Windows?

While opening windows to let in fresh air can be a good practice, it's not always practical or feasible. Weather conditions like rain or smoke from forest fires can make it impossible to ventilate your home naturally. Additionally, security concerns may prevent you from leaving windows open, especially when you're not at home or during the night.

That's why a well-designed and properly installed ventilation system is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Not only does it help in filtering out pollutants and bringing in fresh air, but it also has the added benefits of reducing dust accumulation and eliminating lingering odors from cooking or other activities.


Don't leave your indoor air quality to chance. Contact us today to discuss the ventilation system that's best suited for your home's specific needs. We're here to ensure you breathe easier, no matter the conditions outside.

Indoor Air Quality

Get Pollutant Out of Your Montana Home

Modern homes are becoming better sealed against air loss than ever before, aiding your heating and air conditioning system function more efficiently. Nevertheless, a tightly-sealed home can trap airborne particles such as dirt, pollen, animal dander, and even bacteria and mold spores inside your living spaces, degrading the quality of your indoor air. Great Northern Heating and Air is dedicated to improving your home’s indoor air quality in Montana with services that include air duct cleaning, air conditioning and furnace repair, and regular HVAC maintenance.

Factors That Affect Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality refers to more than just cleanliness. Here’s a brief look at the different aspects of indoor air quality you should be aware of.


Humidity: Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity can promote mold growth, while low humidity can dry out your skin and throat. A properly functioning HVAC system will keep your indoor humidity at the appropriate level.

Airborne Particles: Smoke, cleaning products, pet dander, skin cells, and other particles can drastically compromise indoor air quality. Worse yet, airborne bacteria, viruses, and chemicals can make you sick.

Ventilation: Air movement is vital for good indoor air quality. If there’s no air movement, airborne particles will have a better chance to accumulate, creating air that’s “stale” or “sick.” 

Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Duct Cleaning and Sealing

Over time, your air ducts are subject to wear and tear. Air leaks and dirt accumulation not only increase stress on your HVAC system, they also contribute to poor indoor air quality in your home. Air duct cleaning and sealing restores the interior of your ducts to like-new condition for a healthier indoor environment and greater HVAC efficiency.  

  • Visibly dirty air registers or obvious “puffs” of dust from your vents when your HVAC system activates are a sure sign that your ducts need cleaning.
  • Having to dust constantly could be a sign of excessive buildup inside your ducts.
  • Remodeling can kick up dust and other particles that could settle into your ducts. You should schedule air duct cleaning after any major home renovation.
  • Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches your living spaces. High energy bills and uneven heating or cooling are often signs of air leaks in your ductwork that need sealing.

Whole-Home Air Filtration Options

Upgrading or adding to your home’s air filtration system is a wonderful way to boost the quality of the air you breathe. Whole-home air filters and purifiers are designed to eliminate particles, bacteria, and other toxins from your home’s indoor air. Great Northern Heating and Air is proud to offer the indoor air quality solutions you need for a healthier Montana home. Please call us today to discuss duct sealing, air duct cleaning, whole-home filtration options, and more.

  • Your HVAC system should already incorporate a passive air filter. These filters are available with various ratings related to their efficiency.
  • An electric whole-home filter creates an electromagnetic field that attracts airborne particles to a media filter, increasing the filter’s efficiency at capturing particles from the air.
  • A UV lamp may be installed at the entrance to your home’s ductwork to completely neutralize bacteria and viruses before they can enter your ducts and living spaces, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Poor indoor air quality can damage your home and make you and your loved ones sick. Some top signs you are dealing with poor air quality include:

  • Mold or mildew growth on interior surfaces.
  • A musty smell.
  • Increased allergies regardless of the weather.
  • Headaches and congestion.
  • Respiratory or asthma problems.


To enhance indoor air quality, you can:

  • Change air filters regularly
  • Use air purifiers
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Control humidity levels
  • Keep the living space clean and dust-free
  • Seal ducts
  • Clean ducts
  • Install a filter


Proper air filtration is just as crucial to the health of your heating and cooling system as it is to your family’s health. Without proper filtration, dust and dirt can build up on your system, which impacts operation and efficiency. A high-efficiency filter will remove more dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and other particles from the air. Consider a high-efficiency filter if you suffer from allergies or other respiratory problems. No matter what type of filter you have – make sure you change it regularly. 


When it comes to HVAC, as in heating and cooling systems specifically, the ventilation is made up of your air handler, ducts, return vents, and blower assembly. These systems work in tandem to provide “mechanical ventilation”, aiming to reduce humidity levels and normalize temperatures throughout the home. 


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Great Northern Heating and Air

173 Lauman Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA

406-471-7560

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Open today

07:00 am – 05:00 pm

 

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