Great Northern Heating and Air
Great Northern Heating and Air
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    • Boilers
    • Humidifiers
    • Radiant Heat
    • Thermostats / Zoning
    • Ventilation
    • Furnaces
    • Cooling
    • Heat Pumps
  • MiniSplit/Ductless
    • Get to Know Mini Splits
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    • 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 we often overlook, it plays a crucial role in our well-being, especially in the seemingly pristine environment of Northwest Montana. Many of us assume that our indoor air is free from the pollutants and allergens that plague the outdoors. We often associate pollution with the smog over cities or emissions from industrial factories, rarely giving a second thought to the air inside  our homes and workplaces. However, you might be surprised to learn that indoor air can 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 great 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 help 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 range of air filtration options that will trap pollen, mold spores, and many other allergens and pollutants so you can breathe easier.


Having good 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 clear 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 is 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.

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


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

Hours

Open today

07:00 am – 05:00 pm

 

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