In recent weeks, much of New England has been blanketed in wildfire smoke drifting in from afar. As unsettling as it is to see our skies dimmed and our outdoor time limited, it's also a stark reminder of something we often take for granted: the air we breathe.
While we can't always control what's happening in the atmosphere, we can make smart, proactive choices about the environments we live in. That's where high-quality HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) become essential allies in protecting our health and comfort.
At BrightBuilt Home, we've long believed that comfort, health, and sustainability should go hand-in-hand—and that includes the air inside your home. Here's how modern HVACs and ERVs create cleaner, healthier living environments:
According to the American Lung Association, the air inside traditionally built homes can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air—sometimes by a factor of two to five times. This might seem counterintuitive, especially when we think of our homes as safe havens, but the reality is that incomplete modern building practices present greater potential to trap contaminants inside. Without proper ventilation, pollutants can accumulate and create what experts call “sick building syndrome".
Common indoor air pollutants include dust mites, pet allergens, cooking fumes, cleaning product residues, formaldehyde from furniture and building materials, radon, and biological contaminants like mold and bacteria. During events like the recent wildfire smoke episodes, these indoor pollutants compound with outdoor contaminants that find their way inside, creating a perfect storm for respiratory issues and general discomfort.
We reached out to our colleague and recognized thought leader in the sustainable building industry, Ben Bogie, Principal at BPC Green Builders to hear his thoughts on why it’s important to prioritize air quality in the home. He explained that the two main considerations often overlooked by people considering new home builds and remodels are comfort and health. “We breathe something in the order of about 2,000 gallons of air a day,” Ben says. “When you think about that, would you drink 2,000 gallons of dirty water a day? No, we want to filter… What we can do with ventilation systems and mechanical systems is do our best to try and make sure we’re drinking the filtered water and not the pond water, so to speak.”
ERVs are engineered to bring fresh outdoor air into your home while filtering out pollutants, allergens, and particulates—including the fine particles from wildfire smoke that can be especially harmful to your respiratory system. Simultaneously, they preserve the temperature and humidity levels you prefer, ensuring your home remains energy-efficient and comfortable.
The key to ERV effectiveness lies in their sophisticated heat and moisture exchange cores. These systems capture up to 80% of the energy from outgoing stale air and transfer it to incoming fresh air. During winter, this means warming the cold outdoor air before it enters your living space. In summer, it means pre-cooling hot outdoor air. This process dramatically reduces the energy penalty typically associated with bringing in fresh air.
Modern HVAC systems utilize multi-stage filtration that goes far beyond basic dust collection. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger—this includes most wildfire smoke particles, pollen, dust mites, and many bacteria. Some advanced systems also incorporate activated carbon filters to remove odors and volatile organic compounds, and UV-C light technology to neutralize viruses and bacteria.
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system helps homeowners understand filter effectiveness. While basic systems might use MERV 8 filters, high-performance residential systems often employ MERV 13-16 filters, which approach HEPA-level efficiency while maintaining proper airflow through the system.
Ben explains how BPC Builders is approaching filtration, “what we’re currently doing on our projects is putting in MERV 16 filters on the air handlers and then we’re setting the air handler to run at 10% speed, 24 hours a day.” This approach draws very little electricity and is essentially continually “washing” the air in the home to ensure very good air quality for the occupants.
Modern HVAC systems equipped with advanced filtration and circulation features ensure your indoor air doesn't stagnate. Instead, it's continuously cleaned, refreshed, and redistributed throughout your home—reducing indoor pollutants and helping you breathe easier around the clock.
Strategic air circulation involves more than just moving air around. Properly designed systems create gentle, consistent airflow patterns that prevent dead zones where pollutants can accumulate. Variable-speed fans and zoned systems allow for precise control, ensuring every room receives adequate fresh air circulation while maintaining energy efficiency.
Even when wildfires aren't making headlines, indoor air quality remains crucial for your family's wellbeing. Everyday pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from cleaning supplies or furniture can accumulate indoors. A well-designed HVAC and ERV system keeps these contaminants in check, supporting your family's health through every season.
The health benefits extend beyond just respiratory comfort. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and exacerbation of allergies and asthma. Children and elderly family members are particularly sensitive to air quality issues, making whole-home air quality solutions an investment in your family's long-term health.
Today's advanced HVAC and ERV systems often include smart controls that monitor indoor air quality in real-time. These systems can detect changes in humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, automatically adjusting ventilation rates as needed. During high pollution events like wildfire smoke episodes, these systems can switch to recirculation mode while maintaining optimal indoor air quality through enhanced filtration.
Smart thermostats and air quality monitors provide homeowners with detailed insights into their indoor environment, including air quality trends, filter replacement reminders, and energy usage patterns. This technology empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about their indoor air quality and system operation.
Proper humidity control is crucial for both comfort and health. ERVs help maintain optimal humidity levels year-round, preventing the dry air that can cause respiratory irritation in winter and the excess moisture that can promote mold growth in summer. Ideal indoor humidity levels range from 30-50%, and maintaining this range helps preserve wooden furniture and floors while creating an environment where dust mites and other allergens struggle to thrive.
ERVs deliver more than just superior indoor air quality—they're also champions of energy efficiency. By transferring heat and humidity between incoming fresh air and outgoing stale air, they reduce the workload on your heating and cooling system. This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint for your home.
The energy savings can be substantial. In cold climates, ERVs can reduce heating costs by 20-40% compared to homes that rely on natural infiltration or simple exhaust ventilation. In hot climates, the cooling energy savings can be equally impressive. Over the lifetime of the system, these energy savings often more than offset the initial investment in high-quality ventilation equipment.
Proper sizing and installation are critical for HVAC and ERV system performance. Systems that are too small won't adequately ventilate the home, while oversized systems can create uncomfortable temperature swings and waste energy. Professional load calculations consider factors like home size, occupancy, local climate, and specific air quality concerns to determine the optimal system configuration.
Ductwork design is equally important. Poorly designed or leaky ducts can reduce system efficiency by 20-40%. Professional installation ensures proper duct sizing, sealing, and insulation, maximizing the benefits of your investment in high-quality air handling equipment.
Like any sophisticated system, HVACs and ERVs require regular maintenance to perform optimally. Filter replacement schedules vary based on local air quality, occupancy, and pets, but most systems benefit from filter changes every 3-6 months. ERV cores should be cleaned annually, and professional system tune-ups help ensure peak performance and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
Modern systems often include maintenance reminder features, taking the guesswork out of system care. Some advanced systems even monitor filter pressure drop and automatically alert homeowners when replacement is needed.
It's easy to overlook the systems working quietly behind your walls—but when the world outside becomes less than ideal, those systems make all the difference. A well-ventilated, properly filtered, energy-efficient home isn't just a luxury—it's your first line of defense against environmental challenges. With thoughtful design and planning, this level of protection can become your everyday reality.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is actively protecting your family's health is invaluable. Whether facing wildfire smoke, high pollen counts, urban air pollution, or simply the everyday challenges of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, a well-designed HVAC and ERV system works around the clock to keep your family breathing easy.
While high-performance HVAC and ERV systems represent an upfront investment, the long-term benefits extend far beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality can reduce healthcare costs related to respiratory issues and allergies. Enhanced comfort and air quality can also increase property values, making these systems a wise investment for both current comfort and future resale value.
Many utility companies offer rebates for high-efficiency HVAC systems and ERVs, and federal tax credits may be available for qualifying equipment. When calculating the true cost of these systems, it's important to factor in these incentives along with ongoing energy savings and health benefits.
Whether you're building from the ground up or upgrading your current space, incorporating high-performance HVAC and ERV systems represents a smart investment in your health, comfort, and peace of mind.
And if you’re not in a position to invest in entire new systems, Ben points out that there are many ways to incorporate portable filters into the rooms where you spend the most time. Whether purchasing a portable HEPA air purifier, or ordering a DIY kit, there are options out there that don’t require as much up front cost. Ben notes to pay special attention to CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) ratings on any portable option you consider.
Because when the air outside is unpredictable, your home should be your sanctuary.
