Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality | The Metalsmiths

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, and the Pacific Northwest's damp climate creates unique challenges. Mold, mildew, dust mites, and poor ventilation can all impact your health and comfort.

2-5x

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air

Poor indoor air quality can contribute to:

Allergies and respiratory issues
Headaches and fatigue
Poor sleep quality
Aggravated asthma symptoms
Increased illness and sick days

Our Indoor Air Quality Services

🌬️ Ventilation Systems

Proper fresh air exchange keeps indoor air healthy. We install and service HRVs, ERVs, and exhaust ventilation systems.

🔬 Air Filtration

Upgrade to high-efficiency filters or whole-home air purification systems that capture particles standard filters miss.

💡 UV Air Purifiers

Install UV-C light systems in your HVAC to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores as air circulates.

💧 Humidity Control

Too dry? Too humid? We install whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers for balanced comfort year-round.

Ventilation Systems

Modern, well-sealed homes are energy efficient—but they can also trap stale air, pollutants, and excess moisture inside. Proper ventilation brings in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air.

We install and service:

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): Exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while recovering heat energy
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): Similar to HRVs but also transfer humidity—ideal for our damp PNW climate
Exhaust Ventilation: Kitchen and bath exhaust fans properly vented to remove moisture and odors
Make-Up Air Systems: Balanced ventilation for homes with high-capacity range hoods or fireplaces

Air Filtration Upgrades

Standard 1" filters catch large particles but miss the small stuff that causes the most problems. We can help you upgrade to:

High-MERV media filters: 4-5" thick filters that capture smaller particles including some bacteria and virus carriers
HEPA filtration: Hospital-grade filtration for those with severe allergies or respiratory conditions
Whole-home air cleaners: Electronic or media air cleaners that integrate with your existing system
Portable air purifiers: Recommendations for supplemental room-by-room filtration

UV Air Purification

Ultraviolet light has been used in hospitals for decades to kill germs. UV-C air purifiers install inside your HVAC system and neutralize airborne pathogens as air passes through.

Benefits include:

Kills bacteria, viruses, and mold spores
Reduces odors from pets, cooking, and more
Keeps evaporator coil clean (improves efficiency)
Low maintenance—just replace bulb annually

Humidity Control

Pacific Northwest homes often struggle with excess humidity, leading to mold growth, musty odors, and that "clammy" feeling. But in winter, heating can make air too dry, causing dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory discomfort.

We install:

Whole-home dehumidifiers: Remove excess moisture from the entire house—far more effective than portable units
Whole-home humidifiers: Add moisture during dry winter months for comfort and health
Smart humidity controls: Automatic systems that maintain optimal 30-50% relative humidity

Signs You Need Better Air Quality

Consider an air quality assessment if you notice:

Persistent allergy symptoms indoors
Musty or stale odors
Condensation on windows
Visible mold or mildew
Excessive dust despite regular cleaning
Family members with respiratory issues
Stuffiness or "stale" feeling air

Free Air Quality Assessment

Not sure what you need? We'll evaluate your home's ventilation, humidity levels, and filtration, then recommend solutions that fit your situation and budget. No pressure, no obligation.

Breathe Easier at Home