Wildfires, ozone action days, and the famous “brown cloud” mean Front Range residents, are no strangers to the impacts of poor air quality. Especially harmful for children, older adults and vulnerable populations, air pollutants both inside and outside can mean sneezing and itchy eyes, or more serious health issues like asthma and increased risk of heart attacks or stroke.
One of the best ways to stay safe during poor air quality events is to stay inside and avoid bringing in outside air. But Colorado, a state where an estimated 30 percent of homes don’t have air-conditioning, is heating up; we’re seeing hotter days and warmer nights at increasing rates compared to pre-2000 temperatures. That means staying inside is not only increasingly uncomfortable for many, but it can also be dangerous.
To compound those issues, gas furnaces – especially older ones -- can contribute to poor indoor air quality by emitting nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and VOCs, all of which contribute to respiratory illnesses.
Heat pumps filter your air
The humble heat pump makes heating and cooling buildings a breeze. Designed to move heat, rather than create it, this tried-and-true technology may hold the key to protecting the lungs of our communities. Like many HVAC systems, heat pumps include a filtration system that captures pollutants and allergens as air moves through. In some heat pump models, these filtration systems can be upgraded further with HEPA filters, UV-C systems and other technologies to target specific concerns like volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Compared to other HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps have a distinct advantage. Heat pumps run consistently, at a low energy level, nearly all day every day--not just in short spurts, or only during warm spells and cold snaps. This means that air circulation is continuous throughout the whole day, maintaining consistent levels of filtration and more reliably clearing out pollutants. This continuous air circulation also means better humidity control (the EPA recommends levels at 30 percent to 50 percent), which means lower risk of mold and dust-mites, both of which prefer more humid environments.
Ductless heat pump setups, also called “mini-splits,” which usually target specific rooms or areas of the home depending on their size, have an additional air-quality advantage. Air ducts are a common place for dust and allergens to build up, and they can be annoying and costly to clean. No air ducts, no duct-related air-quality problems!
Heat pumps use clean electricity
In addition to their ability to heat and cool (and filter air all year long), heat pumps have another advantage in protecting your home’s air. Because they are powered by electricity--not methane gas or combustibles like oil or wood--heat pumps substantially limit the risks of dangerous air pollutants building up by simply keeping them out of your home. Harmful byproducts of combustion heating, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and even soot (a common output from oil- and wood-burning setups) are extremely dangerous at high levels, but even low levels can be dangerous over time. Studies show that exposure to these byproducts can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and even certain cancers.
So why wait? Programs like Power Ahead Colorado will soon be ready to provide technical and financial assistance to make it easier than ever to upgrade your home to a heat pump. Stay tuned and sign up to receive updates.