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Whole-House Air Purification in Clovis, CA
Indoor air quality is a critical concern for Clovis homes. Hot, dry summers, seasonal agricultural dust, and frequent wildfire smoke events in the Central Valley can push fine particulates and irritants indoors. When doors and windows stay closed to keep homes cool, allergens, pathogens, and odors accumulate. Whole-house air purification systems installed through your HVAC system address these problems at the supply level, protecting every room without relying on multiple portable units.
Common whole-house air purification systems in Clovis, CA
- HEPA-based whole-home filtration
- True HEPA captures 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns, removing pollen, dust, many smoke particles, and pet dander when integrated properly with HVAC or with a dedicated bypass fan.
- Ultraviolet (UV-C) germicidal systems
- UV lamps mounted at the evaporator coil and in the air handler reduce viable bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on surfaces and in moving airflow, helping prevent microbial growth on coils and drain pans.
- Advanced oxidation technologies (PECO, hydroxyl radical generation)
- These systems chemically break down VOCs, odors, and some gas-phase contaminants that conventional filters cannot remove.
- Bipolar ionization and electronic air cleaners
- These can reduce airborne particles and some VOCs; choose products certified for safety and low ozone generation. Proper selection is important in homes with sensitive occupants.
How each system improves indoor air
- Particle reduction: HEPA and high-MERV filters remove dust, pollen, and many wildfire smoke particulates (PM2.5), which are common during Clovis smoke events.
- Pathogen load control: UV-C light in the return or near the coil deactivates microbial contaminants that circulate through the system, reducing the chance of airborne spread of cold and flu viruses and limiting mold growth.
- Gas and odor control: Advanced oxidation targets volatile organic compounds from household cleaners, off-gassing building materials, and lingering smoke odors.
- System health and efficiency: Cleaner coils and less dust in the system improve heat exchange and airflow, which helps HVAC efficiency and can extend equipment life.
Installation and HVAC compatibility
- In-duct vs standalone considerations
- True whole-home solutions are typically installed in the return duct, the air handler plenum, or directly at the coil. HEPA filtration at the air handler often requires a bypass or a dedicated in-line fan because HEPA media increases static pressure.
- Static pressure and airflow
- Any added filtration must be evaluated for static pressure impact. Technicians will measure your existing blower capacity and static pressure to recommend filters or fans that maintain proper airflow and system safety.
- Electrical and control integration
- UV systems require a small dedicated electrical supply and proper mounting near the coil. Advanced oxidation and ionization devices also require wiring and, in some cases, remote controls or monitoring interfaces.
- Zoning and multi-story homes
- Homes with multiple zones or separate air handlers may need multiple purification points or a centralized solution sized for the home’s total airflow (CFM).
Diagnostic process and what to expect during installation
- Baseline assessment
- A professional assessment typically includes visual duct inspection, measuring static pressure and airflow, and optionally baseline particle/VOC testing to establish indoor air quality metrics.
- System selection and sizing
- Based on home size, HVAC capacity, occupant health needs (allergies, asthma, immune sensitivity), and local pollution patterns such as seasonal smoke, the most appropriate technology or combination is selected.
- Installation steps
- Common steps: inspect and ready the duct/air handler, mount UV lamps or oxidation modules, install filter housings or bypass fans if required, wire components, and test system operation.
- Post-install verification
- After installation, technicians verify airflow, static pressure, and electrical safety. Many providers also perform a follow-up assessment to confirm particle or VOC reductions.
Maintenance and replacement schedules
- Pre-filters and washable filters
- Replace or clean every 1 to 3 months depending on dust and smoke exposure. This protects downstream media and maintains airflow.
- True HEPA filters
- Replace every 6 to 12 months depending on loading, home activity, and wildfire exposure.
- UV-C lamps
- Replace bulbs annually to maintain germicidal output; keep quartz sleeves clean to prevent efficiency losses.
- Advanced oxidation cells or cartridges
- Typically inspected and replaced annually or per manufacturer guidance; some require periodic cleaning.
- System inspections
- Annual HVAC and IAQ system checks are recommended to clean coils, verify mounting, measure static pressure, and ensure safe operation.
- Why maintenance matters
- Neglecting maintenance increases pressure drop across filters, reduces airflow, and can allow microbial growth on dirty components—undermining both health benefits and HVAC performance.
Expected health benefits for Clovis residents
- Reduced allergy and asthma triggers
- Effective particle removal lowers exposure to pollen, dust mites, and pet dander common in Valley communities.
- Lower exposure to wildfire smoke and PM2.5
- Properly designed whole-house filtration can significantly reduce fine particulate penetration during smoke events, improving indoor air safety.
- Fewer respiratory infections and symptom flare-ups
- UV-C and particle filtration together reduce the concentration of airborne microbes and suspended droplets that carry viruses and bacteria.
- Improved sleep and general comfort
- Less dust and odor leads to more comfortable indoor environments, particularly for sensitive occupants such as children, seniors, and those with chronic respiratory conditions.
Choosing the right system for your Clovis home
- Allergies and asthma: Prioritize true HEPA filtration combined with a quality prefilter and regular maintenance.
- Frequent smoke exposure or odors: Combine high-efficiency filtration with an advanced oxidation or gas-phase solution for VOC and odor control.
- Microbial concerns (mold, frequent illness): Add UV-C at the coil and in the air handler to reduce microbial growth and airborne pathogen viability.
- Energy and airflow concerns: If your existing system cannot handle high-efficiency media, consider a dedicated bypass fan or in-duct purifier that minimizes added static pressure.
Investing in a professionally designed whole-house air purification system tailored to Clovis climate and pollution patterns provides meaningful health and comfort benefits while protecting HVAC performance. Regular maintenance and the right technology combination will ensure continuous, measurable indoor air improvement throughout the year.