Indoor Air Quality Solutions — Verona, WI

The air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Modern homes are built tightly for energy efficiency, which reduces natural ventilation and allows pollutants to accumulate indoors. Berndt Climate Control LLC offers a complete range of indoor air quality products and services to help you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Common indoor air pollutants include dust and dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and cleaning products, and combustion byproducts. We can assess your home's air quality and recommend appropriate solutions.

Air Filtration Systems

Upgrading your air filtration is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters capture only large particles. High-efficiency filtration systems capture much smaller particles including bacteria, mold spores, and fine dust.

Media Air Cleaners

Whole-home media air cleaners use a thick, pleated filter media (typically 4-5 inches deep) with MERV ratings of 10-13. These filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns and need replacement only once or twice per year. They install in your existing ductwork and require no electricity.

Electronic Air Cleaners

Electronic air cleaners use an electrical charge to attract and capture airborne particles. They are highly effective at removing fine particles and can be cleaned and reused. Some models include activated carbon filters to remove odors and VOCs.

HEPA Filtration

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Whole-home HEPA systems are available for homes with severe allergy or asthma concerns. These systems require a bypass duct configuration due to their high airflow resistance.

UV Germicidal Lights

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems use UV-C light to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, mold, and other biological contaminants in your HVAC system. UV lights are installed inside your air handler or ductwork where they continuously irradiate passing air and coil surfaces.

UV germicidal lights are particularly effective at preventing mold growth on evaporator coils, which is a common problem in humid climates. They also help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens throughout your home. UV bulbs typically need replacement every 12-24 months.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Wisconsin winters are notoriously dry. When outdoor temperatures drop, the relative humidity inside heated homes can fall to 15-20%, far below the recommended 30-50% range. Low humidity causes dry skin, irritated nasal passages, static electricity, and can damage wood floors and furniture.

Whole-home humidifiers connect directly to your furnace and water supply to automatically maintain proper humidity levels throughout your home. Unlike portable humidifiers, whole-home units require minimal maintenance and provide consistent humidity control in every room.

Types of Whole-Home Humidifiers

• Bypass Humidifiers — Use furnace heat to evaporate water; most common and affordable
• Fan-Powered Humidifiers — Include their own fan; more efficient than bypass models
• Steam Humidifiers — Boil water to create steam; most precise humidity control

Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

While Wisconsin winters are dry, summers can be quite humid. High indoor humidity promotes mold growth, dust mite populations, and general discomfort. Your air conditioner removes some humidity as a byproduct of cooling, but may not be sufficient in very humid conditions or in basements.

Whole-home dehumidifiers integrate with your HVAC system to remove excess moisture throughout your home. They are particularly valuable in basements, crawl spaces, and homes with moisture problems. Maintaining indoor humidity below 50% helps prevent mold growth and improves comfort.

Ventilation Systems

Tightly sealed modern homes need mechanical ventilation to maintain good air quality. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) bring fresh outdoor air into your home while recovering heat energy from the outgoing stale air, minimizing energy loss.

HRVs are ideal for cold climates like Wisconsin because they recover heat from exhaust air before it leaves the building. ERVs also transfer moisture, making them suitable for climates with both cold winters and humid summers.

Ductwork Cleaning

Over time, dust, debris, pet dander, and other contaminants accumulate in your ductwork. While regular filter changes prevent most buildup, periodic duct cleaning may be beneficial in certain situations, including after home renovations, if you notice visible mold growth in ducts, if there is evidence of pest infestation, or if occupants have unexplained allergy symptoms.

We use professional duct cleaning equipment including high-powered vacuum systems and agitation tools to thoroughly clean supply and return ductwork. We also inspect ducts for leaks and damage during the cleaning process.

• Frequent allergy symptoms indoors
• Musty or stale odors
• Excessive dust on surfaces
• Dry skin and irritated eyes
• Visible mold growth
• Condensation on windows
• Worsening asthma symptoms