How can we improve the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in our home?
At Helio, we recommend a two pronged approach to improve IAQ. First, all of our ducted systems come with advanced MERV13 filtrations systems, which dramatically reduce the particulate matter in the air of your home.
However, this does not help eliminate the CO2 and VOCs in the air. The only solution for that is to bring in fresh, filtered outdoor air. We do this with an Energy Recovery Ventilation system (ERV). An ERV brings in fresh outdoor air, while exhausting stale, dirty indoor air. The outgoing air passes through a heat exchanger so that the outdoor air is temperature regulated before entering the home.
There are many ways to install an ERV. It is very common for us to tie an ERV in with an existing duct system. Sometimes we will put in an independent system, often incorporating the ERV with the bathroom ventilation system to exhaust bathroom air in a cost effective, controlled manner.
Many of the ERV’s we install have constant air quality monitoring systems that adjust your air in order to keep you home healthy.
How do I get a WiFi-enabled thermostat?
All heat pumps are sold with Mitsubishi’s MHK2 controller standard. We understand that some customers prefer a WiFi-enabled device, and we will be able to enable use of Kumo Cloud to meet this demand; however, the necessary parts are backordered today with no clear ETA in sight. If you’re interested in this option, please speak to sales to add your name on our list. We’ll install your system with the MHK2 and then reach back out as parts are available with a quote for the upgrade.
How long until my system is installed?
Installation dates are based on three factors: equipment availability, Helio’s installation queue, and your availability. As soon as we receive your deposit, we allocate equipment to you within our inventory system and reserve your space in our installation queue. When we have clear line-of-sight into your equipment timeframe, we’ll reach out to get your job scheduled. While we’ll do our best to keep to any timeframe we give you, please know that supply chains are struggling, and we do have to adjust from time-to-time.
Who will be onsite during the project?
Your primary point of contact during the install will be your Project Supervisor. This is a Helio team member that is focused on ensuring a smooth experience for you and quality work on your home. While your Project Supervisor will not be on-site all the time, they will be constantly checking in with you as well as the trade partners. In addition to your Project Supervisor, you may have electricians, HVAC, plumbing, insulation, and solar trade partners completing the projects.
Why not install everything at once?
At Helio Home, we believe that impacting climate change means acting fast. A tonne of CO2e saved today is worth more than a tonne saved tomorrow! While it would logistically be easier for us to complete every part of your project at the same time, it would also mean delaying carbon savings. Since solar permitting tends to be the slowest part of our process, we split up mechanical, solar, and insulation. Rest assured that we’ll get to work on your home as soon as we can!
When do I pay?
We’ll send you bills for outstanding payments at the completion of each project (mechanical, solar, insulation). We consider jobs complete (and billable) once the municipal inspection is passed. An exception here is insulation, which does not always require a municipal inspection. In that case, the job is complete (and billable) once Helio Home’s Project Supervisor has completed their inspection. Please know that solar projects are often complete weeks prior to turning the system on as that final stage is waiting on the utility company.