Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season

The Growing Challenge of Wildfire Smoke

North Bay residents have become all too familiar with the orange skies and smoky air that accompany California's fire season. While we can't control outdoor air quality, your HVAC system can be a powerful tool for maintaining healthy air inside your home.

Understanding Wildfire Smoke Particles

Wildfire smoke contains:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) - Tiny particles that penetrate deep into lungs
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - Gases from burning materials
• Carbon monoxide and other gases - Combustion byproducts

These pollutants can cause respiratory irritation, aggravate asthma and allergies, and pose serious health risks during prolonged exposure.

Using Your HVAC System During Smoke Events

1. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

This seems obvious, but it's the first line of defense. Your HVAC system should provide all necessary ventilation during smoke events.

2. Upgrade Your Air Filter

Standard HVAC filters (MERV 8 or lower) don't capture fine smoke particles effectively. During fire season:

• Upgrade to MERV 13 or higher - These filters capture most smoke particles
• Consider HEPA filtration - The gold standard for particle removal
• Check filters more frequently - Smoke-laden air clogs filters faster

Important: Verify your system can handle higher-rated filters. Restrictive filters can strain equipment not designed for them.

3. Run Your Fan Continuously

Set your thermostat fan to "On" instead of "Auto" during smoke events. This:

• Keeps air circulating through your filter constantly
• Provides continuous filtration even when not heating or cooling
• Maintains more consistent air quality throughout your home

4. Create Positive Pressure (If Possible)

Some HVAC systems can bring in filtered outside air while exhausting stale indoor air. This creates positive pressure that prevents smoke from seeping in through gaps. Consult with an HVAC professional about whether your system supports this.

Additional Air Quality Solutions

Portable Air Purifiers

For rooms where you spend the most time:

• Look for units with true HEPA filters
• Size the purifier appropriately for the room
• Run on high during poor outdoor air quality
• Position in bedrooms for overnight protection

Whole-Home Air Purification

Options include:

• Media air cleaners - Thick, pleated filters in your ductwork
• Electronic air cleaners - Use electrical charge to capture particles
• UV germicidal lights - Kill airborne pathogens (less effective for smoke)
• Activated carbon filters - Remove gases and odors

Sealing Your Home

Reduce smoke infiltration by:

• Weatherstripping doors and windows
• Sealing gaps around pipes and wires
• Using door sweeps on exterior doors
• Checking attic and crawl space entry points

What NOT to Do During Smoke Events

• Don't use exhaust fans - They create negative pressure that draws in outside air
• Don't use evaporative (swamp) coolers - They bring in unfiltered outside air
• Don't burn candles or incense - Adds to indoor air pollution
• Don't vacuum with a standard vacuum - Can stir up particles (use HEPA vacuum if needed)

After the Smoke Clears

Once air quality improves:

• Replace your HVAC filter (it's probably loaded with particles)
• Open windows to flush out stale indoor air
• Consider having ducts professionally cleaned if smoke was severe
• Clean or replace portable air purifier filters

Preparing for Future Smoke Events

Before fire season:

• Stock up on high-rated HVAC filters
• Service your HVAC system to ensure peak performance
• Consider adding whole-home air purification
• Identify the cleanest room in your home for a "clean air refuge"
• Purchase a portable air purifier if you don't have one

Monitoring Air Quality

Use these resources to track local conditions:

• AirNow.gov - EPA air quality index
• PurpleAir.com - Real-time local sensors
• Local news and emergency management alerts

We're Here to Help

If you want to improve your home's air quality capabilities, we can assess your current system and recommend appropriate upgrades. From filter recommendations to whole-home purification systems, we help North Bay families breathe easier during fire season.