With wildfires becoming more and more common in certain parts of the country, many homeowners are wondering exactly how they can keep their indoor air as pure as possible. The good news is that several methods can be used to ensure that you and your family can breathe more easily inside your home.

What Are the Risks?

Wildfire smoke contains many harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These can cause severe breathing issues at even lower levels and should be avoided at all costs. There is also the risk of particulate matter being breathed, which increases the risk of developing asthma and other extended breathing problems. It will also aggravate the symptoms of those with these health issues. In addition, many wildfires contain toxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These are known carcinogens and have been linked to terminal diseases such as lung cancer.

Start With the Obvious

The first thing that should be done is to make sure all windows and doors are tightly closed. This might seem completely obvious, but it is not uncommon for a homeowner to forget about an upstairs window in a rarely used room. If you have gaps under doors or around windows, find a way to at least temporarily seal those. This also includes things like closing the chimney flu or sealing the fireplace opening. As soon as you get word of a wildfire, it is highly recommended to go from room to room and ensure that all openings are locked up tight.

Use an Air Purifier

If you do not currently own an air purifier system, you may want to consider purchasing one before wildfire smoke settles in the valley. These can range from small portable models to something as extensive as a whole-house system. Portable air purifiers can work great in a single room but do nothing for the rest of the house.

A whole-house air purification system is installed within your current HVAC system. These provide HEPA-level filtration to remove the odors and particulates in wildfire smoke from the entire home. They also work to remove allergens and other harmful particles from the air all year round. Ask our Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air technicians what the best air purifier for your system is.

Use Fans

Keep the air moving in your home by using fans to stay cool and prevent it from becoming stagnant. Fans are crucial if you don’t have a central HVAC system or mini-split. Place them strategically around the home and down hallways to maximize the efficiency of the moving air.

If you do not have an HVAC system, now might be the time to contact Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air and have us install central air, a heat pump, or a mini-split suitable for your home. Remember that you cannot bring in outside air during a crisis like this because it will introduce all the impurities into your home.

Can You Use an HVAC System When a Wildfire Is Near

Yes, you absolutely can still use your air conditioner while a wildfire is nearby, but there are recommendations that should be followed. By following the following expert tips, you can be sure you are getting the maximum benefit while remaining safe.

For Window Units

If you do not have central air conditioning and only have a window unit, then you must close the outdoor damper and ensure that the seal around the unit is air-tight. This will prevent any polluted air from entering your home.

For Portable Unit

Unfortunately, if you have a portable unit that uses a single hose, you will not be able to use it during conditions where smoke is present. This is where household fans will come into play to circulate the internal air around your home. Keep in mind that this is only for single-hose units. A double-hose unit can be used if the window seal is tight enough to not allow air into the house.

Central Systems: Change Your Filter

In normal circumstances, most manufacturers recommend changing your air filter every two to three months. However, this should be done much more frequently when wildfire smoke fills the valley. Consider checking the filter every two weeks; if it’s dirty, replace it with a new one.

What kind of filter you have is equally, if not more, important. Each filter has a MERV rating, which signifies the type and size of particulate the filter can catch. The higher the rating, the finer particles it will catch. Most home systems can handle filters with a MERV 13 rating. You can always check with the manufacturer or us about the best filter for your system.

Central Systems: Get Timely Inspections

Of course, the above tip hinges on the assumption that your HVAC system is in perfect working order. A poorly maintained system can contribute to poor indoor air quality. For this reason, it is crucial that you have your HVAC system, whether it is central air, a heat pump, or a mini-split, regularly inspected and maintained by Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air. This ensures that the equipment will work as intended when the need arises.

Other Recommendations During Times of Wildfire Smoke

Have a Clean Room

If you have household members present who are especially susceptible to breathing issues, then you might want to consider setting up what is known as a clean room. This designated room has its own air purification device in place in front of the register to clean the air in that specific room. Since one device is used for only one room instead of trying to purify the entire house, it does a much better job of keeping the air free from pollutants. Of course, you can still use another purifier for the rest of the home, but a dedicated one for those with issues is one of the best things you can do.

Masks Work

It is also a very good idea to keep what are known as N95 masks on hand. These are designed to keep out smoke and other small particulates and are considered crucial to wear if you have to leave the home. These safety masks are small and easy to store out of the way but also very effective at keeping harmful particulates out of your airways.

Avoid Certain Activities

Of course, there are also certain activities that you should avoid when isolating yourself from a wildfire. Such things as smoking or lighting candles should be avoided. This is because the air will quickly become polluted in such a closed environment.

Contact Us

If you are in the Sacramento area and need to verify your HVAC system is wildfire-ready, call us. You can also contact us for other services, such as furnace installation and repair or plumbing services, including rooter service. Not only do we have licensed HVAC techs, but we also have licensed plumbers. Contact Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air to help ensure healthy indoor air quality in your home or business.