Homeowners in many parts of the country have noticed an increase in wildfire activity during the summer months — and in some cases, fire season has begun to extend into the fall. You’ve probably found yourself curtailing outdoor activities in your area during those times when an active wildfire is part of the picture.
Unfortunately, a wildfire doesn’t have to be in your immediate vicinity for it to wreak havoc on your local air quality. Smoke and airborne particulate matter are capable of traveling hundreds of miles with the wind, potentially posing serious health risks by infiltrating homes and buildings. Health issues caused by wildfire smoke include respiratory distress, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of preexisting conditions such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Although it’s not possible to escape the smoke when you’re outside, there are plenty of strategies designed to help ensure that the air inside your home remains fresh and healthy no matter what’s going on outside. Maintaining good indoor air quality during wildfire season requires a proactive approach on the part of the homeowner. TS Heat & Air has put together a list of tips to help homeowners keep their indoor air safe and clean during wildfire season. Keep reading to learn what you can do to protect your indoor air quality.
Seal Your Home
The first step in winning the war against wildfire smoke is ensuring that your home is well-sealed. Check for gaps, cracks, and other vulnerabilities around doors and windows. Weatherstripping, caulking, and door sweeps help minimize the intrusion of smoke and other outdoor pollutants. As a bonus, proper sealing promotes energy efficiency, so you’ll likely see a drop in your monthly utility bill.
Use Air Purifiers
High-efficiency air filters (HEPA) are effective in removing airborne particulates. Place air purifiers in commonly used areas of the home, including bedrooms and general living spaces, to substantially reduce levels of indoor pollutants. Our expert technicians at TS Heat & Air can make certain that your household air purifiers are appropriately sized for the areas they’re meant to cover and that they’re equipped with HEPA filters capable of capturing fine airborne particulates.
Upgrade Existing HVAC Filters
A simple upgrade to HEPA filters goes a long way toward maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Ask our TS Heat & Air professional for a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of at least 13 for the best results. Our professionals recommend replacing these filters regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Operate Household HVAC Systems Efficiently
Homeowners can prevent air from the outdoors from entering their home interiors by running their HVAC system in recirculation mode. This keeps indoor air circulating through the system’s filters, effectively reducing the intrusion of new airborne pollutants. Additionally, scheduling regular maintenance by TS Heat & Air will keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.
Create a Clean Room
In the event of a severe wildfire event in your area, a designated clean room provides a safe retreat for you and your family. This room should be completely sealed and equipped with an air purifier. Avoid introducing pollutants into this room such as candles, gas stoves, and smoking or vaping. TS Heat & Air can provide you with customized guidance on creating and maintaining this essential space.
Monitor Indoor Air Quality
An indoor air quality monitor that tracks pollution levels in your home interior allows you to take proactive, timely action to improve air quality, such as using additional air filters and/or increasing ventilation. You can also keep track of local air quality reports and wildfire updates to stay informed of current local conditions so that you can take necessary precautions.
You should also avoid using products in your home’s interior that degrades air quality, such as aerosol cleaning and grooming products.
Contact TS Heat & Air for More Information
Family-owned and operated, TS Heat & Air has been providing top-quality HVAC services since 1983 in Bethany, OK. We demonstrate our commitment to a high level of customer service by having a live person rather than an automated system answer customer calls. In addition to providing air quality solutions, we offer ductless mini splits, heat pumps and AC and heating repair, installation and maintenance services. We also offer a range of financing options for your convenience.
Reach out to TS Heat & Air today to learn more about maintaining fresh and healthy indoor air quality during wildfire season.
