indoor air quality

California’s increasingly severe fire seasons remind us of the devastating and widespread impact wildfires can have on communities: beyond the visible destruction, they also threaten the air we breathe, allowing smoke, ash, and harmful particles to infiltrate homes and compromise indoor air quality.

And when it comes to the overwhelming task of creating a safe, clean-air haven in your home, it can be difficult to know where to begin. This guide will walk you through the basic steps for protecting your home’s air in the aftermath of a wildfire, including everything from duct sealing to air purifiers.

How Do Wildfires Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Let’s start by understanding how wildfires can impact the air quality inside your home.

Even if you are a ways away from the fire itself, the smoke can carry fine particles like PM2.5, gas, organic compounds, or chemicals into your home through leaks in the HVAC system (including air ducts) or cracks around doors and windows. These substances can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs. In severe cases, they can lead to long-term health effects.

If you can smell the lingering odor of smoke even when you’re inside with all the doors and windows shut, have a sore throat or red and itchy eyes, and/or notice increased dust or ash accumulation in your home, your indoor air quality has likely been compromised.

Improving Indoor Air Quality: Immediate Steps

Luckily, there are ways to improve the air quality in your home after a fire and restore safe conditions for your family. Here are a few things to do as soon as you notice any signs of wildfire smoke affecting your home:

Change HVAC Filters

Your HVAC filters will be working extra hard trying to reduce the smoke and particles entering your home, so try replacing them with high-efficiency versions that have a MERV 13 rating or higher, like a HEPA filter.

Filters can usually be replaced once every 3–6 months, but it’s best to switch them out more often during wildfire season to ensure they’re catching all of the harmful particles, about once a month or more often if the smoke is severe in your area.

Set Up Air Purifiers

To add an extra layer of protection beyond your HVAC filters, station air purifiers throughout your home. You can purchase a few portable units to place in key rooms that are especially ventilated. You might also consider adding a whole-home air purifier to your HVAC system to create consistent, improved indoor air quality in the whole house.

Seal Your Home

One of the best ways to reduce the effects of smoke in your home is to keep it out in the first place. Close windows, doors, and vents during active wildfire smoke. Check the seals on your doors and windows and install weatherstripping or lay out draft stoppers to minimize the unclean air entering your house.

Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality Long-Term

If your area is particularly prone to wildfires, or if you have a little more time to prepare, these solutions offer long-lasting protection and control of air quality.

Invest in Preventative Duct Sealing

Duct sealing is one the most essential steps for safeguarding your home and preserving air quality both before and after wildfires. During an active fire, having leak-free ductwork means smoke is less likely to seep in, preventing polluted air from entering your home. It also enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system, allowing it to circulate purified air more effectively.

If you’re still recovering from a fire or anticipate more smoke and contaminants in the near future, be proactive and schedule a duct inspection and sealing with your local HVAC company to avoid future air quality issues.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system needs to be in top shape to effectively filter and circulate clean air. Upgrades like advanced filtration systems and air scrubbers work to remove fine particulates and contaminants from the air. They ensure a cleaner, healthier indoor environment and a greater peace of mind, making them well worth the investment.

Monitor Air Quality

Installing indoor air quality monitors is a practical way to keep track of PM2.5 levels and other harmful pollutants in your home that come from smoke. These devices provide real-time data, helping you identify and address potential air quality issues before they escalate.

Canyon Air Systems: Keeping Your Home Fresh and Safe Since 1972

At Canyon Air Systems, creating a safe, comfortable environment with clean air for your family is our number one priority. So whether you call us for HVAC repairs, duct work sealing, air purifier support, or anything else, you can expect prompt responses, reliable solutions, and exceptional service—it’s just what we do.

Fill out a service request to see the quality and integrity that clients have been enjoying for over 40 years for yourself.

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