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25.11.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Wildfires are occurring more frequently and are becoming worse, which is causing major issues for the environment and indoor air quality. Even if your home is perfectly sealed, the microscopic particles and dangerous chemicals found in wildfire smoke can still find their way inside. Once indoors, this smoke can cause respiratory and coughing problems or worse, especially for children, elderly people, and those with health problems. Although your house might feel secure, smoke can still enter through windows, gaps, or your ventilation system.
It's more important than ever to keep the air inside your house clean as wildfires become an increasingly serious risk. Your HVAC system will help, which is a wonderful thing. It functions as a powerful protection against smoke and dangerous particles when installed with the proper air filters, such as HEPA or top MERV air filters. By capturing contaminants, these filters increase the safety and wellness of the air within your home. Even during wildfire season, you can protect your house and breathe easily if you know what to do and have the appropriate equipment.
What’s In Wildfire Smoke?
In addition to being smokey, wildfire smoke contains a variety of toxic compounds that can be life-threatening if inhaled. The tiny particles, or PM2.5, are the most dangerous component. These particles are so small (2.5 microns or less in diameter) that they could be deeply inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory problems and worsening heart and lung disorders. Together with these particles, other substances found in wildfire smoke include acrolein, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which may affect the lungs, nose, throat, and eyes. These toxic gasses present a continuous risk to human health as they can remain in the atmosphere for a long time after the fire has ended.
How Does Smoke Enter Your Home?
Smoke from wildfires can enter your house regardless of how hard you try to keep all of the doors and windows closed. The following are a few of the most common entry points for smoke:
- Windows And Doors: Smoke can get inside through the smallest openings or cracks around doors and windows. Since the particles of smoke are so small, they can easily pass through seals that seem airtight.
- Ventilation And Exhaust Fans: Exhaust fans and ventilation systems that take in outside air can possibly bring smoke from wildfires inside your house. These systems may discharge contaminants into the interior air if they are not properly filtered.
- HVAC Systems: Smoke could get into your house through the air ducts if your HVAC system is not installed with high-quality filters. As small particles like PM2.5 are not captured by standard filters, smoke can continue to flow throughout your house while your HVAC system is working.
Role Of HVAC Systems In Air Quality
Keeping your home's air pure, particularly during wildfire season, depends on your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. It functions by pulling air from various areas of your house, filtering it, and then returning the clean air to your rooms. In order to keep the air you breathe safe and fresh, this ongoing circulation helps eliminate dust, allergies, and harmful particles.
This makes your HVAC system even more important during wildfire season. Using the "recirculate" setting allows it to primarily focus on purifying the air that is already inside rather than bringing in smoky air from the outside. Better indoor air quality is maintained and dangerous contaminants are kept out because of this.
Choosing The Right Air Filter For Wildfire Smoke
When it comes to protecting your house from wildfire smoke, choosing the appropriate air filter is necessary. As smoke contains harmful compounds and small particles, you need an air filter that can manage both. These are the top choices:
- HEPA Air Filters: In terms of air filtering, HEPA air filters are regarded as the best option. They are able to capture 99.97% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, which includes the tiny particles found in smoke from wildfires. During wildfire season, they are therefore among the best ways of purifying the air indoors. For preventing harmful particles from entering your house, HEPA air filters are an excellent choice if your HVAC system is capable of handling them.
- MERV Ratings: If your HVAC system is not compatible with HEPA air filters, think about using a filter with a MERV value ranging from 13 to 16. Dust, smoke particles, and other tiny contaminants are all effectively captured by these filters. The more particles it can capture, the higher the MERV rating. Simply ensure that your HVAC system is capable of handling high-MERV air filters, as they can restrict airflow.
- Activated Carbon Air Filters: They are outstanding for removing toxic substances and odor of wildfire smoke. They use a special layer of carbon to absorb gases and odors that regular filters can’t remove. By capturing particles and smells, they can help maintain the freshness and cleanliness of your air when used in combination with a HEPA or high-MERV air filter.
Monitoring Air Quality And Taking Action
It's important to keep track of your indoor air quality during wildfire season. By staying informed and preparing in advance, you can protect your home and health.
- Be Preventive: Planning ahead before the wildfire season begins is usually an excellent decision. Be mindful to keep extra air filters on hand, particularly HEPA or high MERV air filters that are capable of capturing smoke particles. In this manner, when it comes time for you to replace them, you won't run out. To make sure your HVAC system is prepared to manage the extra air circulation, it's also a good idea to get your HVAC system checked and maintained in advance.
- Use Air Quality Monitors: A good way to measure the air quality in your house is by using an air quality monitor. They can provide you with real-time information on the quality of your air and monitor things like smoke particles (PM2.5). Many of these devices come with apps that let you monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels indoors and outdoors. You may take action, like upgrading your HVAC system or adding additional filters, when you know when the air quality is getting worse.
Long-Term Investments For Smoke-Free Air
A few changes can help keep your interior air safe and clean from wildfire smoke over time. Here are a few things to think about:
- Upgrade Your HVAC System: Consider updating your HVAC system if it isn't capable of handling higher air filters. The latest systems have been created to accept advanced filters that can capture tiny particles, like smoke, such as HEPA or those with higher MERV ratings. Upgrading can improve the quality of the air in your house and better shield your family from the smoke of wildfires.
- Consider Sealing And Insulating Your Home: Your HVAC system can operate more efficiently if you seal gaps and cracks in your house and add more insulation. It helps in preventing external air, such as smoke, from entering your house so that your system can concentrate on purifying and circulating the air within. Additionally, you may reduce your heating and cooling expenses and save energy by sealing and insulating your house.
- Install Whole-House Air Purifiers: In order to remove dust, smoke, and other pollutants from every area of your house, a whole-house air purifier works in combination with your HVAC system. Particularly during the wildfire season when smoke levels could vary, it's an excellent method to maintain clean air throughout the year. As the air passes through your system, these purifiers purify it, offering continuous security.
Conclusion
The key to preventing smoke from wildfires from entering your house is your HVAC system and high-quality air filters. You can make your home healthier for your family by improving indoor air quality with the correct filters and regular maintenance. You will be more ready for wildfire season if you stay ahead of the curve with filter improvements and maintenance. Don't wait; make sure your HVAC system is prepared to safeguard both your house and your health.
At Custom Filters Direct, we are here to help you keep your indoor air clean and your HVAC system in top shape. We offer high-quality air filters that are perfect for homes and businesses. Not sure which filter is best for you? Call us at 1-877-958-5612, and we’ll help you choose the right one. Count on Custom Filters Direct for cleaner air and a reliable HVAC system.
