California Wildfires: Indoor Air Quality Support

As wildfires shake the California landscape, safety is the top priority. For those in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, that means preparing to evacuate from the fire’s path. However, those beyond the direct threat of the fire must take precautions against air quality threats. Here is everything you need to know about the risks of poor air quality and how to protect your home.

How Wildfires Affect Indoor Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can make its way indoors, even if you keep doors and windows closed. These wildfires produce airborne pollutants that can affect air quality both outdoors and indoors, including:

• Particulate Matter includes any tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gaseous chemicals released when wood, plastic, and chemicals burn. VOCs can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and cause headaches or dizziness.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be particularly dangerous in confined spaces when not ventilated properly.
• Ozone is a reactive gas that forms when smoke particles interact with sunlight. High levels of ozone can irritate the respiratory system.

Wildfire smoke is a complex mix of gases and fine particles that can cause short-term and long-term health concerns. These concerns are particularly prominent for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and anyone with pre-existing health conditions.

How to Protect Your Home from Wildfire Smoke

When the air quality is threatened by wildfires, it’s essential to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants, especially inside your home. Let’s explore how you can improve and maintain your indoor air quality during wildfire season:

1. Properly Seal Your Home

The first step in reducing indoor air contamination is to seal your home as thoroughly as possible. Of course, it is helpful to keep windows and doors closed. Additionally, work to seal any gaps where smoke may enter, such as around windows and doors. You can use weatherstripping around these areas to prevent leaks. Finally, if your home has a chimney, be sure it’s closed when not in use. 

2. Consider Professional Air Quality Solutions

While sealing your home is essential to preventing unwanted infiltration and keeping your energy bills low, it can also be a double-edged sword. Home sealing efforts trap any air contamination (from cooking, cleaning, and other daily activities) inside — alongside any smog or smoke that may leak in as you enter and exit your home. Now more than ever, homes need professional air quality support. 

An HVAC or air quality professional can assess your home’s current air quality, identify areas of concern, and recommend solutions that will optimize your home’s indoor air quality, including:

• Duct Cleaning: If your HVAC system hasn’t been cleaned in a while, debris from previous wildfire seasons could still be present. A professional cleaning can ensure that pollutants aren’t circulating within your ducts.
• Air Quality Assessment: Experts can visually inspect your system for any dirt and debris that may be circulating throughout your home, allowing them to tailor recommendations to your unique needs.
• Whole-Home Air Purifiers: If you’re looking to filter air throughout your entire home, consider investing in a whole-house air purification system. These systems integrate with your existing HVAC setup and filter air as it circulates. To get started, explore different whole-home air purifiers so you can get a better understanding of your options, or speak with an expert who can help.

3. Maintain Your HVAC System

If you rely on your HVAC system for heating or cooling, it’s essential to ensure that it is functioning properly, especially during wildfire season. Here are some seasonal HVAC maintenance steps to take:

• Change Your HVAC Filters: Dirty filters are less effective in trapping dust and other airborne particles — meaning more pollutants circulating inside your home. Use high-efficiency filters, ideally MERV-13 or higher, and replace them more frequently during wildfire season. Here is a quick guide to how frequently you need to replace your home’s air filter.
• Check Your Ductwork: Ensure your ducts are properly sealed and clean. Leaky ducts can allow smoke and pollutants to enter your home even when you have closed doors and windows.
• Get professional seasonal maintenance: When you skip routine HVAC maintenance, you leave your home vulnerable to system issues. Not only will breakdowns leave your comfort at risk, but they can also halt operations of your whole-home air purifier. Consider signing up for a seasonal maintenance contract to save money while protecting your home. 

4. Monitor Air Quality Inside Your Home

One of the best ways to keep track of indoor air quality is by using an air quality monitor. These devices can provide real-time data on pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide. You can use this information to make informed decisions about your actions during a wildfire.

Many modern air quality monitors also track temperature and humidity, so you can adjust your home’s climate while reducing exposure to wildfire smoke.

Bonney Whole-Home Air Purifiers in Sacramento 

Wildfires in California are not just a threat to the environment — they can also have a significant impact on indoor air quality. It is best not to wait until a fire is raging outside to ensure your home is ready. Bonney is here to help keep your family safe with Sacramento HVAC services, whole-home air purifier installation, and expert advice tailored to the unique challenges posed by California’s wildfire seasons. We invite you to explore our coupons or contact our Sacramento air quality experts to get started today!