Prepare Your HVAC and Protect Your Indoor Air Quality from Wildfires

Farmer Checking Weather with a Tablet

Are you prepared if a wildfire occurs near your Boise home? If you don’t take proper precautions, your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) could be at risk.

Smoke inhalation is hazardous to your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies have identified a link between fine particle pollution and an increased risk of heart attacks, sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, or stroke. Exposure to smoke can even impact your lungs and raise your blood pressure.

Even if the fire itself is a safe distance from your Idaho home, the ashes from the outdoor smoke can affect your health. That makes it critical for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to run efficiently and distribute clean, air throughout your home.

Here at Western Heating & Air Conditioning, we are committed to your comfort, health, and safety. Let us help you prepare your Idaho home for dryer weather and potential wildfires.

Tips to Prepare Before Wildfire Season

Here are a few ways to prepare your HVAC system and encourage ideal indoor air quality:

  • Schedule a maintenance visit prior to wildfire season.
    Your HVAC system keeps you comfortable and safe at home by offering air circulation and ventilation. It’s essential to opt for a maintenance visit prior to the wildfire season to ensure your system is working as efficiently as possible.
  • Change or replace your air filter.
    Replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days, or clean it if it’s reusable. Failing to clean or replace your filter regularly will leave you breathing in an excess of dirt and particles.

    If your HVAC system is compatible, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. These types of filters are extremely effective at trapping and removing particles. Ensure your HVAC system can operate with these upgrades—otherwise, you could restrict airflow and negatively impact your air quality instead.
  • Install products that promote optimal indoor air quality.
    When smoke and debris compromise your outdoor air, you’ll want to be sure your indoor air quality is safe. Air purification systems like the Infinity® Air Purifier, are beneficial. Remove smoke and other pollutants in your air as small as 0.01 microns so you can enjoy breathing in safer, cleaner indoor air.

    Our Western Heating & Air Conditioning experts offer a variety of products designed to help provide cleaner air for you to breathe inside your home. With whole-home air purifiers, energy recovery ventilators, ultraviolet (UV) light systems, whole-home dehumidifiers, and whole-home humidifiers, you can improve your indoor living space.
  • Clean and seal your air ducts.
    Be sure your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned and sealed to improve the air you breathe inside your home. Ash, along with dirt, dust, and other debris, can accumulate in your ductwork, resulting in poor air quality and worsening conditions like allergies and asthma.

What to Do During a Wildfire

Here are some tips for when a wildfire has occurred and an air quality alert is in effect:

  • Stay inside as much as possible to reduce exposure to smoke during a wildfire.
  • Be sure all windows and doors are properly closed and sealed.
  • Monitor the air quality and check for updates on airnow.gov.
  • Limit activities known for producing particulate matter (PM), including smoking, vacuuming, lighting candles, frying or broiling food, and spraying aerosol products (like hairspray or air fresheners).
  • Keep your pets inside, other than for quick bathroom breaks.

We Can Help Prepare Your HVAC System and Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Protect your health now by ensuring your home is equipped with an efficient HVAC system and offers ideal indoor air quality. Turn to our Western Heating & Air Conditioning professionals for any needs or concerns you have so you don’t have to worry the next time a wildfire breaks out near your Boise, ID, home. Just give our experts a call at (208) 319-1736 or request service online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Western Heating & Air Conditioning.

Call us at 208-319-1736!