Indoor Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke

If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a couple of years, you know what late summer can look like. Hazy skies, the smell of smoke drifting through the air, and air quality warnings that last for days or even weeks. Wildfire smoke has become a seasonal reality for communities across Washington, including right here in Kelso and Longview.

What many homeowners do not realize is that outdoor smoke finds its way indoors through gaps, open windows, and even your HVAC system. Without the right precautions, the air inside your home during a smoke event can be just as unhealthy as the air outside.

Here is what you can do to protect your family.

Understand What Is in Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into your lungs and can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and worsening symptoms for people with asthma, allergies, or heart conditions. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.

The goal during smoke season is to reduce the concentration of these particles inside your home as much as possible.

Keep Windows and Doors Closed

This sounds obvious, but it is the most important step. When air quality is poor, resist the urge to open windows for ventilation. Keep all windows and exterior doors closed. If you normally use a whole-house fan or attic fan for cooling, turn it off during smoke events, as these systems pull outdoor air directly into your home.

Use your air conditioning or heat pump to cool your home instead. These systems recirculate indoor air without bringing in outside air, as long as the fresh air intake damper is closed.

Upgrade Your HVAC Filter

Your standard HVAC filter is designed to catch dust and large particles, but it may not be effective against the fine particles in wildfire smoke. During smoke season, upgrade to a MERV 13 filter or higher. These filters are designed to capture a much larger percentage of fine particulate matter.

Check the filter more frequently during heavy smoke events. A filter that normally lasts 90 days might need to be replaced in 30 days or less when it is working overtime to clean smoke-laden air.

One important note: not all HVAC systems can handle high-MERV filters. A filter that is too restrictive for your equipment can reduce airflow and strain the blower motor. If you are unsure what your system can handle, give us a call and we can recommend the right filter for your setup.

Consider a Standalone Air Purifier

For rooms where you spend the most time, a portable air purifier with a true HEPA filter can make a significant difference. Look for a unit rated for the square footage of the room and make sure it uses a HEPA filter rather than just an ionizer or UV light.

Place the purifier in your bedroom at night and in your main living area during the day. Running it continuously on a low setting is more effective than running it on high for short bursts.

Whole-Home Air Quality Solutions

If wildfire smoke is a recurring concern, and for most of us in the Pacific Northwest it is, a whole-home air purification system may be worth considering. These systems integrate directly into your existing ductwork and clean the air every time your HVAC system runs.

Options include media air cleaners, electronic air cleaners, and UV germicidal lights that work together to reduce particulates, allergens, and airborne pathogens. We can evaluate your current system and recommend the right solution based on your home's size and your air quality goals.

Create a Clean Room

During the worst smoke days, designate one room in your home as a clean room. Choose a room with few windows and doors, close it off from the rest of the house, and run a portable air purifier inside. This gives your family a space with the cleanest possible air when conditions outside are at their worst.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice that your home feels stuffy, your allergies are worse than usual, or your HVAC system seems to be struggling during smoke season, it may be time for a professional assessment. Our team can inspect your system, recommend the right filtration upgrades, and make sure your equipment is set up to handle poor outdoor air quality.

Call Carlson's Heating and Air at 360-425-4888 or visit our indoor air quality page to learn more about the solutions we offer. Your family deserves to breathe clean air, even when the skies say otherwise.