09/11/2020
We have seen quite a few questions / concerns about indoor air quality during these fires/smoke. A fellow HVAC person put together a great "things you can do" list and was kind enough to give me permission to share it. Thought it may be helpful/answer questions. You can also PM me for specific questions as well. I will do my best to answer quickly! Please stay safe out there.
1. Make sure all windows and doors are shut. Put damp towels/blankets at the foot of outside doors. Particulates are tiny and will get through your windows/doors.
2. Avoid indoor activities that increase indoor pollution, like smoking, burning candles and using a gas stove.
3. You may want to limit your vacuum use (unless you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter) to avoid stirring up particles that are already inside your home.
FILTER CHANGES/CLEANING!!!!
1. Check/change your filter more often. A MERV13 or higher is recommended for smoke. If you have a mini split, check/clean the filters more often. I would recommend at least checking daily right now considering the amount of wildfire smoke in and around our area.
i. It’s also important to make sure you have the RIGHT SIZE filter installed to ensure as many particulates as possible are being filtered and they are not going around the filter. I know filters are probably a very hot commodity right now. Worst case, buy a larger one than you need, cut it down, and get the right size as soon as you can find one.
ii. I would recommend also having a backup filter on hand. You may be surprised how quickly your filter gets dirty.
Those of you with Central HVAC systems (vent in your floor/ceiling): We recommend putting your FAN to ON, rather than AUTO so the fan is constantly ON and circulating/filtering air.
Those of you with Fresh Air Systems (ventilation system designed to bring in outside air): We recommend turning this OFF while the wildfire smoke is in and around our area.
1. Make sure you turn this back to ON after the smoke has subsided.
Those of you with HRV/ERV systems: We recommend you unplug the unit (the plug will be by where the unit is mounted).
1. Make sure you plug this back in when the smoke has subsided.
Future Suggestion for when smoke has subsided:
1. Change filter AGAIN!!
2. Schedule duct cleaning to clean the ductwork from any smoke/particulates that have settled.