Every year, wildfires are becoming more frequent and taking longer to contain. Wildfire season is also getting longer with blazes igniting outside the typical hot summer months. As a result, smoky air is becoming more common, especially here in the West.
Smoky air is hazardous for our homes and our health. Fine smoke particles can exasperate respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Smoke inhalation can also cause cardiovascular issues, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and worsen heart and blood vessel conditions.
Beyond the health effects, smoke can also make your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems work harder and use more energy, causing a spike in energy bills.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to help protect indoor air quality and lower energy use during wildfire events. Here are some tips to keep your home safe and comfortable during wildfire season.
Switch to “fan only” mode temporarily
Using your HVAC system in “fan only” mode during wildfire season can ensure your system is operating continuously to run your indoor air through the filter. Go back to “auto” mode before cold weather returns and heating season starts, so that the system kicks on only when needed, which will help you avoid increasing energy use and raised costs.
Tighten seals around windows, doors and window air conditioners
If your doors or windows are drafty, install weatherstripping to help prevent smoke from drifting into your house. If you have a window air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you’re unable to close it, don’t use the window A/C unit. Make sure the seal between the air conditioner and window is as tight as possible. If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose vented out of a window, do not use it in smoky conditions. If you have one with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and window is as tight as possible.
Avoid frying, broiling and candles and air out your home after a smoke event
Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors like smoking cigarettes, using gas/propane/wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol products, frying or broiling food, burning candles or incense, or vacuuming unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. When air quality improves, air out your home by opening windows or using the fresh air intake on your HVAC system.
Use a portable air purifier or high-efficiency filter
Run your purifier as often as possible on the highest fan speed. Energy Trust of Oregon works with select retailers to offer instant discounts on energy-efficient air purifiers. If you purchase from a select retail location listed here, you can receive an instant $75 discount at the time of purchase. To ensure availability, please call the participating store nearest you.
Replace your air filter frequently
Typically, you should replace your filter every three months. During smoke events, your filter may need to be replaced every six weeks to maintain healthy indoor air quality and avoid extra energy use. Check your filter for dust and debris buildup at least once a month. High-rated minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) filters can catch more particles than standard filters, but can also cause your HVAC systems to work harder, increasing energy use. Consult the manufacturer’s website for the best advice on what filter to use. Switch back to a standard filter after wildfire season if your HVAC system isn’t designed to work with a MERV filter.
The Environmental Protection Agency also has a number of resources when it comes to the impacts of wildfires on indoor air quality.
For more information on other ways to save energy and money with no- and low-cost changes, Energy Trust of Oregon has many resources available.