The Bay Area of California is unfortunately prone to the effects of wildfires. Wildfires are unpredictable and ferocious, and smoke from wildfires alone can wreak havoc on your home and your well-being.
Smoke inhalation can diminish your health, and it can also damage your air conditioner and prevent it from operating at full capacity. Below, we discuss the effects of wildfires on your health and AC unit and how you can better prepare your home for the season.
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Indoor Air Quality
When wildfires occur, many homeowners face a decrease in indoor air quality. Wildfires produce a large source of particulate matter, or microscopic particles that can be hazardous when inhaled.
This matter contains contaminants such as dust, dirt, and soot alongside other particles containing hundreds of chemicals. Additionally, inhaling wildfire smoke can severely irritate your respiratory system and cause shortness of breath.
HVAC systems are designed to properly filter particles from your indoor air, making them a crucial appliance in the event of a wildfire. Properly cycling and ventilating indoor air will dramatically improve your home’s air quality. High-filtration filters will be the most effective.
Impact of Wildfire Smoke on AC Filters
Not only can wildfire smoke affect your health, but it can also impact your air conditioner’s filters. Due to the high levels of particulate matter in your air, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to keep up with your requirements, putting strain on its air filter.
Wildfire smoke can coat and clog your filters, significantly decreasing their efficiency. With this in mind, homeowners are urged to stay on top of regularly cleaning and replacing air filters as needed.
Protecting Your AC System During Wildfire Season
There are some steps homeowners should take to best equip their AC system for wildfire season. Replacing your filter with one that has a higher-efficiency MERV rating is a great first course of action; a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is recommended for homes.
Proper filter sizing and installation are also crucial for adequate air conditioner operation. When looking into a new air conditioner installation, it’s important to consider specific requirements within your home such as allergens and respiratory issues.
Maintaining Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Events
Familiarizing yourself with how to properly maintain your home’s indoor air quality is necessary during wildfire season. A good rule of thumb is to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.
Using portable air filters as an additional line of defense can increase proper ventilation and better filter out harmful particles. Hiring a professional for routine HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning should be a priority. Implementing humidifiers and UV air filters will enhance your home’s indoor air quality.
Professional AC Services for Wildfire Season Preparedness
To get the most out of your air conditioning unit during wildfire season, the family-owned and locally operated team at AIS Heating & Air Conditioning is here to provide top-notch AC services in Fremont and Livermore that include:
- Air filter replacements and upgrades
- HVAC system inspections and maintenance
- Duct cleaning and sealing
- Indoor air quality assessments and solutions
Work with our certified technicians today! Schedule an appointment for more info.
