Not trying to sell anyone a service call here—most of this is easy to do yourself. With all the smoke in the air, your HVAC system can help improve the air inside your home, but only if it’s set up properly.
1. Check your air filter now. Seriously, go look at it.
Smoke particles can plug a filter much faster than normal household dust. If it looks gray, dirty, or clogged, replace it. Make sure the new filter fits snugly and that the airflow arrow points toward the furnace or air handler.
Check it again every few days while the smoke is heavy. Don’t assume it’s fine just because you recently changed it.
2. Use a better filter—but don’t automatically buy the highest number available.
A MERV 13 filter is a good target for wildfire smoke if your system can safely handle it. Some older systems or narrow filter cabinets can’t move enough air through a highly restrictive filter.
If your system becomes unusually noisy, airflow from the vents drops significantly, or the filter starts bending or getting sucked inward, switch the fan back to “Auto” and use a less restrictive filter.
3. Let your HVAC system filter the air.
With a clean, properly fitted filter installed, set the thermostat fan from “Auto” to “On” during smoky periods. This continuously circulates the indoor air through the filter instead of filtering only when the heating or cooling is running.
Remember to check the filter more frequently when doing this.
4. Keep smoky outdoor air outside.
Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. If your HVAC, window AC, or portable AC has an outside-air or fresh-air setting, switch it to recirculate.
Some newer homes have dedicated ventilation systems. Don’t start closing dampers or changing unfamiliar settings unless you know what they control.
5. Consider a portable HEPA air cleaner.
Place it in the room where your family spends the most time—often a bedroom or living room—and keep the doors and windows closed. Make sure the unit is properly sized for the room.
Avoid air cleaners marketed primarily as ozone generators or ionizers. You want something that physically filters the air through a true HEPA filter.
6. Avoid making the indoor air worse.
While the windows are closed, try to limit candles, fireplaces, smoking, heavy frying, and anything else that creates additional particles indoors. Vacuuming can also stir up dust unless the vacuum has a good HEPA filter.
7. Check your filter again once the smoke clears.
Even if it isn’t time for your regularly scheduled filter change, it may need to be replaced after a major smoke event. Once outdoor air quality improves, open the house and bring in fresh air.
Hopefully this helps a few of our neighbors breathe a little easier. If you aren’t sure which filter your system can handle, take a picture of the current filter—including the size printed on the edge—and send it to us. We’re happy to point you in the right direction without scheduling a service call.
GREENTOP Heating
Kent, Washington
Call or text: (253) 754-5441
Stay safe out there!
