After a few smoky days in Yakima, it’s easy to think your indoor air quality is back to normal once the sky clears. But fine smoke particles can settle into your carpet, furniture, return vents, and parts of your HVAC system, where they can be stirred back into the air. Our team at ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric helps homeowners improve indoor air quality by looking beyond the filter and checking the areas where smoke residue and other contaminants can linger.
Indoor Air Quality After Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke contains extremely small particles that can slip indoors through open doors, leaky windows, fresh-air intakes, and gaps in the home. Once they get inside, those particles can settle onto surfaces or stay suspended in the air and circulate through your home. That means opening the windows after a smoky stretch isn’t always enough.
Outdoor air can improve quickly, while smoke particles left on indoor surfaces or inside HVAC components can be stirred back into the air as people move through the house or the system cycles. Start by vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, damp-wiping hard surfaces, washing bedding and curtains, and replacing your HVAC filter.
HVAC Filters Need the Right MERV Rating for Smoke
A dirty air filter should be replaced, but simply choosing a filter with the highest MERV rating isn’t always the right choice. Higher-efficiency filters can capture smaller particles, but some systems aren’t designed to handle the added airflow resistance. Before upgrading your filter, check the filter size and your HVAC system’s requirements. A filter that is too restrictive can reduce airflow and make your system work harder.
Ductwork Can Hold Smoke Residue and Dust
When you’re focused on indoor air quality, it’s easy to overlook your duct system. Dust and smoke particles can accumulate inside your ducts and then recirculate into your home when the blower runs. Even if you don’t see visible buildup, a duct inspection can help determine whether cleaning is needed after repeated smoke infiltration. But cleaning alone won’t help much if your ductwork is pulling dirty air from your attic, crawl space, garage, or other unconditioned area.
Duct Leaks Could Pull Polluted Air Back Into Your Home
A leaky return duct can end up drawing air from places you never thought you’d be breathing from. During wildfire season, that could mean pulling smoke-contaminated air from your attic or crawl space, even if your windows are closed.
Our team at ThermAll can inspect your ductwork for leaks and recommend any necessary sealing options. Fixing those hidden leaks can help reduce unwanted air infiltration while also improving your home’s comfort and efficiency.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality After the Wildfire Smoke Clears
Once the smoke outside has cleared, pay attention to any lingering odors, unusual dust around vents, or other signs that smoke residue may still be circulating indoors. If smoke odors linger or the air still feels stale after cleaning, it’s time to have your ductwork and HVAC system inspected for residue, buildup, or leaks that may be bringing contaminated air into the system.
Call ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric for help with indoor air quality, duct cleaning, ductwork inspection, or a free second opinion. We are Your Home Comfort Hero!