In South Bay, the effects wildfires have on air quality are not new to us – though we see this concern growing nationwide as other states are also now experiencing the impact of wildfires across new cities. As this leads to compromised air quality, it’s important to spread awareness of the measures people can take at home to improve the quality of the air they’re breathing inside their homes. As the Comfort Specialists in the area, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of South Bay has expert insights to share for a healthier living during wildfires season.
Indoor air quality should be prioritized year-round, especially in the summertime as wildfires are more prevalent with the uptick in temperatures. Aside from the effects of wildfires, pet hair, dirty filters and even home design and layout can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Many homes built after 1970 have been designed in a way that contributes to “Tight Home Syndrome,” which means dirty and stale air can get locked in the home and trigger asthma attacks and other health concerns.
So how does one improve the home’s indoor air quality to keep themselves and family members safe this summer? Here are a handful of ways to do so:
Invest in an Air Filtration System
While it’s costlier than other options, investing in an air filtration system is highly recommended by professionals. These systems complement the existing HVAC system by filtering out microscopic particles that may be flowing through HVAC filters. And by keeping the indoor air clean, homeowners will also be making their system work more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
The decision to move forward with a new air filtration system can only be made after a consultation with a reputable licensed contractor with experience in all factors of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). They will perform an audit of the home to determine what solution they recommend based on the conditions of the AC system and needs of those living there. The best air filtration system will always include an air cleaning filter in conjunction with a UV light mounted in the ductwork that renders mold, germs, and viruses sterile so they can no longer reproduce and spread throughout the home.
Add an Air Purifier
An air purifier is seen as an even more effective solution than a filtration system. A purification system will remove particles on its own before they reach the HVAC filter. People should consider adding air purification to their homes if someone living there has severe allergies or a respiratory condition, or if they have multiple pets.
Clean the HVAC Registers and Vents
All of the air handled by the HVAC system blows through them, so these vents will inevitably get dusty throughout the year and especially during wildfire season. A flexible duster or the wand attachment on a vacuum should make this an easy job, and it can cut down on the amount of dust blowing through your home.
Schedule a Professional Duct Cleaning
Use the summertime as a yearly reminder that you should call in the pros to do a full maintenance check up on the system and clean the ducts. The worst accumulation of smoke from wildfires, dust and allergens in the home may be in places you can’t see. A professional duct cleaning allows technicians to reach deep into the ductwork with special vacuums and spray gentle and safe disinfectants that can help keep ducts cleaner for months to come.
Check and Replace AC Filters
The air filter is designed to capture particulate matter from the indoor environment by forcing air through the filter. To be effective, the filter must be dense enough to collect very small items but not so dense to restrict airflow and potentially damage the AC. Different types of filters need to be changed at different intervals. Most disposable filters are designed to last for one month. Others are designed to last for up to three months, but they can still clog up early due to other factors in your home, especially smoke.
Regularly changing the air filter is important because it can make a huge difference in your home’s indoor air quality and energy costs. When the AC filter becomes clogged with smoke, dust, dirt, pet hair and other particles, it reduces airflow to the system, forcing it to work harder. This puts a drag on the home’s energy efficiency, which drives up the energy bills and wears out AC components faster. This can also ultimately lead to costly repairs or having to buy a new HVAC unit sooner than expected.
Wildfires are an inevitable part of living in California. While some aspects of the fires are out of our control, there are a handful of action items we can embrace to minimize the impact the spoke and polluted air has on our day-to-day lives. In addition to following the tips provided above regarding the HVAC system, simple tasks like keeping windows and doors closed during wildfire season can make all the difference. Seal cracks around windowpanes and be sure to actively track fires in the area in case you should need to evacuate.
