How to Protect Your Home

Quick Answer

During wildfire smoke events, keep doors and windows closed, switch your HVAC system to recirculate if it has that option, and use the highest-rated filter your system can handle without restricting airflow. A portable air cleaner with a true HEPA filter in your main living space adds further protection. Check local air quality at AirNow.gov and follow guidance from local health officials. Have your system inspected if a filter upgrade strains the equipment or if smoke has entered the ductwork.

Why Smoke Gets Inside Your Home

Fine particles from smoke are small enough to pass through gaps around doors, windows, and outlets. They can also enter through your HVAC system if it draws in outdoor air or if the filter is not capturing them. Once inside, particles settle on surfaces and stay airborne for a while, so keeping indoor air clean matters even after the outdoor smoke clears.

Adjust Your HVAC System Now

Set your thermostat fan to auto or on, and switch to recirculate mode if your system has one. This reduces the amount of outdoor air pulled into the house while keeping the filter cycling air. Close any fresh-air intake dampers. Avoid running whole-house fans and exhaust fans that pull unfiltered outdoor air inside during heavy smoke.

Choosing the Right Filter

Filters are rated by MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Many homes perform well with filters in the MERV 8 to 11 range. Some guidance for smoke recommends MERV 13 or higher where the system can support it. Higher-rated filters are denser and can restrict airflow, which strains the blower and may reduce comfort. Before upgrading, ask a technician to confirm that your system can handle a higher-rated filter. Expect to check and change filters more often during smoke events, since they load up faster.

Add a Portable Air Cleaner

A portable air cleaner with a true HEPA filter is one of the most effective upgrades for a family room or bedroom. Choose a unit rated for the square footage of the space, run it on a higher setting with doors and windows closed, and place it where it can circulate air freely. A single unit cleans only the room it is in, so placement and room selection matter.

Seal Gaps and Check Your Ducts

Small leaks around windows, doors, attic hatches, and ductwork can let smoke in. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes. Duct leaks are harder to spot, but if dust builds up quickly or airflow seems uneven, a duct inspection can identify the problem. Our indoor air quality and duct cleaning services can help when particles have settled into the system.

Prepare Before the Next Smoke Season

Keep spare filters on hand before fire season, have your system’s airflow checked in the spring, and decide whether a higher-rated filter or a dedicated air cleaner makes sense for your home. Regular maintenance keeps the system ready when smoke arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I run my AC during wildfire smoke?

Yes, if your system has a filter. Running the fan continuously with recirculation can help clean indoor air. Keep outdoor air intake closed while smoke is heavy.

Do HVAC filters remove smoke particles?

Filters capture particles based on their MERV rating, and higher ratings capture smaller particles. A filter alone will not clean all the air in a home, so combining a good filter with sealing and air cleaning works best.

When is it safe to open windows after smoke?

Once outdoor air quality improves, ventilating for a short period can help. Check AirNow.gov for current conditions before opening up the house.

Talk With Our Team

Not sure whether your system can handle a higher-rated filter? Valley Comfort Heating and Air can check your airflow and recommend options for your home. Call (707) 539-4533 or request a quote through our website.