‍impact of wildfires on indoor air quality

both during fire events and every day, it is important to improve and monitor our indoor air quality.

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during wildfire season, outdoor air contains elements of gases and fine particles produced when organic materials burn. Inhaling these particles can pose serious health threats, especially when they get into your eyes and respiratory system. This smoke can enter your home and infiltrate your air through open windows and doors, mechanical ventilation devices, and through small openings such as cracks or unsealed windows. That’s why it’s important to implement strategies and ventilation mechanisms to improve your air quality.

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enhancing indoor air quality through electrification

by incorporating electric air filtration systems such as HEPA air filters, you can significantly improve your air quality. These systems work with electrified HVAC systems to maintain clean, filtered air circulation without relying on external air sources that may further pollute the air.

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strategies for improving indoor air quality

• air filtration systems
• improved ventilation 
• upgrading to an induction stove
• reduce pollutants 
• monitor indoor air quality
• regular HVAC and air purifier maintenance

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air filtration systems

HEPA air filters

HEPA portable air cleaners, also known as air filters, filter out minute particulate matter (PM)  2.5 microns and smaller, which can reduce viral contaminants. These ultrafine bits are the most common and dangerous component of wildfire smoke.

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HEPA air cleaners typically come with replaceable carbon pre-filters that also remove the Volatile Organic Compounds in wildfire smoke (benzene, acrolein, and formaldehyde which causes headaches, scratchy throats, upset stomachs, and stinging eyes). Pre-filters also help manage larger particles like pollen. 

if you already have a central HVAC system, understand the different modes and make sure that the filter fits well and is replaced on time. 

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mechanical ventilation

mechanical ventilation systems like Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators exchange indoor and outdoor air very efficiently. Consider if a device like this would fit within your budget and make sense for your home.

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sealing gaps and cracks

seal your home’s cracks and gaps to reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens that enter your home through outdoor air. This will improve your indoor air quality, increase the life of your ventilation systems, improve energy efficiency, and increase the comfort of your home. 

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upgrading insulation

high-quality insulation acts as a barrier against pollutants, allergens, and moisture by sealing cracks and gaps that pollutants can enter from and preventing mold growth that negatively impacts respiratory health.

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gas stove vs induction

gas stoves often contribute to poor indoor air quality by emitting nitrogen dioxide at a far higher rate than induction cooktops and may also admit carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. 

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switching from a gas stove to an induction cooktop can significantly improve air quality by reducing pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are byproducts of natural gas combustion. Implementing an induction cooktop will not only improve your air quality but also decrease your home’s carbon footprint and energy costs. 

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induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to generate heat, which provides a precise, efficient cooking experience without the emissions that can cause health issues correlated to poor air quality. Additionally, according to Consumer Reports, induction cooktops are easier to clean, provide better temperature control, and boil water 20-40% faster than traditional gas stoves. Induction is the safer option that saves you money, time, and energy.

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reducing pollutants 

further, protect your indoor air quality by choosing products and materials that don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low VOC and VOC-free products minimize the amount of harmful chemicals you’re exposed to and reduce potential health issues like headaches and respiratory problems, leading to a healthier home environment.

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monitoring indoor air quality

install smart air quality monitors for 24-hour access to indoor air quality measurements. These monitors can display the amount of indoor pollutants and can detect elevated levels of CO2, VOCs, particulates, and other harmful chemicals so that you can take prompt action.

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maintenance and cleaning

regularly clean surfaces and floors that accumulate dust, allergens, and mold build ups and use vacuums with HEPA filters to effectively remove particulates for improved air quality and a cleaner home.