Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality During Fire Season
Posted by Moore Home Services
Indoor Air Quality News
We’re knee deep in the scariest time of year; fire season. This season is worrying, frightening, and above all, dangerous. Even if you do not need to evacuate, it’s best to take every precaution to ensure your safety, including protecting your indoor air quality. Here are some steps you can take to protect your indoor air quality during fire season.If Needed, EvacuateFirst, if there is a fire close to your home, evacuate. You and your family’s safety are a number one priority and should never be compromised. If you are close to an active fire, seal your windows, seal your vents, and find a safe place to stay. While you are evacuated, keep physical activity to a minimum to avoid inhaling potentially smoky air.Close and Seal Your HouseIf you can stay home, or have the time to, closing all your windows and vents is the first step in fighting for better indoor air quality during fire season. Closing your windows will stop smoke particles from floating into your home. Also, it is important that you close any fresh-air intakes you may have. The fresh-air intake will pull air from the outside and circulate it through your HVAC system, whereas an indoor air, or “circulate,” mode will recycle the clean air in your home. As added extra, the clean air in your home will flow through the system’s air filter which further purifies it.Regularly Change Your Air FilterAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; especially when it comes to your air filter. When outdoor air is smoky and filled with potentially dangerous pollutants, your home should be your refuge, your safe place. With a clean air filter, it can be. When air is circulated through your home, it flows through the air filter. The air filter will remove impurities, essentially cleaning the air for you. During fire season, when contaminates can come in through opening a door, or clothing that’s been outside, your air filter is the best defense.Run your AC UnitDuring wildfire season, the AC unit is your best friend. Not only will it keep your house cool, the system will prevent indoor air from getting heavy and stale. As indoor air flows through your HVAC unit, it is cleaned with every cycle, which is crucial when hazards, such a smoke and ash, can leak into the house.Minimize Indoor Air PollutionUnfortunately, it’s easy to pollute your indoor air without even realizing it. From your stove to your vacuum, indoor pollutants are lurking everywhere. During fire season, invest in groceries you can cook without frying or boiling, these cooking methods can easily pollute your indoor air. It’s also a good idea to step away from the hair spray and dry shampoo as aerosol products are contributors to poor indoor air quality. Though it may be tempting, we’re also telling you to put down the candles and incense. Smoke smells are unpleasant, but polluted indoor air is worse. While you’re at it, don’t vacuum unless you’re vacuuming with a HEPA filter.Call Moore Home ServicesIf your indoor air quality is hurt from fire season, give us a call! Once evacuation orders are lifted, we will be ready to help you with all your HVAC needs. Even if you have any questions about air filters or HVAC settings, give us a call. We’re always here to help our North Bay communities.Protecting your indoor air quality during fire season is critical. While you can’t do anything about the outdoor air quality, you can preserve indoor air quality as much as possible. Unfortunately, this season is all about protection, so take the steps to protect your indoor air quality during fire season.
