Why Air Filter Changes Matter During Wildfire Season in Washington
When it comes to wildfire season air quality in Washington, things are, to put it mildly, not good. The sheer amount of smoke billowing in the air makes it a dangerous time for anyone, especially those with respiratory concerns, to be outside. But even then, the problem doesn’t simply go away just because you head inside; wildfire smoke can get caught in your HVAC filters, impacting the air you breathe around your home.
With that in mind, here is a closer look at why Washington’s wildfire season is not the time to be slacking on your air filter changes.
The Problem With Wildfire Smoke
It’s not breaking news that wildfire smoke isn’t good to breathe in. But that’s only part of the concern. The real issue is that it's impossible to keep out of your home. Even if you’ve closed all your windows and doors, smoke will find a way into your home, and inhaling it can cause serious respiratory complications. Children and older adults are even more at risk, which makes changing your air filters regularly crucial for both their and your safety throughout the worst of the season.
How Often You Should Swap Your Filters Out
Your filters will clog up faster than normal during wildfire season; keep an eye on them and don’t just stick to your usual schedule. If your filter looks dirty, your HVAC system sounds like it’s struggling, or if anyone in your home is experiencing respiratory issues, that should be your cue to change it.
Swap for High-Efficiency Filters
Keeping whatever filter you have clean is a good start, but if you want more peace of mind against wildfire season air quality in Washington, upgrade to high-efficiency filters. The most common choice is the HEPA filter, which can easily trap the smallest smoke particles before they have a chance to cycle through your home.
Filtration vs. Ventilation
Wildfire season is the time of year when it’s best to focus on filtration, not ventilation. The latter involves bringing in air from outside to circulate the stale air in your home; filtering the air, on the other hand, focuses on cleaning the air that’s already inside your home.
Improve Wildfire Season Air Quality in Washington With The Clean Air Act
Wildfire season can be a scary time for Washington homeowners, but the team at The Clean Air Act can help ease those fears and improve your home’s indoor air quality. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
