How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Season in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington
Wildfire smoke can turn a beautiful Inland Northwest summer day into a good reason to stay inside. But if your home is not sealed, filtered, and cooled properly, smoky outdoor air can still affect indoor comfort.
For homeowners in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, Harrison, and the surrounding areas, summer indoor air quality is not just about comfort. It is about knowing how to use your HVAC system wisely when outdoor air quality drops.
Here are practical steps you can take to help keep smoky air outside, improve filtration, and know when it is time to call Andy’s Heating, Cooling & Electrical for help with your HVAC or indoor air quality system.
Start With Your HVAC Filter
Your HVAC filter is one of the first places to check before smoke season. A dirty, loose, or low-efficiency filter can allow more particles to circulate through your home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using the highest-rated filter your system can safely handle and notes that MERV 13 or higher filters can help capture smaller smoke particles when the system is compatible.
- Check your filter before smoky weather arrives.
- Replace filters that look dirty or clogged.
- Make sure the filter fits tightly in the filter slot with no large gaps.
- Ask an HVAC professional before upgrading to a higher-MERV filter, because not every system can handle the added airflow restriction.
If you are unsure what filter your system can support, Andy’s can inspect your equipment and recommend filtration options through our indoor air quality services.
Set Your System to Recirculate When Outdoor Air Is Smoky
When the air outside is smoky, your goal is to limit how much outdoor air enters your home. The EPA recommends closing fresh-air intakes on room air conditioners, when available, or setting systems to recirculate rather than pulling in outdoor air.
If your HVAC system, ductless system, or ventilation setup has controls you do not understand, do not guess. A quick system check can help you understand which settings are best during a smoke event and which settings may bring outdoor air inside.
Keep Doors and Windows Closed During Poor Air Quality Days
Fresh air is usually a good thing, but not when smoke is heavy outside. During smoky periods, keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible. If you need to ventilate the home, wait until outdoor air quality improves.
Pay special attention to rooms that tend to feel drafty or dusty. Smoke can enter through gaps around windows, doors, attic access points, and older ductwork. If you notice certain rooms smell smoky even with the windows closed, your HVAC system or home envelope may need attention.
Run Cooling Without Bringing Smoke Inside
Summer smoke often arrives when homes still need cooling. A properly operating air conditioning system can help keep your home comfortable while windows stay closed. The key is making sure the system is clean, the filter is changed, and any fresh-air settings are adjusted correctly.
If your AC struggles during smoky, hot weather, schedule service before the system is forced to run through another long stretch of summer heat. Maintenance can help identify clogged filters, airflow restrictions, dirty coils, worn components, or other issues that reduce cooling performance.
Consider Whole-Home Indoor Air Quality Options
Portable air cleaners can help in specific rooms, but many homeowners want a more complete solution. Depending on your HVAC system, home layout, and comfort goals, whole-home indoor air quality products may help improve filtration and air circulation throughout the house.
Andy’s can help you compare practical options such as upgraded filtration, air purification solutions, humidity control, and system maintenance. The right setup depends on your existing equipment, your home’s airflow, and whether your system can safely support a higher-efficiency filter.
Do Not Skip Summer HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance matters even more when your system is cooling through heat, smoke, and long summer run times. A professional tune-up can help confirm that your system is moving air properly, cooling efficiently, and using a clean filter that fits correctly.
If you have not scheduled seasonal service yet, visit our residential maintenance plan page or request service before the next smoky stretch of weather.
When to Call Andy’s for Indoor Air Quality Help
Call Andy’s Heating, Cooling & Electrical if you notice smoky odors indoors, weak airflow, rooms that will not cool evenly, filters that get dirty quickly, or an AC system that struggles when windows stay closed. We serve homeowners across Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, including Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, Harrison, and Worley.
Need help preparing your HVAC system for summer smoke? Contact Andy’s Heating, Cooling & Electrical or call 208.772.4570 to schedule indoor air quality or air conditioning service.
FAQs About Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality
Should I run my air conditioner when it is smoky outside?
In many homes, yes, you can run your AC to stay cool while keeping windows closed. Make sure the system is not pulling in smoky outdoor air through a fresh-air intake, and use a clean filter that is appropriate for your equipment.
What HVAC filter should I use during wildfire smoke?
The EPA recommends using the highest-efficiency filter your HVAC system can safely handle and commonly references MERV 13 or higher for smoke particles. Ask an HVAC professional before upgrading, because some systems need a specific filter type to maintain proper airflow.
How often should I change my HVAC filter during smoke season?
Check it more often than usual during smoky weather. Replace it when it looks dirty, dark, or clogged, or if airflow seems weaker than normal. A dirty filter can reduce system performance and make your HVAC equipment work harder.
Can indoor air quality products remove all wildfire smoke?
No product can guarantee complete smoke removal in every home. Good filtration, reduced outdoor air intake, sealed windows and doors, and proper HVAC maintenance can all work together to help reduce indoor smoke particles.
Sources
Need HVAC and Electrical Service?
Contact the experts at Andy's Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Call us at 208.772.4570!