As the wildfire season intensifies across Oregon, the beautiful landscapes of The Gorge are under threat. For those of us who cherish outdoor activities like hiking
next to waterfalls, windsurfing, and exploring the great outdoors, the smoky air can be more than just an inconvenience – it can be a serious health risk. Wildfire smoke doesn't just affect the beauty of our surroundings; it can seep into homes, impacting the air you breathe and posing significant health dangers.
At A&E Plumbing, Heating, and Air, with over 16 years of experience serving the Columbia River Gorge area, we understand how important it is to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. As residents of this community, we know the specific challenges you face during wildfire season -- we also face them, and through our years of working with Oregon's desserts and forests alike, we have the expertise to help you combat them effectively.
In this article, we'll share five essential tips that will show you how to protect your health and keep your indoor air quality high during Oregon's wildfire season. From understanding the right filters to use to practical steps you can take to minimize smoke infiltration, these tips are designed to help you breathe easier and stay healthy. Let's dive in and equip you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your home and well-being this wildfire season.
The Dangers of Wildfire Smoke Indoors
Wildfire smoke, which is a mix of gasses and fine particles from burning wood and organic materials, can affect indoor air quality. Key pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and other chemicals. 
Fine particles in PM2.5 can enter your lungs and bloodstream, causing minor irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat in the short term. Long-term exposure may affect those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
VOCs can lead to short-term symptoms like headaches and dizziness and might contribute to other health issues over time. These compounds can enter homes, so maintaining good indoor air quality is important.
Carbon monoxide, an invisible gas in smoke, can cause symptoms like headaches and dizziness, particularly for those with heart conditions. Additionally, chemicals like acrolein, formaldehyde, and benzene can cause minor irritation to the eyes and respiratory system over time.
While these pollutants are present in wildfire smoke, there are effective ways to protect your indoor air quality and health. Simple steps like using air purifiers, upgrading HVAC filters, and sealing your home can make a big difference.
5 HVAC Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality during Oregon Wildfire Season
To keep your indoor air clean from wildfire smoke, it's crucial to use the right HVAC solutions. Here are some simple and effective strategies to ensure the air in your home stays fresh:
1. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
Enhanced Filtration
- Effectiveness: HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, including smoke.
- Installation: These filters can be added to your HVAC system to continuously clean the circulating air.
Maintenance
Regularly replace HEPA filters as recommended by the manufacturer to keep them working at their best.
2. Air Purifiers and Scrubbers
Supplementary Filtration
- Standalone Units: Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can be placed in rooms you use the most for extra protection.
- Integrated Systems: Whole-house air scrubbers can be added to your HVAC system for comprehensive air cleaning, removing about 90% of airborne pollution within 30 minutes.
Features to Look For
Choose air purifiers with activated carbon filters to also remove odors and VOCs.
3. UV Germicidal Lights
Killing Airborne Pathogens
- UV-C Light: These lights are installed in the HVAC system to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in the air.
- Complementary: UV lights work well with HEPA filters to boost overall air quality.
4. Proper Ventilation
Balanced Airflow
- Mechanical Ventilation: Make sure your home has a balanced ventilation system that brings in fresh outdoor air and exhausts stale indoor air.
- Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): These systems exchange indoor and outdoor air, keeping indoor air quality high without wasting energy.
Controlled Environment
During heavy smoke periods, limit outdoor air intake and rely more on indoor air circulation to reduce smoke infiltration.
5. Regular HVAC Maintenance
System Efficiency:
- Inspections: Regularly inspect your HVAC system to ensure all parts are working efficiently.
- Cleaning: Have HVAC professionals clean the ducts, coils, and other parts to prevent smoke particle buildup.
A&E Plumbing, Heating and Air makes it easy to schedule routine maintenance with a certified HVAC technician, especially before and during wildfire season, to keep your system in top condition.
Preparing Your Home for Wildfire Season
To keep your indoor air clean during wildfire season, there are a few simple steps you can take:
Seal Gaps: Inspect your home for any gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. Use caulking or sealant to close these gaps, preventing smoke from sneaking into your living space. This small step can make a big difference in keeping your air cleaner.
Weather Stripping: Adding weather stripping around doors and windows provides extra protection against smoke. It's an easy and affordable way to improve the seal of your home and keep outdoor pollutants from getting inside.
Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants, like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, are known for their air-purifying abilities. These plants can help absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making your indoor air fresher and healthier.
Emergency Preparedness
It's also important to have a plan for times when smoke levels are really high.
Create a detailed plan that includes identifying safe indoor spaces where you can stay when smoke levels are high. This could be a room with few windows and doors. Ensure you have air purifiers ready to use in these spaces to filter out any smoke that does get in.
Keep a supply of masks, especially N95 masks, which can filter out smoke particles, and have a communication plan to stay informed about air quality levels and wildfire updates.
How A&E Plumbing, Heating and Air Can Help Manage Wildfire Smoke in Your Home
When you first started reading, you were likely concerned about how wildfire smoke affects your health and indoor air quality. By following the tips we've shared, such as using HEPA filters, air purifiers and scrubbers, and ensuring proper ventilation, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.
Having worked through more than 16 wildfire seasons throughout the Columbia River Gorge area, we've learned about the right steps to take to ensure your home and well-being stay safe during wildfire season.
Now that you know about the dangers of wildfire smoke and how to stay safe, it’s time to read more about which air filter is best for your home. Read our article, “Which Air Filter is Right for My Home?” to stay proactive, stay informed, and breathe easier knowing you’re prepared for Oregon’s wildfire season.
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