Wildfire season can be challenging times for people living in at-risk areas. Although fire is the most graphic threat, the particulates and smoke that burnoff into the atmosphere can be just as hazardous to your health—even if you live miles from the fires. Outdoor air quality drops drastically during these times, which is often unsafe to be outdoors for prolonged periods. Sadly, this air pollution can all too readily find its way indoors as well.

Maintaining clean indoor air during wildfire season is not just a matter of comfort—it’s essential for your health. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate respiratory problems, trigger allergies, and increase the risk of illness. That’s why homeowners in areas like Salt Lake City are increasingly turning to indoor air quality services to protect their homes and families.

Here's how to maintain indoor air clean and breathable during fire season.

1. Seal Your House Tightly

When there's smoke-filled, toxic air outdoors, first do everything you can to prevent it from entering in. Have all windows and doors sealed properly. Inspect door and window frame areas around windows, baseboards, and doors for gaps where air may sneak in. Utilize weatherstripping and caulk to provide an air-impermeable seal.

If you reside in an older house in Salt Lake City, it's even more crucial to get a professional inspection. Local service providers such as Sami James HVAC Services can inspect your home's ventilation and insulation to provide minimal air intrusion.

2. Upgrade Your Air Filtration System

Regular HVAC filters usually are not effective at removing small wildfire smoke particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Switching to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can make a huge difference in your home's air quality.

HEPA filters can capture as much as 99.97% of airborne particles, such as smoke, dust, mold spores, and bacteria. But that's not all. Installing a HEPA filter is not sufficient. You must also make sure your HVAC system is compatible with high-efficiency filters and is well-maintained.

This is where professional indoor air quality services comes in. A reliable firm such as Sami James HVAC Services can assist you in deciding on the ideal filtration for your particular system and ensure everything gets installed properly.

3. Employ Portable Air Purifiers

Even with a decent HVAC system, it's worth having portable air purifiers in main areas of your home—particularly bedrooms and living rooms. Opt for a purifier that's wildfire smoke-rated and has both a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter (which traps odors and toxic gases).

Position these purifiers in areas where you spend most of your time and close windows and doors when using them. To achieve maximum benefit, operate them continuously during times of poor outdoor air quality.

4. Reduce Indoor Pollutants

When outside air is contaminated, the last thing you want to do is create more pollutants inside. Don't burn candles, smoke, or use wood-burning fireplaces. Even normal tasks such as cooking can emit particulates, so cook with your range hood on and think about replacing gas appliances with electric ones if you're cooking with gas.

Also, steer clear of cleaning products with strong odors or harsh chemicals. These can mix with smoke particles to form toxic compounds in the air. Opt for natural or fragrance-free cleaning products instead.

5. Check Air Quality Every Day

Monitor indoor air quality services with air quality monitors. Most smartphone apps and websites give real-time information about air conditions in your area. For monitoring indoor air quality services, products such as the Airthings or IQAir Visual Pro will inform you of exactly what you're inhaling inside your home.

If your indoor measurements are a cause for concern even after trying, it may be time to request a consultation with a local expert. Salt Lake City residents can count on Sami James HVAC Services to provide comprehensive inspections and tailored suggestions.

6. Look into Whole-House Air Purification

If you reside in an area at high risk for wildfires or suffer from chronic health conditions, a whole-house air cleaner could be the most suitable solution. Such systems directly interface with your current HVAC and offer overall protection in every area of your home.

Expert indoor air quality services professionals can assist in deciding whether or not this investment is worthwhile for your application. Sami James HVAC Services, for instance, performs inspections and installations of home-wide purification systems specifically designed to address Salt Lake City's singular environmental factors.

7. Regular HVAC Maintenance is Essential

Regardless of how good your equipment is, it won't function well if it isn't well-maintained. Your HVAC system runs harder during wildfire season to blow and filter air, so filters can clog up quicker and parts can wear out faster.

Schedule. Regular maintenance—particularly during peak smoke events—to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. Preventive maintenance can also detect leaks or mechanical issues that might be allowing contaminated air into your home.

For Salt Lake City residents, hiring a reputable provider such as Sami James HVAC Services ensures your system remains in working condition when you most need it.

Wildfire season is a possibility we need to prepare for, particularly in places that tend to have dry, hot summers such as Salt Lake City. The best news is that with proactive steps and the proper support, you can really enhance the air quality within your home and protect your family's health.

From closing your home and replacing filters to taking advantage of professional indoor air quality services, there are several approaches you can take to keep the air clean indoors. Businesses such as Sami James HVAC Services provide the qualifications and local expertise you need to make well-informed decisions and effectuate adequate solutions.