Wildfire Season and Summer Heat: Protecting Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Summer is a season of sunshine, barbecues, and open windows—but it’s also a time of heightened wildfire risk and worsening IAQ indoor air quality. Across many regions, wildfires have become more frequent and intense, sending plumes of smoke and dangerous particulates into the air. Even if the flames are far away, the effects can reach your home, impacting your indoor air and overall health.

Couple that with rising temperatures and extended use of your air conditioning, and it becomes clear that summer requires a proactive approach to maintaining clean, healthy indoor air.

Ballard Natural Gas Service is here to help with your indoor comfort and safety, offering expert indoor air quality services and wildfire season safety tips.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why Wildfire Smoke Is a Hidden Indoor Threat
• Wildfire Safety Tips for Better Indoor Air
• Additional Tips for Summer Indoor Comfort and IAQ
• When to Stay Indoors
• Contact Ballard Natural Gas Service to Improve Your IAQ

Wildfire Smoke: A Hidden Indoor Threat

Wildfire smoke contains a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees, vegetation, and structures. The tiniest of these particles—known as PM2.5—are small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream, triggering or worsening health issues such as:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation

Even if blazes seem distant, smoke particles—especially PM2.5—can drift hundreds of miles on prevailing winds. These microscopic particles penetrate through cracks, HVAC systems, and open windows, posing serious health risks indoors and outdoors. Infants, seniors, and anyone with respiratory or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Wildfire Safety Tips for Better Indoor Air

Whether you live in an area with occasional smoke or face yearly wildfire threats, here are several steps you can take to protect your indoor environment:

1. Keep Windows and Doors Closed Against Poor Air Quality

During periods of poor air quality, resist the temptation to open your windows for fresh air. Smoke can enter quickly and linger, especially in homes without proper air filtration. Use your HVAC system or a portable air purifier to circulate and clean the air indoors.

2. Seal Leaks and Gaps to Prevent Outdoor Air Infiltration

Heat seeks to enter cooler spaces. Use weather stripping around doors and caulk around windows to keep hot summer (and potentially contaminated) air out. A professional home energy audit can help identify hidden leaks and suggest solutions.

3. Upgrade to High-Efficiency HVAC Filters

Standard filters (MERV 6-8) may not effectively trap smoke particles. If your HVAC system allows it, consider upgrading to a filter with a MERV of 13 or higher. These filters can capture smaller airborne particles, including those from wildfire smoke. Remembering to change filters regularly is also important; shop filters online with Ballard Natural Gas Service for convenience.

4. Install an Air Purifier

Portable HEPA air purifiers effectively reduce indoor smoke particulates and other allergens. Place them in rooms where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms or living rooms. Consider a whole-house air purifier connected to your HVAC system for complete home protection.

5. Use a Smart Thermostat With Circulation Mode

If your HVAC system has a fan-only or recirculation mode, run it during smoky periods to filter indoor air without pulling in outdoor air. A smart thermostat can help automate this process while saving energy.

6. Don’t Burn Candles or Use Gas Stoves

Smoke isn’t the only source of indoor pollution. During wildfire season, avoid activities that add particles to your air, such as burning candles, using gas stoves or fireplaces, and smoking indoors.

7. Keep Air Conditioning Systems Maintained

Make sure your air conditioner is clean and working efficiently. A clogged system can reduce airflow, put strain on your unit, and diminish filtration performance. Routine maintenance—including filter changes and duct cleanings – can make a big difference in both air quality and comfort.

Additional Tips for Summer Indoor Comfort and IAQ

Even without wildfires, summer weather can pose indoor air challenges. High humidity, increased allergens, and long periods of indoor time with closed windows can lead to stuffy, polluted air.

Consider these extra tips for overall IAQ improvement:

• Use a whole-home dehumidifier to control excess moisture, which helps prevent mold and dust mites.
• Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance to keep systems running smoothly and efficiently.
• Add ventilation solutions, like an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), to bring in fresh air without sacrificing energy efficiency.
• Clean your home regularly, especially rugs, bedding, and surfaces that trap dust and allergens.
• Add indoor plants, which can help improve air quality (just be cautious if you have pollen sensitivities).

Know When to Stay Indoors

Keep an eye on your local air quality index (AQI), which measures pollutants like ozone and particle pollution. When the AQI is at unhealthy levels—especially over 100—limit your time outdoors and keep your indoor environment sealed and filtered.

Many free apps and websites, such as the EPA and the Forrest Service’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, provide real-time air quality information based on your location.

Ready to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality? Contact Ballard Natural Gas Service

As summer heats up and wildfire risks rise, protecting your home’s indoor air quality is more important than ever. From upgrading your air filters to installing whole-home purification systems, there are many ways to keep your indoor environment clean, cool, and safe.

Even if smoke isn’t visible, fine particles can still impact your health, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory conditions. Don’t leave your comfort and well-being to chance this season.

Whether you need expert advice, a system upgrade, or routine HVAC maintenance, Ballard Natural Gas Service is here to help. Our experienced team offers tailored solutions to improve your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running at its best all summer long.

Contact Ballard Natural Gas Service today to schedule your IAQ consultation or service appointment—and breathe easier knowing your home is in expert hands. For a free consultation, call us today at 206-397-0862 or request service online.