We’ve just come off of the worst summer in modern history when it comes to smoky air in Idaho. Not only does it affect pollution, but it can without a doubt affect your health and you’re likely concerned about how it affects your indoor air quality. Your HVAC system plays a key role in filtering out airborne contaminants, but prolonged exposure to smoke can overwhelm its filters. So, should you change your HVAC air filter after a period of smoky air? The answer is yes—and here’s why.
1. Smoke’s Impact on Air Quality is Huge
Smoke contains fine particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5, which is a collection of tiny particles small enough to penetrate deep into your lungs. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can cause respiratory issues, worsen asthma, and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. When your HVAC system pulls outdoor air in, it tries to filter out these particles before circulating the air indoors. But when air quality outside is poor due to smoke, your air filter has to work harder to keep up.
2. Smoke Affects HVAC Filters and How Efficient They Can Work
Even a high-quality air filter is not immune to the challenges posed by smoke. Over time, your filter can become clogged with smoke particles, ash, and other pollutants. This accumulation reduces the filter’s efficiency, meaning it won’t do as good a job at trapping pollutants or ensuring optimal airflow. The result? Your indoor air quality declines, and your HVAC system may have to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption.
3. Signs Your Filter Needs Replacement
If you’ve been living through smoky conditions for an extended period, there are a few telltale signs that your HVAC filter is overdue for a change:
- Visible dirt or discoloration: If your air filter looks visibly dirty, it’s probably time to replace it.
- Reduced airflow: If you notice less air coming from your vents, a clogged filter could be the culprit.
- Higher energy bills: A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder, which can cause your energy costs to spike.
- Poor indoor air quality: Increased dust, a persistent smoky smell indoors, or worsened allergies are signs that your filter is not doing its job effectively.
4. What Kind of Filter Should You Use?
If you live in an area prone to wildfires or consistent outdoor pollution, investing in a high-efficiency filter is crucial. Filters are rated using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale. For smoke, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is recommended. Higher-rated filters capture smaller particles, making them more effective against smoke and pollutants. If you have severe air quality concerns, consider upgrading to HEPA filters, which are specifically designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, including smoke.
5. How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
Under normal conditions, it’s recommended to change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months. However, if you’ve experienced months of smoky air, you should replace your filter more frequently. During wildfire season or periods of intense pollution, consider inspecting and changing your filter every 1-2 weeks to ensure optimal performance.
6. Additional Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
In addition to regularly changing your HVAC filter, here are some other steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality during times of smoky outdoor air:
- Run your HVAC system continuously: Even when you’re not heating or cooling your home, running the fan can help filter out more airborne particles.
- Use portable air purifiers: These devices can help remove smoke particles from the air in individual rooms, particularly in bedrooms or common areas.
- Seal windows and doors: Minimize the amount of outdoor air that enters your home by sealing any gaps around windows and doors.
If your area has been subjected to months of smoky outdoor air, changing your HVAC air filter is a crucial step in maintaining your indoor air quality. A clogged or inefficient filter won’t effectively remove the harmful particles found in smoke, and ignoring it can lead to both health issues and higher energy bills. To ensure your home remains a safe haven from outdoor pollution, replace your filters frequently, and consider upgrading to a high-efficiency or HEPA filter.
By taking these precautions, you’ll breathe easier, even when the air outside isn’t as clean as you’d like.
Contact Gem Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your heating, cooling and air filtration needs!
