Preparing Your Home for the Wildfire Season

If your Rohnert Park home is near a wildfire zone, protecting your property and loved ones are always your top priority. A critical part of that equation is how to maintain your indoor air quality (IAQ).

Even if your property is a safe distance from the fire itself, the ashes and smoke still pose a health risk. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the biggest threat from smoke is from microscopic particles that can get into your eyes and respiratory system.

At Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in creating healthy homes and happy families. That includes keeping your loved ones safe and comfortable under challenging conditions. Here are some practical tips on how to maintain your indoor air quality during our wildfire season.

Preparing for the Wildfire Season

Turn your home into a fortress by sealing off points where smoke can infiltrate. Smoke particles enter your California home through open windows and doors, exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors, and HVAC systems with a fresh air intake. Even tiny cracks around your windows and doors allow for infiltration.

Use your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to your advantage: turn your fan switch from Auto to On to continuously circulate your indoor air through the HVAC filter. Clear any vegetation or debris near your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.

Be sure to schedule a tune-up of your system with our team at Enviro. Planned maintenance helps keep your equipment running strong when you need it most. These visits also allow our professionals to catch a minor issue before it becomes a costly problem.

HVAC Filters and Wildfires

A strong filter is your first line of defense. The EPA recommends purchasing a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 rating or higher. When choosing a filter, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid using a filter that might restrict your system’s airflow.

Keep a close eye on the filter throughout the wildfire season: if it is dirty or clogged, replace it immediately. If you have a ductless system, wash the filter frequently. A clogged filter slows down your system and compromises your air quality.

Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

As a Factory Authorized Bryant Dealer, we offer reliable and high-efficiency products built to last:

• Bryant air purifiers treat 100 percent of the air flowing through your system before it circulates throughout your home. These systems capture microscopic particles, along with germs, mold, and bacteria.

• Balance the humidity levels in your North Bay Area home by installing a humidifier or dehumidifier. Ideal relative humidity levels are between 30 and 50 percent. Our professionals at Enviro would be happy to measure the humidity levels inside your home and help map out the best strategy to improve your air quality.

• Bryant offers UV Lamps designed to drench your HVAC cooling coil with intense UV-C light that sterilizes the coil surfaces and protects the air you breathe. It’s safe, reliable, and proven effective.

• Schedule our NATE-certified professionals at Enviro to clean and seal your air ducts. Dust, dirt—even ash—will accumulate in your ductwork over time. Having your ductwork cleaned and sealed will improve the air you breathe and help extend the service life of your heating and cooling equipment.

Stay indoors as much as possible during air quality alerts. That also includes your pets! Keep them indoors except for brief bathroom breaks. You can exercise them when the dust and smoke settle.

Stay Informed

Smoke levels can drastically change day to day. You can monitor the change by checking airnow.gov for air quality forecasts and current conditions.

Visit Ready for Wildfire and use the CAL FIRE app to create your personalized wildfire readiness plan.

The Santa Rosa Fire Department offers helpful tips to homes and businesses to reduce wildfire risks.

Contact Us for More Wildfire Tips

Our team at Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning wants to do everything we can to keep your family comfortable and safe during our wildfire season here in Rohnert Park, CA. Call our experts at 707-795-7219 or request service online to speak with one of our professionals today to see how we can help you.