Wildfire HVAC maintenance guide for contractors
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Wildfire HVAC maintenance protects both the equipment and the people breathing indoors. When smoke drifts into a region, air quality can deteriorate significantly, and HVACR technicians and owners play a crucial role in helping customers maintain a healthy indoor environment. This guide breaks the work into three phases: before wildfire season starts, during an active fire, and after the smoke clears.
Why wildfire smoke threatens indoor air quality
Wildfires release a significant amount of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can infiltrate homes and pose serious health risks. The risk runs highest for individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly.
Pre-season wildfire HVAC maintenance
Before wildfire season starts, prepare HVAC systems to withstand potential threats.
Assess and repair damaged units
Wildfires can damage HVAC units, especially those located outdoors. Conduct a thorough inspection for visible damage such as dents, bent fins, debris, or disconnected pipes. Next, check the electrical system for corrosion or damage to wires, connectors, and components, including the condenser fan motor seal. If you find any issues, repair or replace the damaged parts so the system operates safely and efficiently.
Clear vegetation
Clear surrounding vegetation and debris to create a defensible space around HVAC units. Defensible space reduces the risk of ignition.
Upgrade and maintain filters
Upgrading HVAC filters is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Standard filters may not be sufficient to capture the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke. When appropriate, recommend high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to your customers, because they can trap smaller particles and improve indoor air quality. Also make sure customers understand the importance of checking and replacing filters regularly, especially during wildfire season.
Seal the home
Advise customers to seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to prevent outdoor air from entering. Weatherstripping and caulk create a tight seal, which helps keep smoke and other pollutants outside. Note one caveat: if a home is sealed air-tight, the change may affect the home’s infiltration and ventilation, which could in turn affect the HVAC system design.
Wildfire HVAC maintenance during an active fire
Stay tuned to local news channels when a wildfire becomes close in proximity, and always follow evacuation orders.
During active wildfires, HVAC maintenance is critical for indoor air quality management. Here is what to recommend while a fire burns nearby:
Monitor air quality
Monitor air quality and adjust HVAC settings accordingly to minimize indoor smoke exposure. Stay updated by checking local air quality reports and advisories. AirNow and local news outlets provide real-time information on air quality levels. Share this information with customers and advise them on best practices for protecting their indoor environment during periods of poor air quality.
Run HVAC systems in recirculation mode
When outdoor air quality is poor, minimize the intake of outdoor air. Advise customers to set their HVAC systems to recirculation mode, which recirculates indoor air rather than bringing in fresh air from outside. As a result, less smoke and fewer pollutants can enter the home.
Install special filtration
Consider installing a special fire filter designed to capture smoke particles and reduce indoor odors during wildfire events.
Use air purifiers
In addition to the HVAC system, recommend portable air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. These devices can capture smoke particles and remove odors, providing an additional layer of protection for indoor air quality. Encourage customers to place purifiers in the rooms where they spend the most time, such as the living room and bedrooms.
Post-wildfire HVAC maintenance
After a wildfire, technicians and homeowners should take specific steps to confirm the HVAC system is safe and functioning properly before returning it to normal use.
Inspect
Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire HVAC system. Check for damage to components such as the coils, refrigerant lines, and electrical connections. In addition, look for signs of soot, ash, and other debris that may have accumulated during the wildfire.
Clean, repair, and maintain
Clean and replace air filters. Wildfires can cause a significant increase in airborne particulates, which may clog filters and reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Inspect and clean the ductwork
Properly sealed and insulated ducts prevent outdoor air from infiltrating the HVAC system. Ensuring that ducts are airtight can significantly improve both the system’s efficiency and the quality of the air being circulated.
How to educate customers about wildfire smoke
Educating consumers about air quality during wildfires is crucial. Focus on four points when you talk with homeowners.
Explain how wildfires affect air quality
Name the pollutants — PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and VOCs — and connect them to the health risks facing people with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly.
Recommend upgraded air filters
Suggest HEPA filters, or filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher. These filters can capture smaller particles, including the PM2.5 that is prevalent during wildfires.
Cover duct sealing and insulation
Properly sealed and insulated ducts stop outdoor air from infiltrating the system. Most homeowners have never considered how much unfiltered air reaches them through leaky ductwork.
Explain ventilation strategies
Bringing in outdoor air during a wildfire might seem counterintuitive, yet controlled ventilation remains crucial. Balanced ventilation systems that filter and condition incoming air are essential, so make sure those systems carry appropriate filters and stay properly maintained.
Take the time to educate homeowners about indoor air quality and the steps they can take to protect their homes. Information on proper HVAC use, the benefits of regular maintenance, and the value of high-quality filters empowers homeowners to act proactively.
Standards and resources for contractors
- ANSI/ACCA 6 QR-2015 (RA 2021), HVAC System Cleanliness & Restoration — provides guidelines for restoring the cleanliness of HVAC systems, which is crucial during wildfire events. It outlines procedures for inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining system components to reduce energy consumption and improve performance.
- ASHRAE Guideline 44, Protecting Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events — a comprehensive document designed to help building owners and managers minimize the health impacts of smoke on occupants. It is particularly relevant for commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings.
- EPA wildfires and indoor air quality — resources and information on promoting healthy indoor air quality during and following wildfires.
Wildfire HVAC maintenance FAQ
Should customers run the HVAC system during a wildfire?
Yes, in recirculation mode. Recirculating indoor air rather than drawing in outdoor air helps reduce the smoke and pollutants entering the home.
Which air filter works best against wildfire smoke?
Standard filters may not be sufficient for fine particulate matter. HEPA filters, or filters rated MERV 13 or higher, can capture the smaller particles common during wildfires.
Do portable air purifiers replace HVAC filtration?
No. Portable purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters provide an additional layer of protection in specific rooms, working alongside the central system rather than instead of it.
Should ventilation be shut off completely during a smoke event?
No. Controlled ventilation remains important. Balanced systems that filter and condition incoming air address both needs, provided their filters are appropriate and properly maintained.
By focusing on these points, HVACR technicians can effectively educate customers about maintaining good indoor air quality during wildfires and help them protect their health and well-being.
Posted In: Disaster Planning, Safety
