FAQ: Helping to Protect Your Home from Wildfire Smoke with Your HVAC System

Q: Can wildfire smoke enter my home through the HVAC system?

Yes. If you have an HRV or ERV, they can bring wildfire smoke into your home.

Q: What steps can I take to minimize the infiltration of wildfire smoke into my home through the HVAC system?

During periods of high wildfire smoke, it may be beneficial to turn off your HRV or ERV.

Q: Will running my HVAC system help to filter out wildfire smoke particles?

If you have a high-quality filter such as a HEPA filter and you do not have an HRV or ERV running, or your HRV or ERV is deactivated, running your HVAC system can help filter out some wildfire smoke particles.

Q: How often should I change my HVAC filter during wildfire season?

Check and change your filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. During prolonged periods of wildfire smoke, inspect filters more frequently.

Q: Are there any HVAC system upgrades or modifications that can better protect against wildfire smoke infiltration?

Installing a whole-home HEPA filter or using a room HEPA filter can help improve indoor air quality.

Q: Are there any specific HVAC settings I should use during a wildfire event to improve indoor air quality?

Turn off your HRV or ERV to avoid bringing outdoor air into your home during a wildfire event.

Q: Should I shut off my HVAC system during a wildfire to prevent smoke from entering my home?

It is generally not recommended to shut off your HVAC system completely during a wildfire. However, you should turn off your HRV or ERV if applicable.

Q: Are there any health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke indoors?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to respiratory issues and may exacerbate existing health conditions.

What’s the best filter to protect your home from wildfire smoke?

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most effective option for capturing fine wildfire smoke particles. When smoke moves into your area, running your HVAC system with a high-quality HEPA filter can help keep indoor air cleaner. Adding a portable air purifier or installing a whole-home HEPA filtration system can further help reduce airborne smoke particles during wildfire season.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Home’s Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can quickly affect the air quality inside your home, even with the windows closed. The right HVAC filter, especially a HEPA filter, along with a few simple steps, can help reduce the amount of airborne smoke particles circulating indoors during wildfire season.

If your home has an HRV or ERV, turning it off during heavy smoke helps limit the amount of outdoor air pulled inside. It’s also a good idea to check your filter more often than usual when smoke lingers, and to consider a portable air purifier or a whole-home HEPA filtration system for added filtration.

Below are answers to the most common questions about wildfire smoke, air quality, and your HVAC system.

FAQ: Wildfires and Your HVAC System

Wildfire smoke can significantly decrease indoor air quality, leading to health issues and discomfort.

Yes, if you have an HRV or ERV , they can bring wildfire smoke into your home.

During periods of high wildfire smore, it may be beneficial to turn off your HVR/ERV.

If you have a high quality filter, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and you do not have an HRV/ERV or if your HRV/ERV is deactivated, then running the HVAC system could help filter out some wildfire smoke particles.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most effective against wildfire smoke particles.

It is recommended to check/change your filters as recommended by the manufacturer. If you experience periods of prolonged wildfire smoke you should check your filters more often.

Installing a whole home HEPA filter or buying a room HEPA filter can help.

Turn off your ERV/HRV to avoid bringing in outdoor air during a wildfire event.

It’s generally not recommended to shut off HVAC systems completely during a wildfire, however you should turn off your HRV/ERV if applicable.¹

Yes, using air purifiers alongside the HVAC system could further improve indoor air quality during a wildfire event.

Turn off the HVAC system and Call on Reliance™ to inspect your system.

Want to learn more about the air in your home? Be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Indoor Air Quality.

[1] //www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/wildfires-canada-toolkit-public-health-authorities.html

Back to Learning Centre

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Humidifiers