2023 was unprecedented in the number of states that were affected by wildfire smoke–wildfires that were burning in another country. The 2023 Canadian wildfires caused the air quality to plummet in many northern and mid-west states that weren’t used to its negative effects.
Most of these homeowners aren’t aware of the connection between wildfire smoke and their home’s indoor air quality. Trying to make do with portable air filters isn’t very effective when smoke, ash, and particulate matter have infiltrated the rooms of your home despite your best efforts to keep it out.
Let’s go over whole house solutions that’ll combat not just particulate matter from wildfires, but other types of indoor pollution. Then you can contact us for air purifier service in Boonsboro, MD.
Wildfires and the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Air Quality Index (AQI) to make information available about the health effects of common air pollutants including wildfire smoke. In recent years, smoke from wildfires has caused the AQI to increase to unhealthy levels in numerous US states, including right here in Maryland.
The AQI scale goes from “good” to “hazardous.” People are advised to stay indoors when levels are in the unhealthy to the hazardous range. But smoke and particulate matter can still enter your home even when the doors and windows are shut. If you can smell wildfire smoke in your home when all the doors and windows are shut, that means it’s getting in through other means.
What’s in Wildfire Smoke?
According to AirNow, wildfire smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other materials burn. These microscopic particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers, small enough to penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream. They can cause health problems such as eye aggravation or a runny nose, to major illnesses such as bronchitis and increased asthma and allergy symptoms. Fine particles also can aggravate conditions such as chronic heart and lung diseases.
Whole House Solutions
Don’t try and make do with small portable air filters from the big box store. When dealing with the problem of indoor air quality, you need a whole house solution that’ll clean the air of all the rooms in your home.
Regardless of whether your area is prone to wildfire smoke, just about any home will benefit from a whole house air purification system. Homes that feel stuffy, are musty or smelly, or simply those where the indoor air doesn’t feel pleasant and causes discomfort, will all benefit from filtration systems.
An air filter will specifically target contaminants above a certain size and eliminate them. A UV air purifier will provide whole house air purification by eliminating biological contaminants as they move through your ductwork. These systems can eliminate up to 99% of common indoor pollutants.
These units are installed directly into your existing HVAC system. We can help you choose a system based on your concerns about your home’s air quality. We can also pick a system that’ll pair harmoniously with your existing HVAC system.
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