Wildfire smoke can travel into Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, and surrounding Tri-Cities communities, even when the fire itself is far away. Closing your windows and doors helps, but small smoke particles can still enter your home.
The right HVAC filter can help reduce those particles and make your indoor air feel cleaner and more comfortable.
Start With a MERV 13 Filter
For wildfire smoke, the EPA recommends using a MERV 13 filter or the highest-efficiency filter your HVAC system can safely handle. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which measures how effectively a filter captures airborne particles.
MERV 13 filters are designed to capture smaller particles than standard filters, making them a better option during smoky conditions. However, not every HVAC system is built to handle the same filter. A filter that is too restrictive may reduce airflow and make an older or improperly sized system work harder.
Before upgrading, check your system manual or ask an HVAC professional which filter rating and thickness are compatible with your equipment.
What Tri-Cities Homeowners Can Check
Before wildfire smoke arrives:
- Confirm the correct filter size printed on your current filter.
- Make sure the filter fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
- Check the airflow arrow and install the filter in the correct direction.
- Keep one or two replacement filters available.
- Inspect the filter frequently during smoky weather.
- Change it when it becomes dark, dirty, or clogged.
Total Quality Air generally recommends checking your filter every month during periods of heavy heating or cooling use and replacing it when dirty. Wildfire smoke may cause the filter to load faster than usual.
Help Your Filter Work More Effectively
During a smoke event, keep windows and doors closed and place your HVAC system in recirculate mode when that option is available. Running the system fan more often can help move additional indoor air through the filter.
A properly sized portable air cleaner can also help in bedrooms or other rooms where your family spends the most time. Choose one that does not intentionally produce ozone.
Cleaner Air Brings Peace of Mind
Seeing smoke outside can be unsettling, especially when children, older adults, pets, or family members with respiratory concerns are at home. You do not need to understand every technical detail of your HVAC system to take a helpful first step.
Start with the correct filter, check it regularly, and make sure your system can move air properly.
Not sure whether your Tri-Cities HVAC system can handle a MERV 13 filter? Total Quality Air can inspect your filter setup, airflow, and system condition and recommend the best option without unnecessary guesswork.
Call Total Quality Air at (509) 205-1592 for trusted HVAC help in the Tri-Cities. Hablamos Español.
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