As Calgary faces the challenges of another wildfire season, ensuring good air quality in our homes becomes an increasingly important concern. The impact of wildfire smoke on air quality and human health cannot be underestimated.

Thankfully, there are ways to minimize the smell of wildfire smoke within your home and its effect on our health. One of the key approaches involves optimizing your HVAC system to improve your home’s air quality.

What is the current air quality in Calgary?

At the time of writing this, the air quality in Calgary is significantly affected by nearby wildfires. To stay updated on the current air quality conditions, you can visit the Environment Canada website or Alberta Air Quality Index map for real-time information.

How does wildfire smoke affect your health?

The presence of wildfire smoke poses a direct threat to air quality, leading to a range of health issues. The microscopic particles and pollutants released from forest fires can penetrate deep into our respiratory system. Breathing in this smoke can cause respiratory irritation, aggravate existing conditions such as asthma or allergies, and even lead to more severe health complications. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are particularly at risk.

What steps can be taken to reduce the impact of smoke in your home?

Maintaining a closed environment by keeping windows and doors sealed serves as an initial line of defense against wildfire smoke getting in your home. Additionally, we advise not using window-mounted AC units or bathroom fans, unless your circumstances demand immediate air circulation.

While these initial precautions are beneficial, it is important to recognize that small smoke particles may still manage to permeate your home’s ventilation system. To address this concern and preserve smoke-free air in your home, consider the following air quality recommendations.

Utilizing Air Purifiers

Air purifiers equipped with advanced filtration technologies, such as the Breath EZ and Aprilaire 5000, can effectively remove smoke particles, dust, and other airborne pollutants from indoor spaces. These systems work tirelessly to ensure cleaner, fresher air for your home.

Maintaining Fresh Furnace Filters

Regularly changing and maintaining HVAC filters is crucial during the wildfire season. Furnace filter systems, especially those with carbon filters, can significantly reduce the infiltration of smoke particles and improve overall air quality. We’d recommend checking your furnace air filters every month during wildfire season. Filters also trap dust particles and remove odors. Read this article for more information on how often you should change out your furnace filters.

Leveraging Your Air Conditioner

Since wildfires usually happen in warm weather your air conditioning system can not only provide relief from the heat but can also contribute to improved indoor air quality.

Central air conditioning systems use your furnace filtration system to efficiently trap various airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and even smoke particles. Furnace filters are specifically designed to capture and remove contaminants, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.

Your AC unit also features a built-in mechanism that circulates and ventilates the air within your home. As the air is drawn into the system for cooling, it passes through the furnace air filter, where impurities are captured and removed. The conditioned and filtered air is then evenly distributed back into your home, creating a healthier indoor environment.

UV Light Systems

UV light systems, such as the Sanuvox R-Max and Halo-LED, utilize ultraviolet light technology to eliminate contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These systems play a vital role in reducing the presence of harmful particles, including those found in wildfire smoke.

Post-Wildfire Season Duct Cleaning

Once the wildfire season in Alberta comes to an end, it is essential to consider professional duct cleaning services. This thorough cleaning process helps remove any residual smoke particles or debris that may have accumulated in the HVAC system’s ductwork.

As Calgary continues to face the challenges posed by wildfire smoke, prioritizing indoor air quality becomes a necessity. By taking proactive steps and investing in air purification and filtration systems, we can create a safer and healthier environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Remember to stay informed about the current air quality conditions in Calgary and take appropriate measures to protect your well-being.

When it comes to ensuring optimal air quality and reliable Calgary HVAC services, selecting the right company is crucial. In Calgary, JPS Furnace & Air Conditioning stands as a reputable HVAC provider with extensive experience in air quality services. With a wide range of products, including the innovative iWave Ionizer, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

For more Calgary HVAC solutions to prepare your home for the smoky season, contact JPS Furnace and Air Conditioning for Indoor Air Quality expertise in Alberta.