Preparing for Wildfires: Protecting Your Home from Smoke Damage

Once it’s late June, it seems like there’s a new report of wildfires every day. Whether in typical spots like California or newer places like Canada, the effects of wildfires are devastating to those who live near them.

That said, negative consequences of wildfires can extend for hundreds of miles depending on the size and strength of the fire.

States like Ohio, Michigan, and New York learned this lesson in June of 2023 when an orange haze hid the sun and triggered respiratory symptoms across each state. In that case, the fire in question was burning in Canada, but hazardous air quality made it all the way south to Columbus, Ohio.

Given how increasingly common and widespread this natural disaster has become, homeowners should consider taking proactive measures to protect their homes and families from the harmful consequences of smoke damage.

Stanley Steemer specializes in air duct cleaning and air purification, which makes us experts in smoke damage mitigation. Here are our best practical tips!

Stopping the smoke from entering your house is both an obvious and key step when it comes to protecting your home from smoke damage. That said, you might not be aware of all the ways smoke can get to your home. 

Here’s our list of tips to make sure your home is protected:

• Create a Defensible Space: If you live in a wildfire-prone area, clearing dry vegetation, debris, and other flammable materials around your property creates a defensible space. This space acts as a buffer zone, reducing the likelihood of fire and smoke reaching your home.
• Install Fire-Resistant Materials: Similarly, for those who live in the vicinity of potential wildfires, opting for fire-resistant building materials, such as Class A roofing, can help prevent fire and smoke from penetrating your home's exterior.
• Seal Openings and Gaps: If you live in an area where outdoor air quality is affected by wildfire smoke, seal any gaps or openings in your home's structure, such as vents, windows, and doors, to prevent smoke from seeping into your living spaces.

Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality, which means it’s especially important to safeguard your HVAC system to prevent smoke infiltration during wildfire events. Consider the following steps:

• Regular Filter Changes: Change your HVAC filters regularly, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Use filters with a higher rating, such as MERV 13 or higher, which are designed to capture smaller smoke particles effectively.
• Sealing HVAC Intake: Create a seal around the HVAC intake to prevent smoke from entering the system. Use weatherstripping or sealant to close any gaps between the intake and the surrounding wall or ceiling.
• Professional Inspection and Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your HVAC system. A professional cleaning company, such as Stanley Steemer, can provide specialized deep cleaning services to ensure your system is in optimal condition, minimizing the risk of smoke infiltration.

Filters and proper filter maintenance play a critical role in trapping airborne particles, including smoke. Here’s how:

• Capturing Smoke Particles: High-rated filters, such as those mentioned earlier, are designed to capture smoke particles more effectively, catching them before they circulate throughout your home.
• Regular Filter Replacement: Replacing filters ensures they can continue functioning efficiently. Clogged filters reduce the system's performance and allow smoke particles to bypass the filter, which then allows them to enter your living spaces.
• Indoor Air Quality: By taking the previous two steps, you’ll have clean and effective filters that have the best chance of capturing harmful smoke particles before they affect your indoor air quality. These high-quality filters can also help remove allergens and other pollutants more effectively, enhancing respiratory health.

For the most comprehensive solution, consider installing an in-duct air purifier system, like Restore™, that uses a combination of UV-C light and activated carbon cells to actively capture and remove particulates like wood smoke in addition to chemical vapors and biological contaminants before they enter your home.

By implementing these key measures, you can take a significant step toward better protecting your home and loved ones from the harmful consequences of wildfire smoke while also improving your indoor air quality. 

Furthermore, given the ongoing threat that wildfires and their smoke pose to homes and communities nationwide, we encourage you to stay well-informed about local guidelines and diligently follow expert recommendations whenever wildfires impact your area.

Stanley Steemer provides professional air duct cleaning services that will keep your HVAC system clear of allergens and particulates, including wood smoke from wildfires. To reduce the impact of smoke damage in your home, call 1-800-STEEMER to speak with a representative 24/7 or visit our online scheduling tool to plan a consultation.