With recent brush fires blanketing Eastern Massachusetts in smoke, indoor air quality has become a top priority. Wildfire smoke introduces particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, posing health risks to building occupants. As a trusted HVAC partner, LC Anderson offers insights into proactive HVAC adjustments that improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and mitigate the effects of smoke infiltration during such events. This article provides actionable strategies, including the use of carbon filters, optimizing air circulation, and ongoing maintenance practices.
Why Brush Fires Pose a Unique Challenge
When wildfires burn, they release fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and VOCs that travel far from the fire source, permeating even well-sealed buildings. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate conditions such as asthma. For facilities managers, protecting building occupants from these contaminants requires strategic HVAC modifications.
Optimizing HVAC for Protecting Indoor Air Quality from Smoke Events
1. Use of Carbon Filters and Carbon Media
Carbon filters are highly effective at removing odors and VOCs associated with wildfire smoke. Unlike pleated filters, which focus primarily on capturing particles, carbon filters absorb gases and odorous compounds, providing an additional layer of protection. Depending on your HVAC system setup, carbon media can be used in several ways:
- Replacing Pleated Filters: If your system has a single filter track, replace standard pleated filters with carbon filters during times of heavy smoke.
- Adding Carbon Media: For systems with multi-track housings, place a carbon filter after the pleated filter to catch gases without compromising particulate filtration.
- Rotating Filters: Once the smoke has dissipated, the pleated filters should be reinstalled pleated. Keeping a set of pleated filters on hand allows you to transition back once odor improves.
Carbon Filter Benefits: Carbon filters are particularly beneficial because they absorb VOCs, smoke particles, and odor, improving air quality during smoke events and preventing lingering odors inside the building.
Other Considerations:
- Carbon filters are effective at adsorbing gases and odors, but they are a bit higher cost than a standard filter.
- Suppliers may run out of inventory quickly under the circumstances.
2. Minimize Outdoor Air Intake
When outdoor air quality is compromised, reducing the amount of outdoor air intake prevents smoke from infiltrating the building. Run HVAC systems with outdoor air dampers closed temporarily or at a minimum position to limit outdoor air intake, particularly during high smoke periods, to keep interiors safer and cleaner.
Benefits of Reduced Air Intake: Limiting outdoor air intake reduces exposure to contaminants, allowing the HVAC system to manage air quality indoors more effectively. This temporary modification can significantly lessen indoor smoke exposure.
3. Pressurize the Building
If your HVAC system allows, create a slight positive building pressure to reduce outdoor air intrusion through gaps and cracks. By maintaining positive pressure, you prevent unfiltered air from seeping into the building, especially valuable for maintaining IAQ when outdoor smoke is high.
Benefits of Positive Pressure: Pressurized buildings limit smoke infiltration and reduce the need for extensive filtration adjustments, preserving IAQ with minimal intervention.
Additional IAQ Improvement Practices
4. Install Portable Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters
For additional protection in heavily trafficked areas, place portable HEPA air purifiers. These units can capture both particulate matter and some VOCs, enhancing air quality in spaces where occupants spend the most time.
5. Monitor Indoor Air Quality with Sensors
IAQ sensors provide real-time data on particle levels, VOCs, and other contaminants within the building. This allows facilities managers to make informed decisions and adjust HVAC operations based on current conditions.
Benefits of IAQ Sensors: With accurate indoor air quality data, managers can respond quickly to changes and optimize HVAC settings to maintain healthy environments.
6. Perform Routine HVAC Maintenance
A well-maintained HVAC system is essential for managing air quality. Planned maintenance is a proactive approach to cleaning coils, fans, and filters. It is also the time to replace worn-out parts to keep your system operating efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance: Clean, efficiently running systems improve filtration, reduce energy costs, and maintain consistent airflow, all of which contribute to healthier IAQ anytime, not just during wildfire events.
Preparing your building’s HVAC system for wildfire smoke events can make a significant difference in indoor air quality and occupant well-being. By incorporating carbon filters, optimizing airflow, and regularly monitoring IAQ, facilities managers can proactively safeguard their buildings and occupants from the health risks associated with poor air quality.
For more information or to schedule a maintenance check, contact us. Our team is ready to help you create a safe and healthy indoor environment, no matter the air quality challenges.
