Smoke Days and Your HVAC in Reno
In some summers, wildfire smoke settles into the Truckee Meadows. Your heating and cooling system can help keep the air inside cleaner.
Request an HVAC technicianClose up the house
Keep windows and doors closed on smoky days.
Switch off evaporative coolers
Coolers pull outside air in, smoke included.
Run the fan
Running the system fan moves air through the filter even when it isn't cooling.
Better filters
A higher-rated filter catches fine smoke particles if your system can handle it.
Portable cleaners
A portable air cleaner in bedrooms adds protection where you sleep.
Change filters afterward
Filters load up fast during smoke events.
Outdoor coil
Ash settles on outdoor units. Rinse it gently, power off, once the smoke clears.
Health
People with asthma or heart or lung conditions should follow public health advice.
Plan ahead
Keep spare filters before summer.
More
See ductwork and airflow.
HRVs and fresh air
Homes with fresh-air ventilation may need settings adjusted during heavy smoke. Ask your contractor.
After the season
Book a check if the system ran hard through a smoky summer.
Bedrooms first
If you can only clean the air in one place, make it bedrooms, where people spend the most hours.
Thick filters
Very thick filters can restrict airflow on some systems. Ask a technician which filter your system can handle.
Inside smell
If smoke smell lingers after the air clears outside, change the filter again and air out the house on a clean day.
Cars and garages
Keep the door between an attached garage and the house closed. Smoke and exhaust collect in garages and seep in when the door is open.
Pets
Keep pets indoors on the smokiest days; their lungs benefit from filtered air too.
More air conditioning and heating guides
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