When wildfire smoke drifts across Southern New England, local air quality index (AQI) ratings can spike into dangerous zones within hours. State health and environmental agencies frequently issue health advisories—such as the recent warnings from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass.gov)—urging residents to take precautions as fine particulate matter spreads across the region.
While most people instinctively head indoors to escape the haze, indoor air isn’t automatically safe.
Fine particulate matter—specifically PM2.5, particles smaller than 2.5 microns—makes up the bulk of wildfire smoke. These microscopic particles easily slip through small gaps around doors, windows, and unsealed ductwork. For children, older adults, and the millions of people living with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, poor indoor air quality during a smoke event can trigger serious health complications.
Your home’s central HVAC system is your first line of defense—if it is set up and operated correctly. Here are the immediate steps homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island should take during high-AQI alerts to protect their indoor air.
1. Seal Fresh Air Intakes & Recirculate Indoor Air
Many modern HVAC systems and duct setups include an outside-air intake or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) designed to pull fresh outdoor air into the house. During a wildfire smoke event, this feature does more harm than good by drawing polluted air directly inside.
- What to do: Check your thermostat or HVAC controls and switch your system to Recirculate mode.
- If you have a fresh-air intake damper or an ERV/HRV unit, close or temporarily disable it according to manufacturer instructions until local AQI levels return to normal.
2. Upgrade to a MERV 13 Air Filter (Safely)
Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters are designed to capture large dust and lint to protect system equipment—not microscopic smoke particles.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends upgrading to a MERV 13 rated filter (or higher) during wildfire smoke events. A MERV 13 filter captures up to 90% of fine particles, significantly reducing PM2.5 inside your home.
⚠️ A Quick Caution on Airflow:
High-MERV filters create more resistance. Before dropping a MERV 13 filter into your system, ensure your blower motor can handle it. If you use standard 1-inch filter slots, a dense MERV 13 filter can restrict airflow, potentially causing your AC coils to freeze or straining your equipment.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat Fan Settings
During normal summer weather, setting your thermostat fan to AUTO is standard—it runs only when the AC is actively cooling. However, when outdoor air quality is compromised, your filter can only clean the air when the system is actively moving air.
- Switch the fan setting from AUTO to ON (or use a “Circulate” setting if your thermostat offers it).
- This keeps air continuously passing through your central filter, scrubbing fine particles out of the air even when the compressor isn’t cycling for cooling.
4. Monitor & Replace Filters Frequently
Under normal conditions, standard filters last 1 to 3 months. During heavy smoke alerts, a MERV 13 filter is working overtime and can clog in a fraction of that time.
Inspect your filter every few days during an air quality advisory. If it appears dark gray, covered in soot, or if you notice reduced airflow coming from your supply vents, replace it immediately. Keeping extra replacement filters on hand before smoke season hits is always a smart move.
5. Consider Advanced Whole-Home Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Solutions
While standard cabinet filters help, tackling persistent smoke and fine particulates often calls for specialized equipment integrated directly into your heating and cooling system.
At Briggs, we offer a range of professional indoor air quality products and solutions designed to capture contaminants throughout your entire home rather than just a single room:
- Whole-House Media Air Cleaners: Deep-pleated filtration cabinets that capture microscopic pollutants (including smoke particles and allergens) with far less airflow restriction than standard 1-inch filters.
- Air Purifiers & Scrubber Systems: Advanced systems that actively neutralize airborne contaminants, gases, and smoke odors throughout your ductwork.
- Ductwork Sealing & Upgrades: Ensuring polluted air from unconditioned attics or basements isn’t pulled into your living spaces.
Protect Your Home & Family from Poor Air Quality
Wildfire smoke alerts may feel out of our control, but your indoor environment doesn’t have to be. By adjusting your system settings, upgrading filtration, and utilizing the right IAQ technology, you can maintain a clean, safe sanctuary indoors even during peak pollution events.
Not sure if your current HVAC system can handle a MERV 13 filter, or looking to upgrade your home’s air filtration? Explore our full line of Briggs indoor air quality products or contact our team today to schedule an airflow and air quality consultation for your home!