Throughout the month of October, a series of devastating wildfires swept across California, burning hundreds of thousands of acres and forcing more than 20,000 people to evacuate their homes. Many people whose homes were in the vicinity of the wildfires have been understandably concerned about their effect on the local air quality as well.
Wildfires can spread airborne toxic particulates for hundreds of miles.
All this flying ash, soot and dust can have a negative impact on human health, particularly in people who have preexisting respiratory issues like asthma. These airborne contaminates are able to penetrate homes through the small cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Negative pressure zones generated by wind, exhaust fans and HVAC ductwork can also suck particulates into the home, thereby exacerbating the problem.
With this in mind, clean-air solutions for homes affected by wildfires typically require a two-pronged approach.
First, the home must be sealed to prevent airborne pollutants from getting inside in the future. Then, a mechanical ventilation system is installed to filter indoor air and create positive pressure in the home. This positive pressure system prevents other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the house by pushing them out, rather than pulling them in. It also prevents existing contaminates from becoming trapped in the home.
Are you concerned about the impact recent wildfires have had on your home’s air quality? We can work with you to design an effective ventilation system that will ensure you and your family are breathing clean, filtered air. These ventilation systems can be installed in both new and existing homes. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more.