There’s something magical about summer in Colorado: the long days, the mountain breezes, and the promise of outdoor adventures. But if you live in Columbine or the surrounding area, you know that wildfire season can cast a smoky shadow over the season’s charm. The thick haze in the sky, the scratchy throat, and that constant worry about what your family might be breathing in. At Jump HVAC, we’re not just here to fix your AC; we’re your neighbors, and we care about your air.
Why Wildfire Smoke Is a Big Deal for Your Indoor Air
Wildfire smoke isn’t just an outdoor problem. Those tiny particles, often 30 times smaller than a human hair, can easily sneak inside your home through open windows, doors, and even small cracks. Once inside, they linger. Breathing in these fine particles can aggravate asthma, trigger allergies, and cause long-term respiratory issues, especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with existing health concerns.
When the air outside is tough to breathe, your home should be your haven. That’s why making sure your indoor air is as clean as possible is more important than ever. Here’s how Jump HVAC can help ensure your family breathes easier.
Upgrade Your HVAC Filter and Use It
If your system is still running on a cheap fiberglass “one-inch throwaway” filter, now’s the time to level up. A MERV 8 to 13 filter captures 80–90% of smoke particles while still allowing your air handler to function efficiently.
And here’s the secret: change it regularly. As wildfire season begins, checking your filters weekly is a wise precaution. The rule of thumb? If it looks gray or dusty, it’s time for a swap. We recommend keeping replacement filters on hand.
Use Portable Air Cleaners Strategically
Not in every room, but in the places where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms, home offices, and the living room. Choose a model with a True HEPA filter, not just “HEPA-like.” These cleaners trap at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
Go for models with CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) ratings that match your room size. And let them run on high during peak smoky hours, usually mid-afternoon into the evening. Trust us, you’ll notice the difference.
Run Your HVAC on “Fan On” or Recirculate
Many homeowners rely on the “Auto” fan setting to conserve energy, but during smoky days, it often shuts off too soon, allowing stale, smoky air to linger indoors. Switching to “On” or Recirculate keeps your system filtering continuously.
It might tick up your energy bill a bit, but staying healthy is worth it. And smoking outside isn’t using your system’s fresh‑air dampers. We recommend adding 10–15% more filter replacement cost versus wheezing through the season.
Maintain Humidity But Don’t Overdo It
Dry air can aggravate your throat, eyes, and sinuses, while excess humidity creates a breeding ground for mold and dust mites. Aim for 40–50% RH (relative humidity) during wildfire season.
Use a humidifier if your indoor air dips below 30%, especially at night. Just monitor it carefully! Ideally, choose a model that monitors humidity and automatically shuts off when levels get too high. Balanced humidity keeps you comfortable without inviting new air quality issues.
Keep Windows Closed Even When It’s Tempting
On a crisp July evening, it’s tough to resist opening a window. But those “fresh breezes” can bring wildfire smoke in fast, especially with shifting winds. Instead, crack a window slightly in a back bedroom that isn’t on the windward side of your house, or better yet, rely on indoor filtration.
If you’ve got a screened porch, we’ve seen families living out there. That’s fine, but close the door when the smoke gets bad, and keep a HEPA unit running. And remember: indoor air is air you control. Outdoor, you don’t.
Consider an HVAC Tune‑Up Before the Season
Our Jump HVAC team always recommends a pre-season tune‑up. We inspect the blower, clean coils, test the motor, and confirm air flow is strong and efficient.
Why does it matter when smoke’s in the air? A finely tuned system handles higher MERV filters better, circulates air more consistently, and extends the life of your equipment. We catch small problems early before they turn into costly repairs.
Reliable Indoor Air Quality Services Company Serving Columbine, CO, and Surrounding Areas
Look, we’re your neighbors. We live with the same uncertainty, the same worry about wildfires, the same hope that kids and grandparents stay safe. And we’ve been helping Columbine and the surrounding communities through thick smoke for years.
Need help getting your home wildfire-ready? Contact us today to schedule a free estimate, and we’ll walk you through the best air quality solutions for your home.