Is Your HVAC System Ready for Wildfire Smoke?
Is Your HVAC System Ready for Wildfire Smoke? Montana’s wide skies and mountain air are part of what make it such a great place to live—but when wildfire season rolls in, those same skies can fill with thick, smoky air that impacts both your health and home. At Patriot Heating & Cooling, we want homeowners in Billings, Laurel, and the surrounding areas to be prepared. A properly maintained and equipped HVAC system can help protect your indoor air quality when smoke settles in. Why Smoke is More Than Just a Nuisance Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles (PM2.5) that can easily enter your home and irritate your lungs, eyes, and throat—even if you’re otherwise healthy. For people with asthma, allergies, or heart conditions, exposure can be more serious. That’s why a standard HVAC system isn’t enough unless it’s ready to filter out those harmful particulates. 1. Upgrade Your Air Filter—And Check It Often Most HVAC systems come with basic fiberglass filters that aren’t designed to trap small smoke particles. During wildfire season, upgrade to a filter rated MERV 13 or higher, which is capable of capturing fine particulates like those in smoke. Also, check and replace your filters more frequently—sometimes every 30 days during heavy smoke events. A clogged filter not only fails to clean your air but also makes your system work harder, which can shorten its lifespan. 2. Switch to Recirculation Mode When outdoor air quality is poor, keep your system set to recirculation mode. This prevents your HVAC from pulling smoky air from outside into your home. Many modern systems allow you to switch to this setting manually or via your thermostat. If you’re not sure how to do this, our team can walk you through it during your next service call. 3. Seal Your Home Tight If smoke is getting in, your HVAC system will be working overtime. Help it out by sealing windows, doors, and attic openings. Use weatherstripping and caulk around gaps, and close off fireplace dampers and unused vents. Even small leaks can let in smoke and reduce your system’s efficiency. 4. Consider Adding an Air Purifier To take your air quality up a notch, consider a whole-home air purifier that integrates directly with your HVAC system. These systems go beyond basic filtration, removing airborne pollutants, allergens, and yes—wildfire smoke particles. We offer several options at Patriot Heating & Cooling that are compatible with homes in Montana’s climate and layout. 5. Get Your System Inspected Before Fire Season An HVAC system that hasn’t been cleaned or maintained won’t perform well during a smoke event. Schedule a professional inspection to make sure all components are clean, operational, and ready for heavy use. We’ll check filters, clean blower motors and ducts, and ensure that your system is optimized for the months ahead. Don’t Rely on Fans or Window Units Alone While fans and portable air conditioners can provide relief from the heat, they do very little to protect you from smoke unless they have built-in HEPA filters. In fact, they can sometimes draw in outside air, making your indoor air quality worse. Your HVAC system—when properly set up—is your home’s best defense. Breathe Easy, Even When It’s Smoky Wildfire season in Montana isn’t something we can avoid, but with the right HVAC preparation, you can keep your family safe and comfortable. At Patriot Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help you protect your home’s air quality with expert advice, filter upgrades, system inspections, and more. Visit https://patriotheatingandcoolingllc.com to schedule a pre-season inspection or air quality consultation. Let us help you turn your HVAC system into a shield against wildfire smoke—because when the skies turn gray, your home should still be a safe place to breathe. Read Next: How Elevation Affects Your HVAC System in Montana hk pools asli rtp live penidabet rtp live bocoran rtp situs togel