What Happens to Your HVAC When Wildfire Smoke Hits Your Neighborhood

Wildfire season seems to get longer every year, and it’s not just your lungs that suffer when smoke fills the air. Your HVAC system can also take a big hit.

You may not see the damage right away, but smoke and ash can clog, contaminate, and even corrode parts of your system. So, what exactly happens to your HVAC during smoky days, and what can you do to protect it?

1. Smoke Means Clogged Filters

Wildfire smoke is full of microscopic particles like ash, soot, and other debris. These particles get sucked into your HVAC system and settle right into your air filter. When your filter gets overloaded, airflow drops, and your system has to work overtime to heat or cool your home.

The result? Higher energy bills, more wear and tear, and poor indoor air quality. If the air feels stuffy or you’re sneezing more than usual, a dirty filter could be to blame.

2. Ductwork Contamination

Smoke and ash don’t stop at the filter. They can creep into your home’s ductwork and settle along the inner surfaces. That’s not just gross, it’s a recipe for bad indoor air. Every time your HVAC turns on, it can push those particles right back into your living space.

Even worse, some of those particles contain toxic chemicals from burned materials outdoors. Without a cleanup, you could be breathing that in long after the smoke clears.

3. Hidden Damage to Sensitive Parts

Did you know wildfire smoke can damage your HVAC’s electronic components? That’s right, particles in the smoke can be corrosive, especially to delicate sensors and circuit boards. Over time, this kind of exposure can cause malfunctions or even complete system failure.

How to Protect Your HVAC from Smoke

Don’t wait until your system’s choking on soot. Here are some quick tips to stay ahead –

Change filters more often, especially during wildfire season. Use a high-MERV filter (MERV 13 or higher) if possible.
Schedule duct cleaning to remove trapped ash and smoke.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to catch finer particles.
Seal off fresh air intakes to prevent outside smoke from entering.
Run your system in fan mode to circulate and filter indoor air only.