Living room in Upstate NY with clean indoor air and smoky sky outside due to wildfires

Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air During Wildfire Smoke Events

When Canadian wildfires send smoke drifting across the border, many Upstate New York homeowners assume they’re safe indoors. But here’s the truth: if your home isn’t properly sealed and ventilated, that smoke will find its way inside—putting your family’s health at risk.

Wildfire smoke doesn’t just affect the air outside. It infiltrates homes through gaps, windows, and even your HVAC system, making indoor air quality (IAQ) just as much of a concern. In this post, we’ll show you how to protect your home’s indoor air when wildfire smoke blankets the region—and how Trident Heating & Cooling can help you breathe easier.

If you’re ready to improve your home’s air quality today, check out our Indoor Air Quality Services for professional solutions.

How Wildfire Smoke Impacts Indoor Air

Wildfire smoke is made up of fine particles (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful pollutants. These particles are tiny—about 30 times smaller than a human hair—and can easily penetrate buildings.

Even with windows and doors closed, smoke can enter your home through:

  • Tiny cracks and gaps in the structure

  • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents

  • HVAC systems that pull in outside air

  • Chimneys or open flues

Once inside, these pollutants can linger in the air, triggering respiratory issues, aggravating asthma, and reducing overall comfort.

Signs That Smoke Is Affecting Your Indoor Air

Not sure if your home is being impacted? Watch for these telltale signs:

  • A hazy or foggy appearance indoors

  • A lingering smoky or burnt smell

  • Allergy or asthma flare-ups

  • Dry throat, coughing, or watery eyes

  • Indoor air quality monitors showing poor AQI readings

If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action.

Quick Steps to Improve Indoor Air During Smoke Events

When wildfire smoke rolls into Upstate NY, fast action is key. Here are some immediate steps to minimize indoor air pollution:

1. Seal Your Home

  • Close all windows and doors

  • Use weather stripping and door sweeps to seal gaps

  • Cover window AC units or vents not in use

2. Run a HEPA Air Purifier

  • Use a portable air purifier in bedrooms and main living spaces

  • Choose models rated for smoke and PM2.5 removal

  • Let them run continuously during high-smoke periods

3. Use HVAC Wisely

  • Set your system to “recirculate” instead of bringing in outdoor air

  • Turn off window or attic fans that draw in smoke

  • Replace air filters with high-efficiency (MERV-13 or better) filters

4. Avoid Indoor Pollutants

  • Don’t burn candles or use gas stoves unnecessarily

  • Avoid vacuuming or sweeping—this stirs up particles

  • Skip air fresheners that can add VOCs to the air

HVAC and Wildfire Smoke: What You Need to Know

Your HVAC system plays a major role in your indoor air quality during smoke events. If your system isn’t prepared, it could actually pull more smoke indoors.

Here’s how to prep your HVAC system:

  • Replace air filters regularly: During smoke season, change filters more frequently—especially if you use basic fiberglass ones.

  • Upgrade to MERV-13+ filters: These catch much finer particles and are ideal for smoke.

  • Schedule a tune-up: A professional HVAC inspection ensures your system is clean, sealed, and running efficiently.

  • Consider installing a whole-home air purifier: These work directly with your HVAC system to remove airborne contaminants throughout your entire house.

Need help? Trident’s certified technicians offer air filtration upgrades and indoor air quality assessments customized for your home.

Long-Term Solutions for Cleaner Indoor Air

Wildfire smoke events aren’t going away anytime soon. Here are some investments that can pay off long-term:

  • Air quality monitors: Track the quality of your indoor air in real time

  • Better home insulation and air sealing: Reduces outside air infiltration

  • ERVs with filtration: These Energy Recovery Ventilators exchange stale indoor air with fresh, filtered air—without letting smoke in

  • Whole-home humidifiers or dehumidifiers: Balanced humidity helps your filters work better and keeps your air more comfortable

Trident can evaluate your entire system and recommend IAQ upgrades that match your needs and budget.

Why Wildfire Smoke Is an Ongoing Concern in Upstate NY

Recent years have shown a clear pattern: Canadian wildfires are happening more often, burning hotter and lasting longer. In 2023 alone, thick plumes of smoke turned the skies orange across Rochester, Buffalo, and surrounding towns—triggering state-wide air quality alerts.

And unfortunately, experts predict that this trend will continue.

That means wildfire smoke is no longer a rare event for our area—it’s a seasonal concern. Preparing your home now is the best way to protect your family when the next plume rolls in.

When to Call a Professional

You should contact a professional indoor air expert if:

  • You notice lingering smoke smells even after the skies clear

  • Your HVAC system isn’t circulating air properly

  • Your family is experiencing increased asthma or allergy symptoms

  • You want a long-term solution like whole-home purification

At Trident Heating & Cooling, we offer complete IAQ solutions tailored to Upstate NY homes. From filter upgrades to state-of-the-art air purification systems, we’ll help you take control of your indoor environment.

Breathe Easier With Trident Heating & Cooling

You don’t have to deal with wildfire smoke on your own. Whether you’re trying to improve air quality now or prepare for future events, Trident has the tools and experience to help.

Schedule an indoor air quality assessment with our team today. Let’s make your home a safe haven—even when the skies outside turn gray.

👉 Contact Us to schedule your IAQ consultation.

FAQs

Can wildfire smoke get in through my HVAC system?
Yes. If your HVAC pulls in outside air or if it’s not set to recirculate, it can draw smoke indoors. That’s why filter upgrades and system settings are key.

What’s the best type of air purifier for wildfire smoke?
Look for portable HEPA air purifiers that are rated for smoke and have a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for your room size.

Should I run my air purifier all day?
Yes, during smoke events it’s best to run air purifiers continuously, especially in bedrooms and common living areas.

Is it helpful to tape plastic over windows?
If your windows are older and drafty, plastic sheeting can help temporarily seal out smoke. But long-term, upgrading insulation and sealing gaps is more effective.