How Wildfire Smoke Affects Commercial HVAC Systems: Insights and Solutions
Fire Danger Is Real
If you’re a property owner, either commercial or residential, you might know the fear of seeing heavy smoke in the distance and then realizing that flames are rolling toward you. Not only are you worried about your safety, but you are also worried about your financial assets invested in real estate. If you’re lucky enough to escape the actual flame, your properties might still be damaged because – without doubt – wildfire smoke affects commercial HVAC systems.
An Increase in Wildfires
In recent years, wildfires have become an increasingly prevalent threat across the United States, even in the northeastern regions as evidenced by recent fires in New York and New Jersey. As these fires rage across the landscape, their effects are felt far beyond the immediate devastation to natural habitats and communities. One of the often-overlooked consequences of nearby wildfires is the impact on commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These systems, which are essential for maintaining air quality and comfort in commercial buildings, can be severely affected by smoke and particulate matter carried through the air.
The Wildfire Situation in New Jersey
New Jersey, traditionally not known for wildfires, has seen an uptick in both the frequency and severity of these events in recent years. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, over 1,000 wildfires were reported in the state in 2020 alone. In 2023, several significant fires burned large areas of forest, including parts of the Pine Barrens and other heavily wooded regions. In total, these fires scorched thousands of acres, including 4,500 acres in a particularly devastating fire in Wharton State Forest.
This increase in wildfires has been attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, which has led to hotter, drier conditions, as well as human activities such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, and even arson. While New Jersey does not face the same frequency of large wildfires as states like California, the ones that do occur are often fueled by dry vegetation and are rapidly spread by high winds. These fires, while geographically distant from urban areas, can still send plumes of smoke that impact air quality across the state.
Wildfire Smoke and Commercial HVAC Systems
Wildfire smoke is composed of a complex mix of gases and fine particulate matter, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller). This particulate matter is small enough to infiltrate buildings, even those equipped with advanced HVAC systems. When wildfire smoke reaches a commercial property, it enters through intake vents or even through small gaps in a building’s structure.
The primary concern for commercial HVAC systems is the accumulation of smoke particulates in the filters and ductwork. Over time, these particles can clog filters, reduce airflow, and decrease the efficiency of the system. Not only does this put strain on the HVAC equipment, leading to potential mechanical failure or expensive repairs, but it also affects the air quality inside the building.
The Impact on Air Quality and Health
The health risks of inhaling wildfire smoke are well-documented. Fine particulate matter from smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues, exacerbating asthma, and even contributing to long-term heart and lung diseases.
For businesses, this poses a significant challenge. Employees, customers, or tenants in a building with compromised air quality may experience increased discomfort or health issues, which could lead to higher absenteeism and lower productivity. In extreme cases, businesses may even face legal liabilities if they are unable to provide a safe and healthy indoor environment.
Preventing HVAC Damage: The Role of Elite Heating and Air Conditioning
Elite Heating and Air Conditioning, located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is a company well-equipped to handle the challenges presented by wildfire smoke. Their expert technicians can provide comprehensive inspections and maintenance services to ensure that HVAC systems are prepared to cope with smoke exposure. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can help prevent damage to commercial HVAC systems in the wake of nearby wildfires.
- Advanced Filtration Solutions: One of the first steps Elite Heating and Air Conditioning would recommend is upgrading or replacing the air filters in HVAC systems. High-efficiency filters, such as HEPA filters, are designed to trap fine particulate matter like the smoke particles that wildfires produce. These filters can significantly reduce the amount of smoke that enters the system and the building.
- Duct Cleaning and Maintenance: Over time, smoke particles can accumulate in the ductwork of a building’s HVAC system. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning ccan inspect ducts and provide guidance on on removing debris and contaminants that might have been sucked into the system during wildfire events. Keeping ducts clean not only improves air quality but also ensures that the HVAC system operates efficiently, reducing the risk of system failure due to clogging or overheating.
- Sealing and Insulation: For businesses located in areas prone to wildfires, sealing gaps and ensuring that HVAC systems are properly insulated can prevent smoke from infiltrating the building. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can assess the building’s exterior for gaps or leaks where smoke could enter and recommend solutions to seal these openings, protecting both the building’s integrity and its HVAC system.
- Air Quality Monitoring and Control: After a wildfire, Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can install air quality monitoring systems that allow businesses to track levels of particulate matter and pollutants within their building. With real-time data, building managers can adjust ventilation rates and filter replacements accordingly to maintain optimal air quality.
- Upgrading or replacing older systems: Older equipment may not be functioning at maximum capacity, and aging systems do not have the capacity to monitor and clean the air that newer systems do. Elite Heating and Air can make recommendations on how to upgrade your system so that your properties, your owners, and your Tenants are protected.
Preventive Measures for Commercial HVAC Systems
While smoke damage to HVAC systems is often a result of unforeseen circumstances, there are several preventive measures businesses can take to minimize the impact of wildfires on their operations.
Regular HVAC Inspections:
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring that HVAC systems can withstand environmental stress. A licensed HVAC technician can inspect systems for potential issues and address any weaknesses before they become serious problems.
Installing Smoke Barriers:
For businesses located near wildfire-prone areas, installing smoke barriers around the intake vents of HVAC systems can help prevent smoke from entering the building. These barriers act as filters and can block larger particles from entering the system.
Air Purifiers:
In addition to upgrading HVAC filters, installing air purifiers in commercial spaces can improve air quality during wildfire smoke events. These purifiers can be integrated into the HVAC system to remove particulate matter from the air, ensuring that the indoor environment remains as safe as possible.
Avoid Smoke Damage!
As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and severity, businesses must be proactive in safeguarding their HVAC systems against the detrimental effects of smoke and particulate matter. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning, with more than a quarter century serving commercial properties in the region, provides invaluable solutions to ensure that commercial HVAC systems are well-prepared to handle the challenges posed by wildfire smoke. Whether through regular maintenance, advanced filtration upgrades, or air quality monitoring, Elite Heating and Air Conditioning helps businesses minimize downtime, maintain healthy air quality, and protect the longevity of their HVAC systems in the face of rising wildfire threats and damage from smoke.
