Preparing Your Spokane Home for Summer Guests: Air Quality Tips

Spokane’s sunny season draws friends and family to our patios, but it also ushers in wildfire smoke, dust, and ozone. At Air Duct Cleaning Spokane, we monitor these hazards closely and refine whole-home strategies so hosts can welcome guests into crisp, healthy indoor air.

Spokane’s Summer Air Quality at a Glance

Spokane enjoyed an unusually clean summer in 2024—no days exceeded federal health standards, and the worst 24-hour smoke reading peaked at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 82 (Moderate) on August 3. Yet every summer since 2012—except 2016 and 2024—has recorded at least one “Unhealthy” day, so the reprieve may be short-lived.

Washington’s Department of Ecology reports that wildfire smoke is now the state’s largest source of particle pollution. These particles (PM₂.₅) bypass nasal defenses, irritating lungs and hearts even in healthy adults.

Why Indoor Air Demands More Attention Than Outdoor Readings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates people spend about 90 % of their time indoors—and indoor pollution can exceed outdoor levels during cooking, cleaning, or smoke events. Hosting guests therefore requires more than checking the backyard AQI; it calls for proactive indoor safeguards.

Seal and Weatherize to Keep Pollutants Out

• Caulk gaps around window casings and sill plates. Preventing unfiltered infiltration stops smoke and pollen at the envelope.

• Install sweeps on exterior doors and upgrade attic insulation to at least R-49; a tighter envelope supports balanced ventilation rather than uncontrolled leaks.

• Inspect fireplace dampers. Chimneys act as negative-pressure straws when summer winds reverse, pulling ambient smoke indoors.

Upgrade Filtration: From Disposable to Data-Backed

ASHRAE now recommends MERV-13 filters as a residential minimum; these cartridges capture ≥ 85 % of particles in the 1–3 µm range—exactly the size of wildfire smoke.

Filter Rating	Typical Capture Efficiency (1–3 µm)	Replacement Interval*
MERV 8	~20 %	30 days
MERV 13	≥ 85 %	60 days
HEPA	≥ 99.97 %	Manufacturer spec.

*Shorter intervals during smoke events or heavy guest traffic.

Portable Room Purifiers

When HVAC retrofits are impractical, HEPA-equipped room purifiers provide zone defense for guest bedrooms. Choose units delivering at least two air changes per hour (ACH) for the room’s cubic volume.

Boost Ventilation Without Spiking Energy Bills

1. Run the system fan on “circulate” for 15 minutes every hour; modern ECM blowers draw less than 90 watts—cheaper than cracked windows during triple-digit heat.

2. Install an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV). Spokane’s dry summers make ERVs ideal; they temper incoming air and recover roughly 70 % of conditioned energy.

3. Schedule late-evening purges. After sunset, outdoor ozone and temperature drop. Automated dampers can flush the home for 30 minutes while maintaining security.

   
   

Control Humidity and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Keep indoor relative humidity between 40–50 %. This range minimizes microbial growth yet prevents excessively dry sinuses for guests accustomed to coastal climates.

• Switch to low-VOC cleaning products. Cooking and cleaning can triple indoor VOC loads; opt for certified formulas and use vent hoods that exhaust to the exterior.

• Houseplants add ambiance, not filtration. Studies show decorative foliage removes negligible pollutants compared to mechanical filtration—treat them as décor only.

Deep-Clean Ductwork and Registers

Dust and pet dander accumulate in supply runs, then resuspend when airflow increases for guest comfort. A professional cleaning every 3–5 years—or after major renovations—removes layers of particulate matter and improves system efficiency. Technicians can document airflow before and after service to verify gains.

Rapid Checklist: 48 Hours Before Guests Arrive

Task	Time Needed	Result
Replace return-air filter with MERV-13	5 min	Blocks 85 % of smoke PM₂.₅
Run HVAC fan continuously for 2 hours	2 h	Flushes stale air through new media
Wipe registers and vacuum vents	15 min	Removes surface dust that can re-entrain
Calibrate smart thermostat to 74 °F	2 min	Balances comfort with energy savings
Set purifier on “high” in guest room	30 sec	Delivers 2–3 ACH before check-in

Reminder: Keep windows closed if regional AQI exceeds 100 (Moderate) or wildfire alerts are active.

Conclusion

Summer hospitality in Spokane hinges on more than fresh sheets and cold lemonade. By sealing the envelope, upgrading to MERV-13 filtration, timing ventilation smartly, and scheduling professional duct maintenance, we safeguard indoor spaces against smoke, ozone, and allergens—ensuring every guest breathes easy, even when outdoor skies turn hazy.

Learn how pet hair and pollen can clog your air vents during summer and what to do about it in this helpful guide.

FAQs

1. How often should we replace a MERV-13 filter during wildfire season? 

Replace every 30–45 days or sooner if pressure gauges indicate a 20 % or greater drop in airflow.

2. Is an air purifier with “ionizer” mode safe for children and pets? 

Skip ionizers; they can create ozone. Choose units independently tested to emit minimal ozone.

3. Can opening windows at night still help if there’s no smoke? 

Yes—if AQI is below 50 (Good). Use box fans pointing outward in upper-story windows to exhaust warm air while drawing cooler air in at ground level.