Summer Break Means More Indoor Time – Is Your Air Safe to Breathe?

Families spend far more time indoors once school is out—movie marathons, sleepovers, gaming, and home offices all under one roof. That makes indoor air quality a summer priority, especially in wildfire season. As Air Duct Cleaning Spokane in Spokane, WA, we help households cut smoke, allergens, and stale, humid air with science-backed fixes that actually move the needle. As the U.S. EPA notes, “We spend about 90% of our time indoors.” That’s exactly where smarter filtration, ventilation, and maintenance pay off.

Why Spokane Summers Challenge Indoor Air

Spokane’s wildfire season can push fine smoke particles (PM2.5) indoors through leaks, window gaps, and HVAC outside-air intakes. Local monitoring shows recent seasons brought a majority of “Good” AQI days but also a meaningful number of “Moderate” and occasional “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” days—clear reminders that smoke episodes happen even in relatively clean years. Track conditions with your preferred AQI app or regional air agency updates.

During smoke events, set up a clean-air room and limit outdoor air until AQI returns to green.

What’s in Your Summer Indoor Air (and Why It Matters)

• Wildfire smoke (PM2.5): penetrates deep into lungs; indoor levels rise without filtration or a clean-air room.

• Ozone & outdoor pollutants: infiltrate through openings and unbalanced ventilation.

• Humidity & bioaerosols: high RH fuels mold and dust mites; target 30–50% RH.

• Crowding + poor ventilation: more people home increases CO₂ and exhaled aerosols; better ventilation lowers risk.

Seven Evidence-Backed Upgrades for Safer Summer Air

1) Upgrade your central HVAC filter (aim for MERV-13)

Most systems can accommodate MERV-13 without issues when changed on schedule, giving far better capture of smoke-sized particles than MERV-8.

For smoke events and DIY box-fan cleaners, use MERV-13 filters.

2) Right-size a portable HEPA purifier

Choose a unit with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) matched to room size, and run it where people gather (bedrooms, family rooms). Close doors to keep the room’s clean-air budget focused.

3) Ventilate smartly (and measure it)

Bring in outdoor air when the AQI is “Good/Green,” but switch to recirculate when smoke rolls in. A portable CO₂ monitor helps spot stale air; lower readings generally indicate more fresh air per person.

4) Control indoor humidity to 30–50%

Keep RH in the 30–50% band to deter mold and dust mites and improve comfort. Use bathroom/kitchen exhaust, fix leaks fast, and run a dehumidifier during muggy spells.

5) Seal and balance ductwork

Leaky ducts typically waste 20–30% of conditioned air and can pull dusty, smoky attic or crawlspace air into the system. Professional sealing and balancing improve IAQ and efficiency.

6) Replace filters on a summer schedule (and save energy)

Dirty filters increase AC energy use by 5–15%. Check monthly in summer; replace when visibly loaded or per manufacturer guidance.

7) Set up a clean-air room for smoke days

Pick one closed room (often a bedroom), run a HEPA purifier on high, weather-strip the door, and avoid adding pollutants (no candles, incense, or high-heat frying).

When Does Duct Cleaning Actually Help?

The EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning but does advise cleaning as needed—for visible mold, vermin, or excessive dust/debris blowing from registers. A proper job includes inspecting key components and preventing fiber release. That’s where a reputable provider matters.

Tip: Before smoke season, have the system inspected, repair leaks, install the highest-efficiency filter your blower can handle (often MERV-13), and schedule coil/blower cleanings when needed.

A Spokane-Specific Summer IAQ Game Plan (2 Weeks)

Day 1–2 — Check AQI tools; stock MERV-13 filters; place a HEPA unit in bedrooms; buy door/weather seals and a simple CO₂ monitor. Day 3–4 — Seal accessible duct leaks; schedule pro sealing/balancing if static pressure is high or rooms are uneven. Day 5–7 — Set AC to recirculate on smoky days; on green AQI mornings, open windows for short bursts to flush CO₂ and VOCs. Week 2 — Maintain 30–50% RH; fix any condensation; deep-clean return grilles; replace filters if pressure drop/noise rises.

What It Looks Like in Practice

• Kids at home all day: HEPA unit runs in the family room; doors closed during smoke; cooking moved to times with better AQI; bathroom fan runs 20 minutes after showers.

• Allergy-prone household: MERV-13 in the air handler; RH held near 45%; weekly bedding wash; vacuum with a HEPA bag.

• Energy-aware homeowner: Seals ducts and replaces filters to cut bills while keeping air cleaner.

CONCLUSION

Summer break concentrates people—and pollutants—indoors just as wildfire smoke threatens outdoor air. The best results aren’t complicated: MERV-13 filtration, HEPA in the rooms you use most, ventilate strategically with AQI awareness, hold humidity at 30–50%, and seal leaky ducts. That combination reduces smoke exposure, allergens, and energy waste in one sweep. When ducts are contaminated or leaking, a targeted clean and seal is more effective than routine cleanings. If you’d like a Spokane-specific inspection and MERV-13 upgrade plan before the next smoke day, Air Duct Cleaning Spokane can align your system with the guidance from leading agencies so your family actually breathes the difference.

Discover how professional air duct cleaning can boost efficiency and help you qualify for energy rebates and green home credits—read the full guide here.

FAQs

1) What MERV rating should we run in summer? 

Aim for MERV-13 (or the highest your blower can handle without excessive pressure drop). It markedly improves capture of smoke-sized particles versus MERV-8.

2) How often should we change filters when the AC runs nonstop? 

Check monthly in summer and replace when loaded; clean filters can reduce AC energy use and protect coils.

3) Do ducts need cleaning every year? 

No. Cleaning is recommended as needed—for visible mold, vermin, or debris blowing from vents—and should be paired with sealing leaks to prevent re-contamination.