If you’ve lived in Colorado Springs for more than a year, you know the drill. Summer arrives, and with it comes the dreaded orange sky and that unmistakable smell of smoke drifting in from wildfires burning hundreds of miles away. Your eyes water, your throat gets scratchy, and suddenly you’re trapped inside your own home – except the smoke somehow finds its way in anyway.
I’ve watched too many neighbors struggle with this exact problem, thinking they just have to tough it out until the winds change. But here’s the thing: your HVAC system can be your best defense against wildfire smoke, if you know how to use it properly. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your family and your indoor air quality when wildfire season hits Colorado Springs.
Why Colorado Springs Gets Hit So Hard by Wildfire Smoke
Our location often puts us right in the direct path of wildfire smoke from across the western United States. When fires burn in California, Utah, or even right here in Colorado, the smoke doesn’t just stay put. It travels on wind currents and settles into valleys and basins – and guess what? We’re sitting in one.
The Pikes Peak region creates a natural bowl that can trap smoke for days or even weeks. I’ve seen summers where the Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the “unhealthy” range for over a week straight. That’s when you realize that closing your windows and hoping for the best isn’t going to cut it.
And the problem isn’t going away; it’s actually getting worse. Recent data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows that wildfire smoke events in Colorado have increased by 35% over the past decade. Plus, the average duration of poor air quality days now stretches from 3-4 days to a whopping 7-10 days per event! That’s a lot of time to be breathing contaminated air if your home isn’t properly protected.
How Wildfire Smoke Sneaks Into Your Home
You might think that keeping your windows closed is enough, but smoke particles are incredibly small – we’re talking about particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller. To put that in perspective, that’s about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. These tiny particles can slip through the smallest gaps around doors, windows, and even through your existing HVAC system if it’s not equipped with the right filtration.
Your standard HVAC filter – you know, that cheap fiberglass one you pick up at the hardware store – is designed to protect your equipment, not your lungs. It’ll catch the big stuff like dust bunnies and pet hair, but those microscopic smoke particles? They sail right through like they’re not even there.
Understanding MERV Ratings: Your First Line of Defense
Here’s where things get technical, but stick with me because this is important. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it’s basically a rating system that tells you how good a filter is at catching particles of different sizes.
Most homes come with MERV 1-4 filters, which are pretty much useless against smoke. For wildfire smoke protection, you want to be looking at MERV 11-13 filters minimum. These can capture 85-98% of particles in the 1-3 micrometer range, which includes most smoke particles.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – why not just go with the highest MERV rating possible? Here’s the catch: higher MERV ratings mean denser filters, which means your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through them. If your system wasn’t designed for high-efficiency filters, you could end up with reduced airflow, higher energy bills, or even damage to your equipment.
For most residential systems in Colorado Springs, MERV 11-13 filters hit the sweet spot of smoke protection without overtaxing your system. If you’re not sure what your system can handle, that’s where a local HVAC professional like the team at Accurate Air Control can help you figure out the best option for your specific setup.
HEPA Filters: The Gold Standard
If you really want to get serious about air filtration, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the way to go. These filters can capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers or larger. That means they’ll catch virtually all wildfire smoke particles.
The problem? Most residential HVAC systems can’t handle true HEPA filters without significant modifications. The airflow restriction is just too much for standard equipment. However, there are “HEPA-type” or “near-HEPA” filters that offer similar performance with less airflow restriction.
Another option is adding a whole-house air purifier with HEPA filtration to your existing system. These units work alongside your regular HVAC system to provide that extra level of protection when you need it most.
Actionable Steps to Protect Your Home
1. Upgrade Your Filter Game
Start by swapping out that basic filter for a MERV 11-13 option. Check your filter size (it’s usually printed on the side of your current filter) and make sure you’re getting the exact dimensions. A filter that doesn’t fit properly is worse than no filter at all because air will just go around it.
Pro tip: buy several filters at once and change them more frequently during wildfire season. When smoke levels are high, I recommend changing filters every 2-4 weeks instead of the usual 2-3 months.
2. Seal Up Your Home
Even the best HVAC filter won’t help if smoke is pouring in through gaps and cracks. Walk around your home and check for air leaks around windows, doors, and any penetrations through walls (like where utilities enter your home).
Use weatherstripping for doors and windows, and caulk for smaller gaps. Pay special attention to your basement and attic – these are common areas where outside air sneaks in.
3. Create a Clean Air Room
During severe smoke events, consider designating one room as your “clean air sanctuary.” Choose a room with fewer windows and doors (like a bedroom or office), seal it up as much as possible, and add a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter.
This gives you a space to retreat to when outdoor air quality is really bad. I’ve had customers tell me this simple strategy made the difference between being miserable during smoke events and actually being comfortable in their own homes.
4. Use Your HVAC System Strategically
When smoke levels are high, set your HVAC system to “recirculate” or “fan on” mode. This keeps the air moving through your filtration system even when you’re not heating or cooling. Yes, it uses more energy, but the health benefits are worth it.
Also, resist the temptation to use exhaust fans (like bathroom or kitchen fans) during smoke events. These create negative pressure that can actually pull smoky air into your home.
5. Monitor Air Quality Like a Pro
Download the AirNow app or bookmark the EPA’s AirNow website to keep track of local air quality. When the AQI hits “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (101-150), it’s time to button up your home and fire up those air filtration systems.
Common Problems and Real Solutions
Problem: “My expensive filter isn’t working!”
I hear this one a lot. You spent good money on a high-MERV filter, but smoke is still getting in. Nine times out of ten, the issue isn’t the filter itself – it’s that the filter doesn’t fit properly or air is bypassing the filter entirely.
Check that your filter is seated correctly in its housing. There should be no gaps around the edges. If your filter housing is damaged or warped, air will take the path of least resistance and go around your expensive filter.
Problem: “My energy bills skyrocketed after upgrading filters”
Higher efficiency filters do restrict airflow more than basic filters, which can make your system work harder. But if your bills have gone through the roof, something else is probably going on.
First, make sure you’re not over-filtering your system. If you jumped from a MERV 4 to a MERV 16, that might be too big a leap for your equipment. Also, check that you’re changing filters regularly – a clogged high-efficiency filter is even more restrictive than a clean one.
Problem: “I can’t find filters that fit my system”
Older or custom HVAC systems sometimes use non-standard filter sizes that are hard to find in higher MERV ratings. In these cases, you might need to have custom filters made, or consider upgrading your filter housing to accommodate standard sizes.
Another option is adding a separate air filtration system that doesn’t depend on your existing HVAC equipment.
The Role of Professional HVAC Services
While there’s a lot you can do on your own, there are times when you need professional help. If you’re dealing with an older system, want to add whole-house air purification, or aren’t sure what your equipment can handle, it’s worth bringing in the experts.
A good HVAC contractor can assess your current system, recommend the right filtration options, and make sure everything is properly installed and sealed. They can also help you understand any limitations your system might have and suggest upgrades if needed.
For Colorado Springs residents, working with a local company like Accurate Air Control means you’re getting advice from people who understand our specific challenges with wildfire smoke and altitude-related HVAC considerations. You can reach them at (719) 440-6977 if you want to discuss your specific situation.
What Our Local Regulations Mean for You
Colorado has been getting more serious about indoor air quality standards, especially in light of increasing wildfire activity. The state now requires new residential construction to meet certain air sealing standards, and there are tax incentives available for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades that can include high-efficiency filtration systems.
And if you’re a landlord, Colorado’s warranty of habitability laws are starting to consider indoor air quality during wildfire events. Definitely something to keep in mind if you’re managing rental properties.
What’s Coming in 2025
The HVAC industry is responding to increased demand for wildfire smoke protection with new technologies and products. For 2025, we’re seeing more systems designed specifically for wildfire-prone areas, including smart filtration systems that automatically adjust based on outdoor air quality.
There are also new filter technologies coming to market that promise HEPA-level performance with less airflow restriction. While these are still pricey, the costs are coming down as demand increases.
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) with integrated high-efficiency filtration are also becoming more popular in our area. These systems can bring in fresh outdoor air when conditions are good, while switching to recirculation mode with enhanced filtration when smoke levels rise.
The Bottom Line
Living in Colorado Springs means accepting that wildfire smoke is part of our summer reality. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it or compromise your family’s health. With the right HVAC filtration strategy, you can maintain good indoor air quality even when the outdoor air looks like something from a post-apocalyptic movie.
Start with upgrading your filters to at least MERV 11-13, seal up obvious air leaks, and learn to use your HVAC system strategically during smoke events. If you want to go further, consider adding portable air purifiers or whole-house air cleaning systems.
The key is not to wait until the smoke is already thick to start thinking about this stuff. Set up your defenses during the off-season, so you’re ready when wildfire season hits. Your lungs will thank you, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy your home even when the air outside is barely breathable.
Remember, every home and HVAC system is different. What works perfectly for your neighbor might not be the best solution for you. When in doubt, consult with local professionals who understand both the equipment and the specific challenges we face here in Colorado Springs. The investment in proper air filtration is one of those things you’ll never regret – especially when you’re breathing easy while everyone else is struggling with smoky air.
