Wildfire smoke can infiltrate Los Angeles neighborhoods even when the fire is miles away. For property managers, that means answering urgent tenant questions about smoky smells, closed windows, and whether the air conditioning is making things worse. JMS Air Conditioning and Heating helps property owners make practical improvements to their existing systems. A few well-timed changes can make a real difference without committing to a full HVAC replacement. Here’s what to know and how to plan.
Upgrade HVAC Filters Before Wildfire Smoke Arrives
Smoke contains fine particles that ordinary low-efficiency filters don’t always catch very well. A MERV 13 filter can capture more of those particles, but don’t buy a stack for every unit without checking compatibility first. Some older systems can’t handle the extra resistance, especially when filters get too dirty.
Our technicians can confirm the appropriate filter rating and size for each system. Keep replacements on hand and check filters more frequently during prolonged smoky conditions. Make sure the filter fits snugly so air can’t slip around the edges without being cleaned.
Set HVAC Systems to Recirculate Indoor Air
When outdoor air quality is poor in Los Angeles, keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible. For systems with a controllable outdoor-air intake, reducing outside air can help limit how much smoke gets inside, as long as the building’s ventilation requirements are maintained.
In homes with central forced-air systems, running the fan more often can help filter indoor air, provided the system has a suitable filter and the fan can operate for longer periods. Property managers should know which settings are appropriate for each building, especially since commercial and multifamily ventilation systems often have different requirements.
Cleaner Air for Tenants
For Los Angeles property owners, whole-building air purifiers with high-efficiency filtration can help reduce airborne wildfire smoke particles in apartments, condos, and other multifamily properties. Installed within compatible HVAC systems, these systems filter air as it circulates through the spaces they serve.
Professional evaluation is especially important in apartment buildings, where individual units and common areas may use separate HVAC systems. Proper equipment selection, installation, and regular filter replacement help support cleaner indoor air during wildfire season, although filtration cannot eliminate every smoke pollutant.
Check Air Leaks and Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
Even with a good air filter, wildfire smoke can make its way indoors through gaps around doors and windows. This can be a particular concern in older Los Angeles buildings where weatherstripping has worn down over time. For property managers, checking these areas before wildfire season can help reduce the amount of smoke entering individual units.
Schedule Indoor Air Quality Service in Los Angeles
Wildfire smoke can turn indoor air quality into a big problem for Los Angeles property managers, but protecting your tenants doesn’t have to mean expensive HVAC upgrades. Our team at JMS Air Conditioning and Heating can help you improve indoor air quality by checking your existing equipment, recommending suitable filters, and addressing airflow problems.
