FREE REPORT BLOG (11)

Breathe Easier This Fall: How Sacramento Homeowners Can Improve Indoor Air Quality Before Wildfire Season Hits

Fall in Sacramento is more than cooler evenings and pumpkin spice—it’s also the start of wildfire season and fluctuating air quality. Even when fires are miles away, smoke and fine particulate matter travel quickly, seeping into homes and compromising your family’s health. At All Year Inc., we offer comprehensive HVAC services to prepare your system now. By upgrading filters (see our guide on Filtration Types), sealing ducts (explore our Duct Sealing Services), and maintaining your system, you can create a clean, comfortable indoor environment that protects your loved ones and keeps energy bills in check.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters Most in Fall

Sacramento’s fall brings unique challenges:

  • Wildfire smoke—PM2.5 and other pollutants can infiltrate even well-sealed homes.

  • Cooler nights, warmer days—this on-off temperature pattern stresses HVAC systems.

  • Seasonal allergens—ragweed, mold spores, and dust can spike when windows are closed.

This is the time to get ahead—don’t wait until you smell smoke or feel the scratch in your throat.

Step 1: Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC Filter

A standard 1-inch filter is not enough during wildfire season. Consider:

  • MERV 11–13 filters capture fine smoke particles and allergens.

  • HEPA filtration add-ons for sensitive households or home offices.

  • Replace filters every 30–60 days during heavy smoke events.

Upgrading filters now helps your system run more efficiently and extends its life. To choose the right system, explore our Filtration Types page, where you’ll learn which filter ratings are best suited for wildfire smoke and allergens.

Step 2: Seal and Maintain Your Ductwork

Leaky ducts let dirty outdoor air bypass your filter. All Year Inc. technicians can:

  • Inspect and seal leaks.

  • Balance airflow for consistent temperature and reduced dust.

  • Add fresh air intakes with controlled ventilation to maintain healthy oxygen levels.

See how our Duct Sealing Services can help reduce infiltration of smoke and dust, improve airflow, and lower energy bills.

Step 3: Consider Whole-Home Air Purification

For the highest level of protection, a UV Air Purification system integrated with your HVAC system removes up to 99% of airborne pollutants. Benefits include:

  • Reduced asthma and allergy triggers.

  • Less dust on furniture and electronics.

  • Fresher indoor air smell even during heavy smoke days.

By integrating UV and HEPA systems with your main HVAC, you ensure your entire home—not just a single room—benefits from purified air.

Step 4: Optimize HVAC Settings for Fall Efficiency

A few small adjustments can dramatically improve indoor air quality and system performance:

  • Run your fan continuously during smoke events to circulate air through the filter.

  • Use smart thermostats to manage daytime vs nighttime temperatures.

  • Keep windows and doors closed when air quality index (AQI) rises.

Visit our HVAC Services page to learn how we can integrate smart controls and efficiency upgrades into your system.

[Step 5: Schedule a Preventive HVAC Tune-Up

Our Sacramento-based technicians will:

  • Check and clean coils.

  • Test airflow and refrigerant levels.

  • Verify safety controls.

  • Ensure your system is optimized for both heating and cooling as fall transitions to winter.

Preventive maintenance saves money on repairs, improves efficiency, and provides peace of mind.