Maintain Indoor Air Quality with Air Conditioning Installation During Wildfire Season

Protecting Your Home from Smoke, Allergens and Poor Air Quality Starts with the Right AC System 

Alberta summers are beautiful, but in recent years, they’ve also brought an unwelcome guest: wildfire smoke. From hazy skies to air quality advisories, wildfire season has become a routine part of life across the province. And while the health risks of smoke outdoors are well known, many people overlook how indoor air quality is affected. 

At RT Heating, we want our clients to know that the same AC system that keeps your home cool can also help protect your family from the harmful effects of smoke and airborne particles—if it’s properly maintained and set up with the right filters. 

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Indoor Environment 

When the air outside is thick with smoke, staying indoors seems like the safest option. But smoke particles are incredibly small—so small that they can seep through small gaps in doors, windows and poorly sealed HVAC systems. Without proper filtration, these particles circulate through your home, affecting your lungs, aggravating allergies and even worsening chronic respiratory conditions like asthma. 

Health Canada recommends limiting exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during wildfire season. The best way to do that indoors is through a well-functioning air conditioning system equipped with a high-quality filter and proper air circulation. 

Your AC System’s Role in Air Quality 

Many people don’t realize their air conditioner does more than cool the air—it also filters and circulates it. But not all systems are created equal. Older or neglected AC units often have clogged filters and dust buildup that worsen air quality rather than improve it. 

By upgrading to a modern high-efficiency system or simply booking a seasonal AC tune-up with our team, you can ensure your system is capturing and removing airborne irritants—not blowing them back into your living space. 

Looking to improve your air quality right away? Our team can recommend MERV-rated filters that work with your current system to trap smoke particles, allergens and pollutants. Better filters mean cleaner air—and better protection for your health. 

Don’t Forget the Ducts! Duct Cleaning is a Routine Necessity 

During wildfire season, your home’s ductwork can also play a role in indoor air contamination. Dust, ash and pollen collect in ducts over time and can be blown out whenever the AC kicks on. That’s why regular duct cleaning and inspection is especially important before and during the peak of fire season. 

A clean duct system supports better airflow, lowers your cooling costs and keeps contaminants from spreading room to room. If it’s been more than three years since your last duct cleaning, or since your air conditioning installation, now’s the time. 

Long-Term Solutions for Cleaner, Healthier Air 

If you’re building a new home or looking to make a smart investment in your current one, consider upgrading to a system with integrated air purification. Many of today’s top AC units include options for UV light filters or advanced filtration systems that actively clean the air as they cool it. 

These upgrades aren’t just for people with allergies or sensitivities—they’re an added layer of protection for any family living in wildfire-prone regions. 

The Government of Canada’s guide to improving indoor air quality reinforces that mechanical systems play a key role in reducing indoor pollution during wildfire events. Your AC system is a frontline defence. 

Call for Air Conditioning Installation Quotes in Red Deer 

As wildfires continue to shape our summers, don’t leave your air quality to chance. A well-maintained air conditioner does more than cool your space—it creates a healthier, safer environment for you and your family. 

Book your AC maintenance or filter upgrade in Red Deer with RT Heating & Cooling today and breathe easier all summer long.