Wildfire smoke events drive household AC usage up 12 to 22 percent because windows stay sealed and air-handler runtime increases to maintain indoor air quality. A typical portable HEPA filter draws 30 to 80 watts continuously. Multiplied across a multi-room home with 24-hour runtime, that adds $8 to $24 per month. MERV-13 furnace filters (rated for wildfire smoke) increase static pressure and can add 4 to 8 percent to HVAC kWh.
Why smoke drives AC load up
Windows stay sealed during smoke events. Indoor heat builds with no natural ventilation. AC runtime increases to maintain comfortable indoor temperature.
HEPA air purifiers run 24/7 to maintain indoor air quality. Portable HEPA filters draw 30 to 80 watts each. Whole-home MERV-13 furnace filters increase HVAC kWh by 4 to 8 percent.
Sealed-home airflow strategy
Run HVAC fan continuously to circulate filtered air. Adjust setpoint to 76 to 78F during smoke days. Run portable HEPA filters in bedrooms.
Avoid opening windows even at night. Smoke particulate can settle indoors and persist for days. Wait until AQI drops below 100 before ventilating.
Lock the rate before the next reset.
Seenra runs the supplier shortlist in 5 minutes. No credit pull, no on-site visit, no service interruption. Forever free for households.
Get my fixed-rate quote →Common questions
Quick answers from the editorial desk
AC during smoke?
Portable HEPA wattage?
Should I open windows during smoke?
Wildfire prep checklist?
Further reading