As forest fires continue to affect regions across Canada, Ottawa homeowners are feeling the impact—even inside their homes. Smoke particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens can easily enter through vents, windows, or poorly sealed areas. While you can’t control the air outside, you can take steps to improve the air you breathe indoors.
According to the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index, wildfire smoke can significantly raise health risks for children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions. With AQHI ratings in Ottawa reaching “very high risk” levels during recent fire events, homeowners are encouraged to take indoor air quality seriously—especially when outdoor conditions are hazardous.
At AirZone HVAC Services, we specialize in indoor air quality (IAQ) products that work together to create a cleaner, safer home. Below, we’ll compare four of the most effective solutions available today.
High-Efficiency Air Filtration: Stop Smoke at the Source
One of the most important steps in reducing indoor exposure to wildfire smoke is upgrading your home’s air filtration system. Many homeowners in Ottawa still rely on basic 1-inch furnace filters that struggle to trap fine particles—especially PM2.5, which is the most dangerous pollutant in wildfire smoke.
At AirZone, we offer a full lineup of high-efficiency air filters that go beyond standard protection. These include:
- Deep-pleated media filters that provide significantly more surface area for capturing particles.
- HEPA-level filtration systems that remove up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants.
- Custom cabinet filter solutions designed to work with a variety of HVAC setups.
These filters are not only more effective at removing smoke, dust, and allergens—they also last longer and improve your overall system efficiency. Many are paired with carbon or VOC filters for added protection against odours and chemical irritants.
To learn more about our filtration options, visit our air filters page.
HRV Systems: Fresh Air Without the Smoke
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) are especially valuable during smoke events because they provide a continuous exchange of stale indoor air with fresh, filtered outdoor air—without sacrificing energy efficiency.
In Ottawa’s climate, where homes are tightly sealed for comfort and energy savings, HRVs solve a critical issue: ventilation. Without proper ventilation, smoke and indoor pollutants build up fast. But simply opening a window during wildfire season is not a safe option.
Our HRV systems help maintain healthy oxygen levels and control humidity, while built-in filters trap incoming pollutants. Because Ottawa homeowners often deal with both dry winter air and humid summer conditions, AirZone offers multiple HRV options suited to our region’s needs.
Some of the benefits of an HRV include:
- Improved indoor air freshness year-round
- Controlled ventilation without outdoor odours or smoke
- Balanced indoor humidity during seasonal changes
- Compatibility with advanced filter kits for wildfire protection
For more details on the systems we install, visit our ventilation page:
UV Light Air Purification: Neutralize the Invisible
While filters capture particulates, they don’t address biological or chemical threats that often accompany wildfire smoke. That’s where ultraviolet (UV) air purification systems come in. These in-duct systems use high-intensity UV-C light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and chemical vapours as they pass through your HVAC system.
At AirZone, we recommend the Sanuvox R Max UV system for Ottawa homeowners who want the highest level of purification. This system combines powerful UV-C technology with a patented design that allows for full air chamber exposure, maximizing effectiveness against:
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Smoke odours and chemical by-products
- Mould spores and biological contaminants
Unlike portable air purifiers, UV systems work across the entire home and operate silently in the background.
To explore this option, visit our UV lighting page.
Whole-Home Air Purification: Multi-Layered Protection
In today’s climate, single-solution systems often fall short. That’s why many homeowners are turning to whole-home purification systems that combine multiple technologies—filtration, ionization, UV, and more—into one integrated solution.
These systems are designed to address:
- Smoke particles from wildfires
- Household allergens like dust and pet dander
- Viruses and bacteria
- VOCs from cooking, cleaning products, and outdoor pollution
Some of the most advanced units we offer also include carbon filtration and active air scrubbing technology. When combined with a high-efficiency filter and HRV system, this type of setup can dramatically improve your indoor air quality, even on days when Ottawa’s outdoor air is rated as “very high risk.”
Explore air purification options.
Add-On: Humidifiers to Soothe Respiratory Irritation
Wildfire smoke often dries out the air, especially once it enters a climate-controlled home. Dry indoor conditions can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes—especially in sensitive individuals or children.
Our furnace-mounted humidifiers provide whole-home moisture control, helping to:
- Reduce respiratory dryness and irritation
- Maintain healthy skin and sinuses
- Improve comfort during smoke season and winter
We offer bypass, steam, and fan-powered options that integrate with your HVAC system and operate automatically based on the needs of your space.
Browse humidifier products and learn which is right for your home.
Should These Systems Be Used Together?
Yes—because no single IAQ product does it all. Here’s why layering your indoor air quality solutions is the smartest choice for wildfire season:
- Air filtration removes particles like smoke and dust.
- HRVs bring in fresh air without relying on open windows.
- UV lights neutralize VOCs and airborne pathogens.
- Whole-home purifiers combine multiple technologies for best-in-class results.
- Humidifiers restore balance and soothe dry, irritated airways.
Together, these components create a fully integrated air quality defense strategy—especially valuable during peak wildfire events when outdoor air is unsafe to breathe.
Comparison Chart: Indoor Air Quality Solutions at a Glance
Product Category | Removes Smoke Particles | Neutralizes VOCs & Odours | Adds Fresh Air | Maintains Humidity | Ideal For… |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Air Filters (HEPA/Media) | ✅ | ⚠️ Carbon Add-on Only | ❌ | ❌ | Everyday filtration and wildfire defence |
HRV Systems | ✅ With Filter Upgrade | ⚠️ Partial (Dilution Only) | ✅ | ⚠️ (ERV Required) | Ventilating sealed homes during smoke |
UV Purifiers (Sanuvox R Max) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Killing microbes and neutralizing VOCs |
Whole-Home Air Purifiers | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Comprehensive IAQ protection |
Humidifiers | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Relieving dryness caused by poor air |
Your Local IAQ Experts in Ottawa
Wildfire smoke isn’t just a summer nuisance—it’s a serious health hazard. As more homeowners in Ottawa become aware of the risks, demand for whole-home air quality solutions continues to grow.
At AirZone HVAC Services, we make it simple to upgrade your home’s air defense. Our experienced technicians will assess your current system, recommend the right combination of solutions, and professionally install and service your equipment—all backed by our commitment to excellence and directly employed team members.
We invite you to reach out for a no-pressure consultation or quote:
You can also visit our Special Offers page to see current rebates and IAQ upgrade incentives: