Filter vs. Fireplace. Holiday Season Tips!

As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like cozying up by the warmth of a fireplace. But before you light that first holiday fire, it’s essential to consider how your fireplace impacts your indoor air quality and HVAC system.

A Real-Life Example: Poor Ventilation and Filter Clogging

Last holiday season, one of our customers experienced a dramatic impact on their air filter after using a poorly ventilated fireplace. Fireplaces are typically vented through the roof with a pipe or chimney or through the wall to the outdoors with a direct vent. Between December 26th and December 31st, their fireplace was in use leading to smoke & soot / particulate matter (PM) levels in their home spiked significantly. This caused their air filter to clog much faster than usual. See air quality levels in RED.

Fortunately, they were also using a Woosh Smart Air Filter, which not only alerted them to the sudden clogging but also provided real-time diagnostics to help them take action. See filter clogging/pressure levels in BLUE. Without this early warning, the clogging could have gone unnoticed, leading to poor air quality and potential strain on their HVAC system.

The chart above highlights how PM emissions from the fireplace caused a rapid increase in filter load. This example demonstrates how Woosh can protect your home and HVAC system during unforeseen events like this.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Not all filters react the same way to fireplace emissions as a filter’s MERV rating will greatly vary its ability smoke & soot, as an example MERV 13 is effective at removing 50% of smoke & soot particles (0.3 to 1µm) while MERV 8 is 0% effective. Additionally appearances can often be misleading. For instance, both fireplaces and candles can cause a high efficiency filter to turn black very quickly — even with proper ventilation. However, in many cases, the filter may still be functioning perfectly fine, as the discoloration is primarily from a thin layer soot particles that doesn’t necessarily clog the filter until

On the other hand, there are situations where a black filter indicates it is completely clogged, as was the case with the fireplace example shared above. This variability highlights the importance of real-time monitoring and diagnostics, which is why the Woosh Smart Air Filter is so valuable — it tells you when a filter is actually clogged and needs to be replaced, not just when it looks dirty.

For more on this topic, check out our “Looks Can Be Deceiving” blog post.

Why Proper Ventilation Matters

• A well-ventilated fireplace ensures that smoke, soot, and particulate matter are efficiently removed from your home. Without proper ventilation, these emissions can linger, leading to:

• Poor Indoor Air Quality: Increased PM levels can worsen respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.

• Faster Filter Clogging: Particulates from the fireplace can quickly clog your air filter, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.

• HVAC System Strain: A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, potentially leading to higher energy bills and costly repairs.

Tips for Maintaining Air Quality When Using a Fireplace

• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your chimney is clean and functioning efficiently. Consider consulting a professional to inspect your fireplace before the holidays.

• Use Seasoned Firewood: Burning dry, seasoned wood produces less smoke and fewer particulates compared to wet or green wood.

• Let Woosh Handle It: A Woosh Smart Air Filter, which includes an air quality monitor, tracks PM levels and your filter’s performance automatically. If your filter suddenly clogs due to fireplace emissions, Woosh will notify you, ensuring your HVAC system continues to run efficiently.

• Reduce Usage in Poor Ventilation Conditions: If you notice persistent issues with PM levels or ventilation, limit fireplace use until the problem is resolved.

Stay Cozy and Safe This Holiday Season

With proper precautions and the smart capabilities of Woosh, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace without compromising your home’s air quality or HVAC system’s performance. Let Woosh take care of the unexpected so you can focus on celebrating the season with your loved ones.

For more tips on maintaining air quality, visit our blog.