If you live in Marin County or San Francisco, you already know how wildfire season affects daily life. In recent years, PG&E’s Planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have become part of the routine, and smoky days are all too familiar. While we usually think about stocking up on flashlights, batteries, and backup food, many homeowners don’t realize their HVAC system also needs attention before, during, and after outages.
Taking a few steps now can protect your equipment, improve indoor air quality, and make your home more comfortable when the power does come back on.
- Turn Off Your System Before the Power Goes Out
When PG&E issues a shutoff alert, switch your HVAC system off at the thermostat. This prevents sudden surges when power is restored that could damage motors, compressors, or circuit boards. - Unplug or Switch Off at the Breaker
For extra protection, especially for central AC units or furnaces, shut off power at the breaker panel. This keeps sensitive electronics safe from unexpected surges. - Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Wildfire season often comes with unstable power conditions. Surge protectors help guard your HVAC system (and other major appliances) from costly damage when electricity comes back on.
Breathing Easier on Smoke Days
Even if the power stays on, wildfire smoke can quickly seep indoors:
- Switch HVAC Fans to “Recirculate”
This keeps smoky outdoor air from being pulled in through your system. - Use Portable HEPA Air Purifiers
Place them in bedrooms or living spaces for added protection against smoke particles. - Upgrade Your HVAC Filters
High-efficiency filters (rated MERV 13 or higher) capture more fine particles, improving air quality when the outside air is unhealthy.
Smart Thermostats & Outages
Most smart thermostats continue working in a limited way even without Wi-Fi. Before wildfire season, review the offline features of your thermostat (like manual temperature adjustments) so you’re not caught off guard. Some models can also notify you of outages and temperature changes via app alerts.
Backup Power Options
For some homes, a backup power solution brings peace of mind:
- Portable Generators can run small HVAC components or portable AC units.
- Whole-Home Generators provide seamless backup power, allowing central heating or cooling to operate normally.
- Battery Systems (like Tesla Powerwall) pair with solar panels and can keep essentials, including your HVAC fan or portable air purifiers, running during extended outages.
When considering backup power, it’s important to talk with a licensed electrician to size the system properly for HVAC needs.
Restarting Safely After an Outage
When power returns, resist the urge to immediately switch everything on at once:
- Wait 10-15 minutes before restarting your HVAC system. This gives the grid time to stabilize.
- Turn your system back on at the thermostat and listen for unusual noises.
- Check your filter, especially after a smoky event, and replace if needed.
- If your system doesn’t restart or is blowing weak air, it’s best to call a technician rather than forcing it.
Wildfire season is stressful enough- the last thing you need is an HVAC breakdown on top of it. With a little preparation, you can protect your system, improve indoor air quality, and keep your home comfortable no matter what PG&E or the weather throws at you.
At Bay Air Heating & Cooling, we help Marin and San Francisco homeowners prepare their HVAC systems for every season- and recover quickly after outages.