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Wildfire Season Has Become a Business Risk Every Facility and CRE Leader Should Plan For in 2026

Wildfire season strains buildings and people. See how facilities can prepare in 2026 to reduce costs, protect tenants, and build resilience.

Ava Montini

Mar 11, 2026

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Wildfire smoke has moved from an environmental concern to a business risk for the built environment. One that affects operations, budgets, tenant trust, and even asset value. Smoke does not stay confined to forests. It drifts hundreds of kilometers into cities, infiltrates through HVAC intakes, window gaps, and loading docks, and turns buildings into frontline defense systems for the people inside them.


For facility managers, this shift reframes wildfire smoke as a predictable operational stress event, on par with a winter storm, a power outage, or a heat wave. For CRE executives, it reframes it as a reputational and financial challenge; one that determines tenant satisfaction, energy costs, and the long-term resilience of portfolios.


The Business Side of Smoke Days

When wildfire smoke drifts into a region, the strain on buildings is both immediate and multi-layered. Filters load faster, pushing fans to use more power just to keep airflow steady (EPA). As systems deviate, alarms trigger more frequently, and maintenance teams are pulled from planned tasks into reactive changeouts (Facility Executive). Meanwhile, vendors across the region see surging demand; parts and pads that usually arrive in days might take a week or more (NC State). That delay alone can unravel even the most rigorously planned preventive maintenance schedules.


Inside the building, occupants feel a different side of the same event. They note scratchy throats, irritated eyes, or rooms that feel stale or “heavier” when fresh air intake is reduced (AirNow). They see Air Quality Index alerts on their phones and news headlines escalating (EPA AQI). In those moments, the question is no longer just whether systems are responding, it’s: Is the building protecting me? When communication is missing or unclear, perception can trump technical measures, tipping the balance from confidence to complaints (BOMA).


Why It Matters More in 2026

The stakes are rising. Multiple studies show that during wildfire events, indoor air can reach one-third to three-quarters of outdoor particulate concentrations in buildings lacking robust mitigation (PMC). Residential buildings in fire-affected areas have shown infiltration ratios reflective of this risk (PMC). In some wildfire-impacted care environments, indoor concentrations have peaked near 200 µg/m³ (NCBI). In contrast, well-configured filtration systems often reduce that exposure to roughly 43% of outdoor levels, showing how effectively mitigation can work (NCCEH).


The human health impacts are significant. Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is linked to asthma flare-ups, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular stress (EPA). Sensitive populations (children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions) are most at risk (CDC). However, research also shows that even healthy adults are not immune to short-term exposure (PubMed). Harvard-led studies estimate that wildfire smoke has caused over 15,000 premature deaths in the U.S. in recent decades, with an associated economic burden of $160 billion (Harvard). For employers and property leaders, this translates into absenteeism, healthcare costs, and measurable productivity loss (National Bureau of Economic Research).


At the same time, smoke is a mechanical stressor. It accelerates filter clogging, pushes fans outside their normal operating range, and drives up energy consumption (ScienceDirect). Facility executives consistently report higher unplanned maintenance costs during wildfire season, along with shortened asset life for critical HVAC equipment (Facility Executive). Viewed at scale, these costs ripple upward into operational budgets and capital planning, making smoke days not just a maintenance issue but a financial liability.


What Smoke Events Do to Commercial HVAC Systems


Wildfire smoke can be seen as just “dirty air", but to get deeper, it is a dense mix of ultrafine particles, ash, organic compounds, and combustion byproducts that behave differently from typical urban pollution.


When these particles enter HVAC systems, three operational challenges occur simultaneously:


  • Rapid filter loading and front loading: Fine smoke particles quickly accumulate on the front face of filter media rather than distributing evenly through the depth of the filter. This “front loading” effect increases resistance to airflow much faster than normal particulate loading.

  • Fan energy increases: As pressure across the filter bank rises, fans must work harder to maintain airflow.

  • Airflow imbalance: Systems designed for stable pressure conditions may struggle to maintain balanced ventilation across zones.


During heavy smoke events, these mechanical effects can compound quickly. What begins as a minor filtration issue can cascade into comfort complaints, airflow deviations, and unexpected service calls.


Rethinking Preparedness

Preparedness today requires more than having spare filters in storage. Facilities that treat smoke season as part of their risk portfolio are proving more resilient. Research shows that buildings operating with lower baseline pressure drops have more headroom when smoke events occur, allowing systems to maintain airflow without tipping into alarm states (ScienceDirect). Forward-looking teams also map their most critical zones (like labs, classrooms, care units, or executive suites) and prioritize them during smoke events, an approach recommended in EPA guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).


Another resilience factor is vendor readiness. Case studies after the 2020 smoke season showed that supply chain bottlenecks caused delays of days to weeks in replacing filters and components, leaving unprepared facilities exposed (NC State). Facilities that negotiated priority contracts in advance were able to maintain schedules even during regional demand surges. Similarly, using AQI forecasts and on-site PM₂.₅ sensors has been shown to improve response times; by acting early, facilities reduce exposure and minimize tenant complaints (PMC).


Wildfire readiness also intersects with broader sustainability and ESG commitments. Poor indoor air quality during smoke events undermines health-related certifications like WELL and LEED, while higher fan energy use increases a building’s carbon footprint (USGBC; IWBI). Integrating smoke resilience into ESG strategies provides measurable benefits for investors and stakeholders while demonstrating a proactive approach to tenant wellness.


Three Questions Facility Leaders Should Ask Before Smoke Season


Forward-looking facility teams increasingly treat wildfire smoke the same way they treat winter storms or heat waves: as a seasonal operational risk.


Before wildfire season begins, three questions can help identify vulnerabilities:


1. How much airflow headroom does the HVAC system have?

Buildings operating near maximum pressure limits may struggle when filters load rapidly during smoke events.


2. Are replacement filters and components secured in advance?

Regional smoke events often trigger sudden demand spikes, delaying shipments and increasing costs.


3. Are response protocols clearly defined?

Teams should know when to increase filtration, adjust outdoor air intake, and communicate with tenants.


Facilities that answer these questions early often respond faster and maintain better building performance during smoke days.


The Bottom Line

Facilities without strong preparedness can see indoor pollutant levels rise to 75% of outdoor concentrations during wildfire events, while prepared buildings cut that exposure nearly in half (NCCEH). Harvard-led analyses estimate that wildfire smoke causes tens of billions of dollars in annual economic damage, largely through absenteeism and healthcare costs (Harvard). From a mechanical standpoint, smoke accelerates filter clogging, forces fans to operate at higher energy use, and shortens asset lifespan, driving up costs across operations and capital planning (Facility Executive).


The buildings that are prepared today will reduce alarms, complaints, and unplanned expenses tomorrow, while earning the trust of the people inside. Tenants will remember which buildings felt steady, cared for, and resilient when the outside air was anything but.

Top Energy Grants and Funding Programs for HVAC and IAQ Upgrades in 2024

  • Writer: Ava Montini
    Ava Montini
  • Oct 7, 2024
  • 3 min read

In 2024, the importance of improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and upgrading HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems continues to grow, driven by increasing sustainability goals and a focus on health and well-being. Businesses, public institutions, and government entities are seeking ways to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Energy grants and funding programs offer a crucial pathway to achieving these goals while managing costs.


This guide explores the top energy grants and funding programs available in 2024 to support HVAC and IAQ upgrades, providing businesses and institutions with a roadmap to align their operations with long-term sustainability and energy efficiency goals.



1. Federal and National-Level Energy Grants

Federal-level grants play a vital role in encouraging energy-efficient upgrades, helping organizations improve air quality and reduce operational costs. These programs often provide the foundation for large-scale sustainability projects.


  • The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)

    The EECBG Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), provides grants to states, local governments, and tribal entities to improve energy efficiency and conserve energy. The program supports HVAC and IAQ upgrades, helping institutions meet both energy reduction and sustainability targets.


    Learn more about the EECBG Program​


  • The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

    LIHEAP assists low-income households with energy-related needs, including HVAC improvements that enhance both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It’s particularly impactful in areas where aging HVAC systems compromise air quality.


    Explore LIHEAP Program Overview



2. State and Provincial-Level Programs

State and provincial programs provide targeted financial assistance to help businesses, schools, and other institutions upgrade their HVAC systems and improve IAQ. These programs often include rebates or direct funding to reduce energy costs while improving the health of indoor environments.


  • California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

    SGIP is one of California’s leading incentive programs for energy efficiency. It offers rebates for energy-efficient HVAC systems, contributing to reduced emissions and improved indoor air quality. This program reflects California’s broader commitment to sustainability and energy independence.


    Explore SGIP


  • Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program

    Ontario’s Save on Energy program provides businesses with financial support to upgrade their HVAC systems, offering incentives for energy-efficient retrofits that improve IAQ and reduce energy consumption. This program is a key part of Ontario’s energy conservation strategy.


    Details on Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program



3. Utility and Energy Efficiency Programs

Utility companies across North America are offering energy efficiency programs that provide rebates and incentives for HVAC upgrades. These programs are designed to lower energy consumption, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of indoor air.


  • National Grid Energy Efficiency Program (U.S.)

    National Grid offers substantial rebates for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades. This program helps businesses reduce their energy usage while improving air quality and contributing to overall sustainability goals.


    Read more on National Grid’s program.




4. Green Building Certifications and Sustainability Programs


Incentives aligned with certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard encourage organizations to upgrade HVAC systems to meet higher standards for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.


  • LEED Certification Incentives

    Many cities and states offer incentives for LEED-certified buildings, which prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. HVAC upgrades are often required to meet LEED standards, resulting in improved indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy on average, contributing to healthier, more sustainable environments.


    Learn more about LEED Certification.


  • WELL Building Standard Certification Support

    The WELL Building Standard focuses on human health and well-being, with an emphasis on indoor air quality. Many funding programs, particularly in urban areas, provide financial support to businesses seeking WELL certification.


    Learn more about WELL Certification.




In 2024, energy grants and funding programs continue to provide critical support for organizations looking to upgrade their HVAC systems and improve indoor air quality. These programs offer an opportunity to align with ESG goals while reducing operational costs and improving the health of indoor environments. By leveraging available funding, businesses and institutions can enhance their sustainability efforts and create healthier spaces for occupants.

To explore the available energy grants and funding programs, including regional opportunities across North America, visit our interactive map, where you can find the latest grants tailored to your region and industry.

Explore expert insights, stay up-to-date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the developments shaping the built environment.

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