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

Written by

Published on

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.

UV Light for HVAC: What is Ultraviolet (UV) Technology?

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 28, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Close up image of a UV light designed for HVAC installation — UV-C is highly effective at killing or inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by damaging their DNA and preventing replication.

UV stands for ultraviolet, a type of electromagnetic radiation not visible to the human eye. UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and is divided into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C light, which has the shortest wavelength and the most energy, is used for HVAC applications.

Chart showcasing where UV electromagnetic radiation (non-ozone forming) sits within the light spectrum — One of the most significant benefits of using UV lights in HVAC systems is improved indoor air quality. UV lights kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses.

In HVAC systems, UV lights are installed in the air ducts or near the evaporator coils to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV light kills these microorganisms by damaging their DNA, preventing them from reproducing and causing health problems.

There are two types of reasons why UV lights are commonly used in HVAC systems:

Coil Sterilization: Coil sterilization involves placing UV lights near the evaporator coils to kill any microorganisms that may be growing on them.
Air Sterilization: Air sterilization involves installing UV lights in the air ducts to kill any microorganisms that are circulating in the air.

UV lights used in HVAC systems are designed to emit a specific wavelength of UV-C light that is known to be effective in killing microorganisms. UV-C refers to ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 200 and 280 nanometers. It is highly effective at killing or inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, by damaging their DNA and preventing replication.

They are also designed to be safe for use in HVAC systems and do not produce harmful ozone.

Benefits of UV for HVAC

Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

One of the most significant benefits of using UV lights in HVAC systems is improved indoor air quality. UV lights kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and allergies. Common household VOCs that HVAC UV light systems neutralize include paints, solvents, aerosols, cleaners, disinfectants, repellents, and air fresheners.

Increased Energy Efficiency

By killing microorganisms on the evaporator coils, UV lights can also increase the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. This is because microorganisms can reduce the efficiency of the coils by creating a layer of grime, reducing heat transfer, and forcing the HVAC system to work harder to achieve the desired temperature.

Reduction of HVAC Maintenance Costs

UV lights can also reduce HVAC maintenance costs by reducing the need for coil cleaning and replacement. By killing microorganisms, the UV lights can prevent grime buildup on the evaporator coils, leading to reduced efficiency and more frequent cleaning or replacement.

Prevention of Mould and Other Biological Growth

Another benefit of UV lights in HVAC systems is preventing mould and other biological growth. Mould can be a serious problem in HVAC systems and cause health problems for building occupants. UV lights can prevent mould growth by killing the mould spores before they can take hold and grow.

Applications of UV for HVAC

Ultraviolet (UV) light has a range of applications in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. UV can be used for HVAC systems induct or as a portable device to improve indoor air quality and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

In HVAC systems, UV technology can be installed in the ductwork to sterilize the air as it passes through. This helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can circulate through the building. UV light can also help to reduce mould and mildew growth, which can cause unpleasant odours and damage to HVAC components.

Portable UV devices can be used to disinfect surfaces and air in specific areas of a building, such as offices or conference rooms. These devices emit UV-C light that can quickly kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Portable UV devices are particularly useful in high-traffic areas, where regular cleaning and disinfecting may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of germs.

Residential HVAC Systems

UV lights can be used in residential HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of illnesses. They can also reduce HVAC maintenance costs by preventing the buildup of grime on the evaporator coils.

Commercial HVAC Systems

Commercial buildings such as offices, schools, and hospitals can benefit greatly from UV lights in HVAC systems. They can help prevent the spread of illnesses and improve indoor air quality for building occupants.

UV Light for HVAC in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics can benefit greatly from UV lights in HVAC systems. They can help prevent the spread of illnesses and reduce the risk of infections in patients who are already ill.

Maintenance of UV for HVAC

1. Cleaning and replacing UV lamps

The maintenance of UV lights in HVAC systems typically involves cleaning and replacing the UV lamps. The lamp replacement frequency will depend on the specific system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. While UV-C light is highly effective, it can also be dangerous to humans if they are exposed to it directly for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working and maintaining UV-C technology and should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Checking for the proper functioning of UV lights

It’s also important to regularly check that the UV lights are functioning properly. This can be done by checking for the blue glow that indicates that the UV light is on or by a status indicator on your unit. It’s also important to check that the UV lamps are free of dust and debris that can reduce their effectiveness.

While UV-C light is highly effective, it can also be dangerous to humans if they are exposed to it directly for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working and maintaining UV-C technology and should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Maintenance Frequency

The frequency of maintenance will depend on the specific system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, UV lights in HVAC systems require annual maintenance, including cleaning and lamp replacement.

Induct-300W UVGI Technology

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI, uses shortwave UVC energy for germicidal irradiation. We utilize Air Sniper’s innovative technology, featuring UVGI light at a spectrum of 253.7 nanometers, as other wavelengths are prone to producing ozone. This UVGI technology achieves effectiveness from a holistic perspective by combining multiple high-wattage bulbs, reflective panelling and proper circulation time.

Learn more about our UVGI technology here.

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