Protecting Schools from Wildfire Smoke

As students return to classrooms, facility managers are facing one of their toughest HVAC challenges yet: keeping smoke out while keeping learning spaces comfortable and safe.
Wildfire smoke carries dangerous fine particulate matter (PM2.5), gases, and other pollutants that travel for miles. Once indoors, they can stress HVAC systems, reduce efficiency, and compromise occupant health, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory impacts.

The solution isn’t a single filter swap. It’s a holistic strategy: monitor air quality, act on trusted data, and validate HVAC performance before and during smoke season. That’s where TSI’s solutions deliver measurable value.

Monitor Air Infiltration and System Response

Wildfire smoke doesn’t just seep in through doors and windows, it can infiltrate through HVAC intake and distribution systems. Monitoring both indoor and outdoor conditions gives you the data needed to keep systems running efficiently and prevent unnecessary strain.
With TSI AirAssure™ IAQ Monitors, schools can track PM2.5, CO₂, humidity, and more inside classrooms, hallways, and nurse’s offices. Combined with outdoor monitors (such as TSI BlueSky Environmental Monitors) or regional AQ data, this helps HVAC teams:

• Identify when smoke is entering through intakes.
• Compare indoor vs. outdoor air quality to gauge system performance.
• Detect pressure imbalances that may be drawing smoke into the building.

By pairing AirAssure with TSI Link™ Solutions, facility managers can remotely monitor and receive alerts when smoke levels rise, allowing faster response.

Learn more about AirAssure™ IAQ Monitors 

Use Data to Optimize Ventilation and Filtration

When smoke is present, ventilation decisions get tricky: too much outdoor air can bring pollutants in, but too little risks poor CO₂ levels and occupant discomfort. Facility managers need the right insights to strike the right balance.
The TSI OmniTrak™ Solution equips HVAC teams with portable, modular measurement tools that assess particulate matter, VOCs, CO₂, ozone, and more. With TSI Link™ Report Creator, TSI OmniTrak™ Solution enables:

• Filtration checks – Confirm MERV-13 or higher filters are reducing PM2.5 effectively.
• Ventilation adjustments – Determine when to minimize outdoor air intake during smoke events.
• Data-driven communication – Generate clear and easy to read reports for administrators, boards, and parents to justify operational decisions.

Discover the OmniTrak™ Solution 

Validate System Performance with TAB Tools

A school’s HVAC system is its frontline defense against wildfire smoke, but only if it’s running as designed. Leaks, unbalanced airflows, or clogged filters can compromise protection.
TSI’s Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) tools help provide HVAC professionals with the precision needed to confirm system performance. Regular validation ensures:

• Supply and exhaust airflows are balanced to prevent infiltration.
• Filters and dampers are operating at peak efficiency.
• Systems can handle reduced outdoor air intake without sacrificing indoor comfort.

By testing and adjusting proactively, facility teams minimize downtime and maximize resilience before the next smoke event hits.

Check out TSI HVAC Optimization Solutions 

Align With Industry Standards

Standards like ASHRAE Standard 44 emphasize filtration upgrades, envelope sealing, and continuous monitoring to reduce smoke infiltration. TSI solutions help facility managers take those steps to meet these requirements through proven, science-based tools.

Facility Managers Make All the Difference

On average, students can spend up to 1,000 hours each year inside school buildings. During wildfire season, HVAC teams are the gatekeepers of that air. With continuous monitoring, data-driven adjustments, and verified system performance, you can help ensure your HVAC system does more than move air. It helps protect human health, learning, and community trust.

Help Protect Your School’s HVAC Systems Against Wildfire Smoke

TSI offers the tools you need to build a resilient, smoke-ready strategy:

• AirAssure™  IAQ Monitors – Continuous IAQ insights for classrooms
• TSI OmniTrak™ Solution – Portable diagnostics and reporting
• Ventilation TAB Tools – Verified HVAC performance under stress

Take the guesswork out of wildfire smoke response. With TSI, you’ll have the data and validation you need to protect students and staff all year long.

Explore TSI Air Quality and HVAC Solutions