With the increasing threat of wildfire smoke and its impact on outdoor air (OA), WellStat helps customers mitigate how these environmental conditions affect indoor air quality (IAQ).

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Project Goals

• Understand PM10 buildup in indoor spaces relative to outdoor conditions
• Assess building pressurization and HVAC system behaviors
• Identify low-cost operational strategies to mitigate IAQ degradation during wildfire smoke events
• Support facilities teams with practical guidance and on-the-job insight

Solutions Implemented

• Conducted a site-level IAQ analysis using WellStat’s real-time dashboard to benchmark PM10 levels
• Maintained or increased return-to-OA ratios in zones where indoor PM was cleaner than outdoor air
• Adjusted Air Handling Units (AHUs) operations to run overnight recirculation with dampers sealed, reducing PM infiltration
• Verified and corrected sensor placement to ensure accurate comparison of indoor and outdoor air quality
• Trained building engineers to identify and respond to IAQ anomalies during wildfire smoke events

Results

• Reduced indoor PM levels significantly across all six buildings during highrisk wildfire days
• Improved IAQ visibility and response time through real-time monitoring and alerts
• Minimized infiltration of wildfire smoke by optimizing system pressurization
• Delivered these improvements without new equipment, avoiding capital expenses
• Enhanced occupant health, comfort, and operational readiness for future smoke events

Key Takeaways

• Air quality management doesn’t require capital upgrades — just smarter system operation
• Understanding damper operation and airflow dynamics is critical in protecting IAQ during environmental stress
• Empowering building teams with the right data and strategies leads to measurable improvement in air quality

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