If you’ve lived in Utah for more than a winter or two, you’ve probably experienced “inversion season.” It’s that stubborn layer of cold, trapped air that settles in the valleys and holds everything in—smog, car exhaust, wood smoke, and whatever else happens to be floating around. The result? Hazy skies, itchy eyes, and air quality reports that make you think twice before heading out for a jog.
But inversions don’t just affect your outdoor adventures—they creep inside your home too. The good news? A few smart moves can help you breathe easier when the valley air feels like a bad soup. Let’s talk about practical ways to protect your home’s air during Utah’s inversion season.
What Exactly Is an Inversion?
Normally, warm air rises and carries pollutants away. But in the winter, cold air gets trapped under a blanket of warmer air above, pressing everything down into the valleys. Since Utah’s major cities sit right in mountain bowls (hello, Salt Lake and Utah Valleys), the pollution has nowhere to go. Inversions can last days—or even weeks—until a storm blows it all away.
Indoor Air Quality: Your Secret Weapon
While you can’t control what’s in the air outside, you can improve what you breathe inside your home. Here’s where to start:
1. Upgrade Your Filters
- Furnace Filter: During inversion season, swap out your standard filter for a higher MERV-rated filter (look for MERV 11–13). These catch finer particles, including some of that outdoor pollution sneaking in.
- Change Often: Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed. Dirty filters not only let more gunk pass through but also make your HVAC system work harder (hello, higher energy bills).
- Consider HEPA Options: If anyone in your household has asthma or allergies, a standalone HEPA filter can make a noticeable difference.
2. Keep it Clean
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum to trap dust and pollutants that settle indoors.
- Dust with a damp cloth (dry dusters just spread it around).
- Wipe down surfaces more often—pollutants don’t just float; they land.
3. Limit New Pollutants
When the air outside is already bad, avoid adding to the problem indoors. Hold off on burning candles, using wood stoves, or heavy-duty chemical cleaners.
4. Manage Air Flow
- Seal It Up: Make sure windows and doors are well sealed so outside air isn’t sneaking in.
- Vent Smart: Use your bathroom and kitchen fans, but skip opening windows during high pollution days.
Why Your HVAC Matters
Your furnace and AC aren’t just about comfort—they’re your home’s lungs. Regular maintenance makes a huge difference in air quality. That means checking filters, cleaning ducts when needed, and making sure your system isn’t circulating more than it should.
At SilverBack Home Warranty, we love reminding homeowners that prevention saves headaches. Our plans even include annual furnace and AC tune-ups. When your system is running efficiently, it does a better job filtering the air and keeping you comfortable during those dreary inversion days.
SilverBack’s Got Your Back
Utah winters can be tough, but you don’t have to feel stuck inside a foggy fishbowl. A few smart adjustments keep your home air cleaner, your HVAC running strong, and your family breathing easier.
If you’re curious about our plans—or want details about included HVAC tune-ups—reach out today.
👉 Call us at 833-750-6400 with questions.
👉 Ready to protect your home? Place an order here.
Because whether it’s bad air outside or a surprise breakdown inside, we’ve got your back.