101: Mechanical Systems Design in Smoke + Extreme Conditions

As wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and degraded outdoor air become more common, “normal” mechanical system design is no longer enough. This session focuses on what it actually takes to keep buildings safe, habitable, and resilient when outdoor conditions break down.

We’ll explore how to design and operate mechanical systems that protect occupants during heavy smoke events and other extreme scenarios—where filtration, ventilation, and system strategy become critical to survivability, not just comfort.

In this session, you’ll learn:

-Why standard or “good” filtration often falls short when outdoor conditions are extreme

-How to design and install high-performance filtration systems, including MERV-16 and HEPA

-Practical retrofit and “triage” strategies for improving ventilation and filtration when space, time, or budget are limited

This is a solutions-focused conversation about designing for what’s next—buildings that don’t just perform under ideal conditions, but continue to protect occupants when systems fail and the air outside is no longer safe.

John Semmelhack is co-owner of The Comfort Squad LLC, a leading home performance consulting and contracting firm based in central Virginia. The Comfort Squad designs and installs all-electric HVAC and hot water systems for both new construction and retrofit projects, with a focus on delivering comfort, healthy indoor air, and high performance.

✨ Bonus: Continue the conversation inside the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our community platform where practitioners share resources, host AMAs, and collaborate year-round. Join here: https://collective.reimaginebuildings