When wildfire smoke drifts into your community, the air outside can become hazardous quickly. Even short-term exposure to smoke can irritate your lungs, trigger inflammation, and make you more vulnerable to respiratory problems. Common symptoms include irritated eyes, sore throats, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and for those with asthma or other conditions, the risks can be even greater. That’s why one of the best things you can do during these times is to focus on your indoor air. Creating a safe, clean environment at home can help shield you from many of the harmful effects of smoke.

 

Keeping Smoke Out

The first step to cleaner indoor air is limiting how much smoke gets inside. When air quality is poor, keep windows and doors closed and switch your cooling system to “recirculate” so it isn’t pulling in outdoor air. If you rely on a window air conditioner, make sure the seal around the unit is as tight as possible and close the outdoor air damper if your model has one. Portable air conditioners with a single hose are not recommended during smoky conditions, while dual-hose units can be used if they’re sealed properly at the window.

It’s also a good idea to avoid everyday activities that add more fine particles to your indoor air. Burning candles or incense, smoking indoors, or even frying foods can contribute to indoor pollution. Instead, try gentler methods of cleaning such as mopping or wiping down surfaces, which won’t stir up extra particles.

 

Air Cleaning Options

A good air purifier can make a huge difference in maintaining healthy indoor air during wildfire season. When choosing one:

      • Select a model sized for the room where you’ll use it.
      • Make sure it’s designed with a HEPA filter and does not produce ozone.
      • If using your HVAC system, upgrade to a high-efficiency filter — ideally a MERV 13 or as high as your system allows. You may want to check with an HVAC professional to find the best option for your setup.

                   For a cost-friendly DIY solution, you can even build a box fan filter.  (Here’s How!)

 

        Tips For Different Types of Cooling Systems

Not all air conditioners are the same, and each type requires different adjustments to keep smoky air out:

      • Central HVAC systems: If your system has a fresh air intake, switch it to recirculation mode. Replace filters regularly and upgrade to MERV 13 or higher if possible.
      • Window air conditioners: Close the outdoor air damper if you have one. Make sure the unit is sealed tightly against the window.
      • Portable air conditioners: Single-hose units are not recommended during smoky conditions. Dual-hose models should be sealed tightly at the window vent kit.

 

Staying Informed

Lastly, one of the most important things you can do during wildfire season is to keep yourself informed. When smoke is in the air, conditions can change quickly. What looks like a clear morning can turn hazy by the afternoon, so it’s important to keep an eye on local updates. One of the best tools is the Air Quality Index (AQI), which gives you real-time information on how healthy, or hazardous the air is in your area. Larger wildfire events often have an Air Resource Advisor assigned to provide smoke outlooks, helping communities know what to expect in the coming days.

In addition to national resources like the CDC’s wildfire smoke page, the EPA’s wildfire page your state and local health departments can also be valuable sources of information. They often share up-to-date guidance on both wildfire smoke conditions and public health recommendations.  By staying informed through trusted sources, you’ll know when it’s safe to let fresh air in, when to keep your home sealed up tight, and how best to protect your health until air quality improves.

 

Curious about the quality of your Indoor Air? Click Here!