How to Protect Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Episodes
Experts outline steps for keeping home air clean when wildfire smoke drifts into cities, emphasizing filtration, sealing leaks, and safe cooling.
When wildfire smoke blankets a region, tiny particles pose hidden health risks, prompting officials to advise staying inside and improving indoor air. Central air conditioners work best with MERV-13 or higher filters, running on fan-only mode and recirculating air while closing exterior vents. Portable air cleaners should be HEPA-rated and ozone-free; a single unit can serve as a clean-room for prolonged use.
DIY box-fan filters built from furnace filters perform comparably to commercial purifiers, according to EPA research. Window and mini-split units must be tightly sealed, set to recirculate, and used sparingly with supplemental filtration. Homeowners should tape or towel any gaps that let smoke in and avoid candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Early symptoms like coughing or eye irritation warrant moving to a cleaner space or seeking emergency care if severe.
Why it matters
Wildfire smoke can trigger serious health problems, so effective indoor air strategies protect millions during prolonged haze events.
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