Top Tips to Keep Air Fresh During NW Wildfire Season

How to Maintain Clean Air During the NW Wildfire Season

Wildfire season in the Northwest can cause significant air quality issues. Knowing how to maintain clean air during this time is essential. Here are some effective strategies you can use to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.

Understanding Air Quality Levels

It’s important to monitor air quality levels during wildfire season. The Air Quality Index (AQI) helps you understand how polluted the air is. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500. Levels between 0-50 are considered good, while levels above 300 are hazardous. Check your local AQI regularly using government websites or dedicated apps.

Using Air Purifiers

A good air purifier can make a significant difference. Look for one with a HEPA filter, which can remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. Some air purifiers also come with activated carbon filters to capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful gases.

Place air purifiers in rooms where you spend most of your time, such as the bedroom and living room.
Run the air purifiers continuously during periods of poor air quality.

Sealing Your Home

Minimize the intrusion of outdoor air. Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed. Use weather stripping around doors and caulk around windows to close gaps. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use.

Use draft stoppers at the base of doors.
Check for gaps around utility openings like pipes and cables.

Creating a Clean Room

Designate one room as a clean room with minimal entry and exit to maintain clean air. Close it off from the rest of the house and run an air purifier inside this room. Ensure it is well sealed and avoid bringing in items that could introduce pollutants.

Using HVAC Systems

Many homes have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ensure the system is running on recirculate mode to avoid introducing outdoor air. Use high-efficiency filters in your HVAC system. Filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher are recommended.

Replace filters more frequently during wildfire season.
Get your HVAC system serviced regularly.

Minimizing Indoor Pollutants

Indoor activities can introduce pollutants. Avoid smoking indoors, using candles, or burning incense. Be cautious with cleaning products that emit fumes and prefer non-toxic cleaners. Cooking can also introduce pollutants, so use an exhaust fan or avoid frying and grilling during poor air quality days.

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove pollutants.
Store chemicals properly to prevent fume leakage.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration helps your body’s natural defenses work more effectively. Drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory system in optimal condition. This can help your body deal with inhaled smoke particles more efficiently.

Using Respiratory Protection

For those especially sensitive to poor air quality, consider using respiratory protection. An N95 respirator mask can filter out particulate matter, but it must fit correctly to be effective. Note that not everyone should use masks, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

Managing Outdoor Activities

Limit outdoor activities during high AQI levels. Exercise indoors or perform minimal-effort activities outside when necessary. If you need to go outside, try to do so during times when the air quality is relatively better, often early in the day.

Staying Informed

Stay updated with local news and air quality reports. Many local stations provide information on changing conditions and alerts. Sign up for mobile alerts from air quality monitoring agencies for real-time updates.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on your indoor air quality. Take proactive steps to protect your health and ensure your living environment remains as clean as possible.