How can I Protect my Family from Wildfire Smoke inside our House?

Protecting your family from wildfire smoke involves a multi-layered approach focusing on sealing your home, optimizing your HVAC system, and using advanced filtration.

1. Seal Your Home Against Smoke Infiltration

• Keep all windows and exterior doors tightly closed and locked during smoke advisories.

• Apply weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulk to seal gaps around frames.
• Close external vents (bathroom, kitchen, and dryer) and consider sealing them temporarily with damp towels or vent plugs.

2. Optimize Your HVAC System

• Recirculation Mode: Switch your HVAC system to recirculation mode and close the fresh-air intake damper to prevent smoky outdoor air from being drawn inside.

• Continuous Airflow: Set your thermostat fan to “ON” rather than “AUTO.” This ensures air is constantly moving through your filters to capture particles.
• Upgrade Filters: Install a high-efficiency filter rated MERV 13 or higher. Standard filters (MERV 2-4) are insufficient for trapping fine smoke particulates.

3. Enhanced Air Purification

• HEPA Filtration: Use portable HEPA air purifiers in high-traffic areas like bedrooms or living rooms. Position them 12–18 inches away from walls for maximum airflow.

• Whole-Home Air Cleaners: For comprehensive protection, consider a whole-home air cleaner integrated into your ductwork to purify air in every room simultaneously.
• PM2.5 Monitors: Use a real-time monitor to track fine particulate matter levels indoors and adjust your filtration efforts based on the data.

4. Limit Indoor Pollutants

Avoid activities that create additional indoor air issues during smoke events, such as burning candles, using wood stoves, or vacuuming without a sealed HEPA vacuum.

• Indoor Air Quality Calgary Wildfires: Complete Guide to HEPA Filtration