How to Improve IAQ During Peak Wildfire Season

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Jun 26, 2024 1:20 PM ET

While wildfire season affects all geographies differently, it's important to learn how to safeguard your indoor spaces — even if you're not at risk for evacuation. Managing your indoor air quality helps to promote good health as well as comfort. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds (even thousands) of miles, meaning renters and homeowners alike should take proactive steps to reduce the infiltration of smoke particles and indoor air pollution. To learn more about reducing exposure to wildfire smoke, we connected with the air filtration experts at 3M to get tips on how to maintain a healthy climate indoors.

Seal the House and Run the HVAC Fan

"Keeping windows and doors closed is a quick and easy way to help preserve indoor air quality. However, to help clean the air inside your home — which we often need to do — I recommend continuously running your HVAC fan to filter the air inside equipped with a higher-performing air filter, and changing your filters regularly to provide cleaner, fresher air," shares Dr. Nikki Vars McCullough, Respiratory Expert, 3M’s Personal Safety Division.

She adds, "When buying a filter, look for the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) or MPR (microparticle rating) rating listed on the packaging. The higher the rating, the more micron-sized particles your filter will capture from the air passing through it. Look for at least a MERV 13 or MPR 1900 or higher, such as a 3M Filtrete™ MPR 1900."

Make the Most of Portable Air Cleaners

If you're a renter and can't manage the HVAC in your multi-family building, add air purifiers to your space.

"If you don’t have a central air conditioning system, invest in a good air purifier. I live in a house without a central HVAC system, so we have 3M room air purifiers in almost every room of the house," notes Dr. Vars McCullough. "An alternative to buying a good air purifier is making a DIY air purifier. Instructions are available for making them out of a box fan, MPR 1900/MERV 13 air filters, cardboard, and duct tape."

Leverage Smart Technology

"Smart apps and devices have also become more and more a part of how we function in the home. There are now apps for your phone like the Filtrete™ Smart App that track outdoor air quality over time and alerts you when your air quality in your area is poor, removing the guesswork." During wildfire smoke events, use this smart home technology to gauge safety for outdoor activities, monitor smoke levels, and manage the effectiveness of your high-efficiency filter.

Limit Indoor Pollutants

We introduce a variety of air pollutants inside our homes every day, but cutting back can help reduce air pollutants — especially during wildfire season when you can't open the windows as easily. Avoid activities like smoking inside, burning candles, or using aerosol products, as these can introduce additional pollutants into your home. Opt for natural cleaning products instead of chemical ones whenever possible. Cooking indoors can also release particulates into the air, so use exhaust fans or consider grilling outside.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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