How to maintain healthy air quality during wildfire season
It’s wildfire season and you might be experiencing worsening air quality. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family.
Purchase an air purifier
Wildfire smoke can enter indoor spaces through windows, small openings, bathroom or kitchen fans, and HVAC systems.
The Environmental Protection Agency states that wildfire smoke can have particles less than 10 micrometers. True HEPA air filters can remove these particles from the air. Additionally, air purifiers have several benefits, including removing allergens, reducing asthma triggers in the air and lessening the risk of exposure to airborne viruses.
To get started on your search, check out the 10 Best Air Purifiers of 2025 tested by our partners at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The list contains true HEPA air filters and reliable air purifiers with a wide price range.
Consider your HVAC system & air conditioner
Some HVAC systems are equipped with fresh air intake, meaning they bring outdoor air into the system. Ensure your HVAC filter is in good condition and fits snugly in the filter slot. Replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends. A MERV 13 or higher rated filter can be a good upgrade, as they provide better filtration of air particles.
When it comes to air conditioning, if you have a window air conditioner, make sure that the seal between the window and the air conditioner is as tight as possible. Ensure that the window is closed, and consider other cooling options like a fan.
Create a clean room
A clean room, according to the EPA, is a room that keeps smoke and other particles as low as possible during wildfire events. A clean room should be free of activities that create smoke like cooking or smoking. Doors and windows should be closed. A clean room also has an air purifier. Remaining in a clean room can reduce your exposure to smoke, and it is especially helpful for children, older adults and people with heart disease or breathing problems.
Purchase N95 masks
N95 respirator masks can be purchased in hardware stores or drugstores. Wearing a mask can keep out harmful particles, especially if you have to venture outdoors.
