The short answer
Seal Your Home's Openings
Wildfire smoke enters through the tiniest cracks. Check windows, doors, and vents for gaps. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or painter's tape to close them. Pay attention to the edges of doors and window frames, where drafts often hide.
Close fireplace dampers and seal gaps around exhaust fans. If you have a window air conditioner, check that the seal around the unit is tight. A quick inspection before smoke season helps. The goal is to make your indoor air as isolated as possible.
- Close all windows and doors
- Use tape on old window seams
- Seal door bottoms with a draft stopper
- Close fireplace dampers
- Check vent covers for gaps
Filter Indoor Air
A portable air purifier with a HEPA filter can cut smoke particles indoors. Place it in the room where you spend the most time, like a bedroom or living room. Run it continuously, not just when the air looks hazy. Keep doors to that room closed to create a cleaner zone.
If you have central air conditioning, switch the system to recirculate mode so it pulls air from inside, not from outside. Change the filter before smoke season starts. A clean filter works better. You can also build a DIY box fan filter with a MERV-13 filter, but commercial purifiers are often more effective.
The pros who handle indoor air quality after a wildfire may use commercial air scrubbers and negative air machines. Those are for heavy smoke damage, not everyday use. For your home, a simple purifier is a practical first step. Keep it running until local air quality improves.
Limit Indoor Smoke Sources
Smoke can come from inside your home too. Avoid cooking with gas, burning candles, or using a wood stove. Even vacuuming can stir up settled smoke particles. Wait until the air clears to do a thorough cleaning.
If you smoke cigarettes, do it outside. If you must cook, use a microwave or an electric stovetop with a range hood that vents outdoors. These small choices reduce the amount of smoke you breathe. The less you add, the better your air quality stays.
For homes with attached garages, keep the door between the garage and living space shut. Exhaust from cars or generators can pull smoke in. Check that your garage door seal is intact. This is a simple step that many people overlook.
Create a Clean Room
Pick one room, preferably without windows or with few windows, and make it your clean room. Close the door and run an air purifier there. Add a towel at the bottom of the door to block drafts. This gives you a safe space to retreat to during heavy smoke.
Stock the room with water, snacks, a battery-powered radio, and any medical supplies you might need. If you have asthma or other breathing conditions, keep your inhaler close. See a doctor if you feel unwell from smoke exposure. You can also check your insurance policy to see if temporary lodging might be covered during severe smoke events. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Make the room comfortable enough to stay in for hours. Add a fan for circulation, but point it away from your face. An air purifier works well when the room is small and closed off. This is a practical strategy for wildfire season.
Monitor Air Quality
Check local air quality reports every day during wildfire season. Websites and apps like AirNow give real-time readings. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) goes above 100, it's time to seal up and use your purifier. When it hits 200 or more, stay indoors as much as possible.
Watch for signs of smoke, like a haze or a smoky smell, even if the reports say otherwise. Wind can shift quickly. If you have a smart home system, set it to alert you when air quality drops. Acting quickly is key. You can also look up your local emergency management office for guidance.
For homes where wildfire smoke can drift from distant fires, staying informed is your most sensible tool. The same principles apply anywhere. Keep an eye on the sky and the news, and adjust your plans based on what you see and smell.
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Call Now (617) 404-2753Frequently asked questions
Can a regular air conditioner filter smoke?
Most air conditioners only cool air, not filter it. They pull in outdoor air, which brings smoke inside. Use recirculate mode and add a separate HEPA air purifier. If your AC has a filter, check its quality and replace it before smoke season.
Should I wear a mask indoors during smoke?
An N95 or P100 mask can help if you must go outside or if smoke is very heavy indoors. Indoors, a mask is not a substitute for sealing your home and using a purifier. Wear one if you feel you need extra protection, but the right approach is to clean the air.
How long does wildfire smoke stay in a home?
Smoke particles can linger for days or weeks on surfaces and in fabrics. After the smoke clears, wash fabrics, wipe surfaces, and vacuum with a HEPA filter. If smoke odor persists, you may need professional cleaning. The pros can use ozone generators or thermal fogging, but those are for severe cases.