Tips for Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation, Filtration, & Maintenance

 “Simply put, don’t breathe the smoke”

Outdoor smoke can infiltrate your home, settle on surfaces, and linger in the air, creating a toxic environment that risks your health.

This guide provides straightforward strategies to protect indoor air quality (IAQ), including tips on maintaining proper ventilation, creating neutral or positive pressure, and using advanced filtration and cleaning systems to minimize exposure to harmful particles and toxic compounds.

Summary

1. Avoid depressurizing your home by limiting exhaust fans during poor air quality days.
2. Provide filtered fresh air ventilation to pressurize your home, reduce CO2, and allow indoor exhaust fans to operate without depressurizing your home or apartment.
3. Install “advanced HEPA” air filtration units to remove smoke particulates and pollutants from the bedrooms and main occupied rooms.
4. Fog for particulate removal from the air
5. Wet wipe high-traffic surfaces to remove toxic dust.
6. Use HEPA robotic vacuum cleaners for daily cleaning.
7. Install IAQ monitors for quality control.

Outdoor Protection Strategies

• Wear a properly fitted N95 or N100 respirator with two straps when venturing outside.
• Healthy individuals can use respirators with exhalation valves for comfort during extended wear.
• Those with respiratory illnesses should use non-valved respirators to protect others.

• Apps
• AirNow (EPA official)
• Watch Duty (Live fire tracking and evacuation updates)

 

Exterior Maintenance: Preventing Smoke and Ash from Entering Your Home

Keeping the exterior of your home clean is a vital step in protecting your indoor air quality during wildfire season. Regular maintenance can minimize the accumulation of harmful particulates and prevent their infiltration into your living spaces.

• Clean outdoor surfaces regularly: Use an electric leaf blower to remove cold ash, pollen, and leaves from roofs, windowsills, walkways, garages, and other collection points.
• Shake off debris before entering: Always shake off clothing and shoes outside to minimize the transfer of smoke particles indoors.
• Prevent accumulation: Consistent cleaning reduces particulate buildup and protects your home’s air quality.

Warning: Do not blow hot embers!!!

This concept is for COLD ash clean-up only.

Ventilation Control

• Keep windows and doors closed during poor air quality (refer to phone apps).
• Run HVAC systems to recirculate air through high-efficiency filters.
• Use MERV-13 or higher rated filters in your central air system, replacing as needed.
• Close fresh air intakes on HVAC systems and window air conditioners unless effectively filtered.
• When time permits, pull MERV 16 filter fresh air into your home to help pressurize the house, reduce CO2, and bring in more oxygen without particulates from the outdoor smoke.

Varnado window ventilator  with  Alexa control, and variable speeds. It can pull in fresh air or push out stale air, providing room ventilation control. However it does not filter the in coming  fresh air.

Air Filtration and Purification

• Use MERV 16 filters or HEPA filtration to filter incoming fresh air.
• Use MERV 13 filters in your HVAC system for enhanced indoor air quality.
• Deploy advanced HEPA air purifiers (>300 CFM capacity) in bedrooms and occupied spaces.

DIY Box Fans

A DIY box fan air filter is a simple, cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality, especially during wildfire season. By attaching a MERV-13 or higher-rated filter to the front of a standard box fan, you can create a makeshift air purifier that captures harmful particles like smoke, dust, and allergens.

This easy-to-assemble solution is perfect for those looking for an affordable way to reduce indoor air pollution. Ensure the fan is newer (2012 or later for safety features), secure the filter correctly, and replace it regularly for optimal performance.

DIY: https://youtu.be/1PxEzYtggtE

DIY: https://youtu.be/hSSuPi-i4Nc

https://www.amazon.com/Lasko-FF305-20-inch-Purifier

Advanced Floor Cleaning Techniques

True HEPA Vacuum Cleaning

• Use HEPA vacuum cleaners for thorough particle removal from surfaces.
• Use Shark.com AI HEPA Robotic Vacuums for daily automated floor cleaning.

IAQ Sensors

Monitor Indoor Air Quality with the Airthings View Plus

Keeping track of your indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential during wildfire season.

The Airthings View Plus is a highly recommended sensor that provides real-time monitoring of critical air quality factors, including:

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Detect harmful particles from wildfire smoke.
• CO2 Levels: Ensure proper ventilation to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Identify harmful gases and chemicals often in smoke and indoor pollutants.

With its user-friendly app and customizable display, the Airthings View Plus helps you take timely action to maintain clean air in your home. Pair it with high-quality air filters or purifiers for optimal results and peace of mind.

Fogging and Wet Wiping to Remove Airborne Particulates

• Implement a two-step cleaning process:

2. Fog the home with appropriate materials to pull the particulates out of the air and onto surfaces for wiping off.
3. Follow fogging with wet wiping of surfaces.
4. Release the HEPA robotic vacuum cleaners to do their thing without you lifting a finger 😊

Refer to IES for appropriate cleaning compounds:

Options for fogging:

1. Disinfection
2. Particle removal
3. Probiotic maintenance

DIY Box Fan Filter Tips

• Use newer box fan models (2012 or later) with added safety features.
• Add a cardboard shroud to improve effectiveness.
• Consider using thicker filters (4″ instead of 1″) or multiple filters for better performance.
• Keep extra filters on hand and replace them when dirty.
• Use 2″ thick MERV 13 filters for increased airflow and filter life.
• These filters do not remove odors, nor are they effective against chemicals.

Automobile

Transform your vehicle into a clean-air sanctuary by implementing advanced in-car air filtration. With windows rolled up and the fan set to recirculate, use a combination of HEPA cabin filters and specialized automotive air purifiers like the IQAir Atem or Tesla’s bioweapon defense mode (Tesla Model S sedan and the Model X SUV models).

This multi-layered approach creates a protective bubble of clean air, particularly valuable during high pollution events or wildfire conditions. For optimal results:

• Keep windows closed while driving.
• Set climate control to recirculate.
• Upgrade to HEPA-grade cabin filters.
• Add a dedicated car air purifier.
• Regularly maintain and replace filters.

This strategy is essential for families spending significant time in their vehicles, ensuring everyone breathes cleaner air during their daily commute.

Implementing these evidence-based strategies will create a healthier indoor environment and reduce exposure to harmful wildfire smoke. Stay vigilant, monitor air quality regularly, and prioritize your respiratory health during the fire season.

Consider scheduling a free 15-minute consultation with Indoor Environmental Systems, Inc. for personalized advice on improving indoor air quality. Schedule: Free 15 min call