Is it Possible to Clean My Home of Wildfire Smoke?
TLDR
Wildfires are an all too common occurrence these days, affecting the quality of the air that we and our family breathe, including our pets. And there is nothing we can really do about it… or is there?
When it comes to protecting the air we breathe, there are things we can do to drastically reduce the risks associated with wildfire smoke entering our homes. We do this by actually cleaning the air we breathe. How? With air purifiers. But what is the best air purifier for smoke? Let’s find out.
Understanding Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles away from the point of origin. So we may be unintentionally breathing in harmful VOCs and other particles from smoke without even realizing it. And while you may think that, just because you can’t smell it, you’re safe. The truth is that smelling smoke isn’t always the first sign that your air needs cleaning.
So how is smoke harmful? Let us count the ways…
- It causes respiratory irritation, which leads to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Prolonged exposure can worsen heart and lung diseases, which increases your risk of hospitalizations.
- The harmful chemicals in the smoke can suppress your immune system and make it easier to catch respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Chronic exposure to the pollutants in smoke can make you develop respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
While these effects might sound scary, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Investing in an air purifier with the best filter for wildfire smoke can keep clean, safe air flowing through your home — even during wildfire season.
Recommended Air Purifiers
In order for an air purifier to effectively remove wildfire smoke from indoor air, it needs to have two key features:
- It needs a HEPA filter
- It needs an activated carbon filter
The HEPA filter removes dust, pollen, virus, and smoke particles as small as 0.3 microns while the activated carbon filter removes odors, helping eliminate the smell of smoke.
Best Air Purifier for Smoke
With that said, here are some of the top air purifiers that help combat wildfire smoke.
AeraMax Pro AM4R
The AeraMax Pro AM4R is designed to work in large rooms ranging from 650 to 1,100 square meters, allowing it to cover every nook and cranny of your home. It can capture at least 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns thanks to its 4-Stage H13 True HEPA filtration + activated carbon filter combo. That means allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and even wildfire smoke don’t stand a chance!
What truly sets the AM4R apart is its smart tech. Its Antimicrobial HEPA treatment zaps those odor and stain-causing smoke particles and extends the filter’s lifespan. Additionally, the sensors in the EnviroSmart Technology monitor air quality and room occupancy to adjust its performance accordingly.
AeraMax SV
Just like the AM4R, the AeraMax SV comes with an H13 True HEPA filter and carbon filter combination that snatches up to 99.95% of those sneaky particles as tiny as 0.1 microns. It’s got an impressive air delivery of 600 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a range of decibel ratings. It’s perfect for large houses thanks to its coverage: 1,500 square feet at 3 ACH and 900 at 5 ACH.
It’s smart, too! The AeraSmart PM2.5 sensors are always on the lookout to monitor air quality and tweak the fan speed for constant pristine air. Plus, the nifty “Change Filter” light indicator and ABS plastic construction all but guarantee easy maintenance and longevity.
AeraMax 290
Next up on the list is the AeraMax 290, which boasts a 4-stage hospital-type filtration system that tackles spaces ranging from 300 to 600 square feet. It also works smart to keep your air pure and clean thanks to the auto-adjust fan speed.
But there’s more. Its true HEPA filter comes armed with an antimicrobial treatment that captures a whopping 99.97% of airborne particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. It also has a carbon filter. So, it’ll eliminate all those invisible viruses, smoke particles, and even the scent of last night’s dinner. It even traps the airborne flu virus!
And here’s the cherry on top: it’s certified asthma and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. So it’s perfect if you’ve got sensitive family members in the house.
AeraMax DX5
Got a cozy home that needs some freshening up? The AeraMax DX5 is a compact purifier perfect for smaller rooms ranging from 100 to 200 square feet. But don’t let its size fool you — this little powerhouse features a 4-stage hospital-type filtration system equipped with an AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment that effortlessly captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. That means it gets rid of pollen, ragweed, viruses (including the influenza virus), dust mites…and yes, even that stubborn wildfire smoke.
Worried about the smell? Its carbon filter is the best filter for wildfire smoke, so it’ll eliminate those odors from the air. With smart features and a certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this machine gives you true peace of mind.
Prevention Measures
As they say, prevention is better than cure. And when it comes to wildfire smoke, taking preventive measures can go a long way in keeping your air fresh, even when there’s a wildfire raging outside. Let’s take a look at three proactive steps you can follow.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
You’d be surprised at how much smoke can seep in through the tiniest openings in your home. So grab some weather stripping or caulk to cover any visible gaps. This’ll help keep out the smoke and make your home more energy-efficient — a true win-win!
Use Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters
We’ve touched on this before, but it’s worth repeating: a good air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter is your best friend during wildfire season. Place these purifiers in key areas of your home, especially where you spend the most time, like the bedroom or living room.
Regularly Replace and Clean your HVAC Filters
Smoke particles can quickly clog your HVAC system’s filters during a wildfire. Make it a habit to check, clean, and replace these filters more frequently during wildfire season.
Cleaning Techniques for My Air Filter
You must clean or replace your air purifier’s filter regularly so it can continue to trap smoke particles effectively. Plus, a clean filter means your air purifier doesn’t have to work as hard, which can extend its lifespan.
You can clean your air filter in a few easy steps:
- Turn off and unplug the air purifier.
- Follow manufacturer instructions to open the air purifier and remove the filter.
- Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to gently remove loose dust, dirt, or debris from your filter’s surface.
- Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area for wet cleaning to disperse any fumes or particles released during cleaning.
- If your filter is particularly dirty or has sticky residues, use a damp cloth and gentle cleaner to gently wipe it down.
- Place the filter in a dry, well-ventilated area to let it dry completely.
- Replace the filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Here’s an important note: Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by your air purifier’s manufacturer. Some filters should not be cleaned and need to be replaced periodically.
Quick Air Purifier FAQs
Do air purifiers work against wildfire smoke?
Yes! Air filters equipped with HEPA filters are designed to capture tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns, including the harmful ones found in wildfire smoke.
How do you clean wildfire smoke from indoor air?
The best way to clean wildfire smoke from indoor air is to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. You should also keep windows and doors closed during a wildfire and consider using an activated carbon filter for odor removal.
What kind of air purifier do I need for smoke?
The best air purifier for smoke features a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. When combined, these two capture microscopic smoke particles and help eliminate the smoky odor.
Clean Air in My Home
While we can’t control nature, we can control the air quality inside our homes. Using air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters, sealing gaps, and being proactive with preventive measures can help you keep dangerous smoke particles at bay during wildfire season.
Everyone deserves a breath of fresh air. If you found this information helpful, share it with friends, family, and neighbors! It could save their lives.
Now, are you ready to breathe easier during wildfire season?
Give us a call at 1-800-944-4573 we’d be happy to assist you.
