What’s the homeowner playbook for wildfire smoke (pressure, filtration, sealing, temporary MERV upgrades)?
Seal Up
Close windows, doors, and vents. Use towels to block leaks. Close fireplace dampers. Remember, even small leaks let in a lot of smoke.
Manage Airflow
If you have central air, set it to recirculate. If it’s super smoky, using filtered air to slightly raise the pressure inside can help, but only if the filter is good.
Better Filters
Use the best filter your system can handle. You can use a better one when it’s smoky, then go back to your usual one. HEPA units are great for bedrooms.
Make a Clean Room
Pick a room (like a bedroom) to be your clean zone. Seal it up well, use a HEPA filter, and hang out there when it’s smoky.
Fill the Holes
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and attic entries to block smoke. Quick fixes make a difference when it’s smoky outside.
Don’t Pollute Inside
Don’t use gas to cook or anything that makes smoke. Skip candles and incense. Dust with damp cloths.
Air Out When Safe
When the air’s better outside, open windows and air out the house.
To protect your home from wildfire smoke, follow this playbook
-Maintain positive pressure in your home by ensuring that the air intake exceeds the exhaust. This can be achieved by:
-Installing a make-up air system that provides a controlled amount of outside air to replace exhausted air
-Using a balanced ventilation system that provides both supply and exhaust air
Keep indoor pressure slightly positive with fresh air supply, seal gaps, and upgrade to higher-MERV filters temporarily. Use portable HEPA units, close windows, and limit exhaust fan use during wildfire smoke events.