Breathe Easy: Protecting Your Home & Family During Poor Air Quality

As wildfires become more frequent during the summer months, air quality can take a serious hit even if the fires are miles away. Here are a few simple ways to keep your home and loved ones safe when smoke fills the skies:

1. Keep Doors & Windows Closed
It may be tempting to let in the breeze, but during smoke events, it’s best to keep everything tightly sealed to prevent smoke from entering your home.

2. Use High-Quality Air Filters
Upgrade your HVAC or furnace filter to a HEPA or MERV-13 filter, which can better trap fine particles. Consider getting a portable air purifier, especially for bedrooms or areas where you spend the most time.

3. Create a “Clean Air Room”
Pick one room (preferably with fewer windows and doors) where you can run an air purifier, keep windows sealed, and limit outside contaminants.

4. Avoid Activities That Pollute Indoor Air
Skip lighting candles, using your fireplace, or frying food indoors when the air quality is already poor.

5. Stay Informed
Use local resources or apps like your local Air Quality Health Index to monitor conditions in real-time and take action as needed.

Bonus Tip: If you’re planning to sell this summer, showing buyers your home is well-sealed and air-quality-conscious is a surprising plus!