While indoors is better than outdoors when the AQI is above 150, your home will still let in lots of air through ventilation and cracks. Cleaning the air in your home can improve the quality of the air you breath, especially if it’s contaminated with smoke or other airborne toxins.
When looking at ways to clear the air look for HEPA filters, which clear out at least 99.7 percent of particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air.”Also remember that portable devices for clearing the air in a home are made for different size rooms; something designed for cleaning a bedroom will be too small for your living room.
When looking at ways to clear the air look for HEPA filters, which clear out at least 99.7 percent of particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air.”Also remember that portable devices for clearing the air in a home are made for different size rooms; something designed for cleaning a bedroom will be too small for your living room.
- Air filters trap and collect dirt and debris. These are found in your heating and ventilation systems and can reduce pollutants, allergens and dust.
- Air cleaners can remove more particulates from the air than your air filter.
- Air purifiers use a process to deactivate airborne toxins like pathogens. Some use ultraviolet light while others use an electrostatic filter.
Your home already has an air filter when you run the air conditioner or heater, however, this doesn't run all the time and you're lacking the thorough cleaning of the HEPA filter. I suggest getting an independent air purifier to clean the air when it matters.
Recommendations
Several years ago the summer fires were so bad we received a notice the kids would be sent home from school. I ordered this Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier just in time. The next day they were completely sold out.
It’s very quiet and the outside cloth filter can easily be cleaned in the washing machine. We keep it in the family room and turn it on occasionally when the air seems hazy or allergens are high. Several sizes available on Amazon.com.