As smoke from Canadian wildfires leads to air quality warnings across the United States, Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE) offers recommendations for keeping indoor air clean. Professor Ian Shapiro, Associate Director of Building Science and Community Programs at SyracuseCoE, provided the following tips to Syracuse University News:
- Use Air Cleaners With HEPA Filters: Portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne particulate concentrations within minutes.
- Run HVAC Fan Continuously: If your home has a forced-air heating or cooling system, locate the thermostat setting labeled “Fan” and switch it from “Auto” to “On.” This will continuously circulate indoor air through the system’s filter, removing particulates. This practice is safe and effective year-round. This is significantly more effective if your system has a high-efficiency filter, such as a filter rated “MERV 13” or higher. If not, consider at least installing a filter rated “MERV 11”, instead of a standard efficiency filter.
- Close Windows and Doors: Keep all windows and doors shut to minimize the entry of outdoor smoke into your home during smoky conditions.
- Limit Use of Exhaust Fans: While bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans remove moisture and cooking fumes, they also pull outdoor air into the house. During wildfire smoke events, limit their use to reduce the intake of contaminated air.
- Wear a Mask Outdoors: When spending time outside, especially if air quality worsens, wear a well-fitting mask to help filter inhaled particles.
For more information, visit SU News.
Professor Shapiro’s comments were also featured in Good Morning America.