Cleaner Air at Home During Wildfire Season in the Valley

Wildfire smoke can roll into Santa Rosa Valley with little warning, leaving your home smelling like campfire and your eyes or throat feeling irritated. You want to keep your family comfortable and safe, especially if anyone is sensitive to smoke. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, proven steps to lower smoke inside, from smarter filtration to creating a clean room and using official local resources. Let’s dive in.

Why smoke affects your home

Wildfire smoke carries tiny particles called PM2.5 that move through small gaps and standard filters. These particles are the main reason smoke irritates your lungs and can affect heart health. The goal during smoke events is to keep indoor PM2.5 as low as possible, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or heart conditions.

Check air quality before you act

Start by watching the AQI so you know when to close up the house and run filtration. Use the official readings on AirNow for AQI and guidance. You can also check neighborhood-scale trends on PurpleAir’s local sensor map to see how smoke shifts in your area, then rely on AirNow for health decisions.

Here is a simple way to use the numbers:

• AQI 0–100 (Good to Moderate): normal precautions. Consider filtration for sensitive people.
• AQI 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): limit outdoor time for sensitive people and run indoor filtration.
• AQI above 150 (Unhealthy or worse): keep windows and doors closed, run HEPA units, and consider an indoor clean room. Use N95 or KN95 masks outside.

For local alerts and advisories, check the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.

Upgrade your central HVAC filter

Your home’s HVAC can help reduce indoor smoke if it uses a high-efficiency filter and recirculation.

• Aim for a MERV 13 filter during smoke season if your system can handle it. Older systems may not maintain airflow with higher-MERV filters. When in doubt, check with an HVAC professional.
• Run the fan in ON mode during smoke events so air keeps moving through the filter.
• Replace filters more often when smoke is heavy, sometimes every 1–2 weeks depending on buildup.
• Set your system to recirculate and turn off outside air intakes during bad smoke.

If your system cannot use MERV 13, add a portable HEPA unit in the most-used rooms.

Use portable HEPA air cleaners

Portable HEPA purifiers are one of the most effective ways to cut smoke in bedrooms and living areas.

• Choose models by their smoke Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). A higher CADR means faster cleanup.
• A quick sizing rule: Required CADR (cfm) = room volume × desired air changes per hour ÷ 60.
• Example: A 12 × 12 bedroom with 8-foot ceilings has 1,152 cubic feet. For 5 air changes per hour, you need about 96 cfm of smoke CADR. Picking a higher CADR gives you a margin for real-world conditions.
• Place the unit where you spend the most time, give it some space from walls, and run it continuously during smoke events, especially overnight.

DIY option: A Corsi–Rosenthal box uses a box fan plus MERV 13 filters to deliver high CADR at a lower cost. Seal the edges carefully, use a safe power source, and do not run a fan that is overheating or damaged.

Safety reminder: Avoid ionizing or ozone-generating air purifiers. Ozone can be harmful indoors.

Create a simple clean room

A clean room gives you one low-smoke space when outdoor air is very poor or a family member is sensitive.

• Pick a small room with few windows and doors, like a bedroom.
• Close and seal windows and exterior doors. Add weatherstripping and use door sweeps to reduce gaps.
• Block drafts with foam weatherseal, caulk, or a rolled towel at the base of the door.
• If gaps are large, use plastic sheeting and tape as a temporary seal.
• Run a portable HEPA purifier sized for the room. Keep interior doors closed.
• If your central HVAC has a MERV 13 filter or better, run the fan on recirculate. If not, keep it off during the worst smoke periods.

Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors, especially if you have gas appliances. Sealing tightly means you should confirm appliances are venting correctly.

Day-of smoke playbook

When the AQI jumps, use this quick checklist:

• Close windows and exterior doors at the first sign of smoke.
• Set central HVAC to ON and recirculate if you have a MERV 13 filter. Replace filters as needed.
• Run HEPA units continuously in occupied rooms.
• Avoid indoor particle sources like candles, incense, smoking, high-heat frying, and vacuuming without a HEPA vacuum.
• Wear N95 or KN95 respirators outside. For fit and use tips, see CDC guidance on wildfire smoke and masks.

For indoor air steps during smoke, you can review EPA wildfire smoke resources.

Prepare now with a simple checklist

Stock up before wildfire season so you can switch to clean-air mode quickly.

• Confirm your current HVAC filter type and size.
• If compatible, upgrade to MERV 13 for smoke season.
• Keep 2–3 spare HVAC filters on hand.
• Buy a portable HEPA unit sized for your main bedroom and living room.
• Keep N95 or KN95 masks for each household member.
• Add weatherstripping and door sweeps where you notice gaps.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Approximate costs

Local prices vary, but here are common ranges.

• MERV 13 HVAC filters: about $15–$50 each, depending on size and brand.
• Portable HEPA purifiers: about $100–$200 for small rooms, $200–$600+ for larger spaces.
• Corsi–Rosenthal box: about $50–$150 depending on filters and fan.
• Weatherstripping and door sweeps: about $10–$50.

Local resources for Santa Rosa Valley

Stay informed with official county and state updates, especially during active incidents and changing wind conditions.

• Fire and evacuations: Ventura County Fire Department and Cal Fire incident updates.
• Health advisories: Ventura County Public Health and California Department of Public Health wildfire smoke guidance.
• Air quality alerts: Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and AirNow AQI.
• Neighborhood sensor trends: PurpleAir map.
• Preparedness plans and go-bags: Ready.gov checklists.

If you are planning a move or considering home features that support year-round comfort, we are here to help. Reach out to The Carolan Group for local guidance tailored to your goals, or request your home valuation to explore next steps with confidence.

FAQs

What is PM2.5 and why does it matter in wildfire smoke?

• PM2.5 are fine particles small enough to enter your lungs; keeping PM2.5 low indoors helps protect your breathing and heart health during smoke events.

How do I know when to close my windows in Santa Rosa Valley?

• Use AirNow’s AQI and local advisories; when AQI rises above 100, start precautionary steps and close up when it exceeds 150.

What MERV rating is best for wildfire season?

• If your HVAC can handle it, MERV 13 provides meaningful PM2.5 reduction; replace more often during heavy smoke and run the fan in ON mode.

How big should my HEPA air purifier be for a bedroom?

• Calculate CADR by room volume and a target of 4–6 air changes per hour; for a 12 × 12 × 8 room, aim for at least about 96 cfm of smoke CADR.

Are cloth masks helpful during smoky days?

• Cloth and surgical masks offer limited protection from PM2.5; use well-fitted N95 or KN95 respirators outside during heavy smoke per CDC guidance.