Half of the biggest wildfires in California in 2021 began in the months of September and October. This is the time of year when the winds are relentless as they bring extremely dry air through the area, exacerbating the risk of wildfires.

However, wildfires are not the only concern during this time of year: It’s critical that air quality remains at healthy levels, but this can prove to be a difficult challenge if a wildfire is in the area.

There are several things every homeowner should do to prepare for wildfire season in California, many of which you may already be aware of. One of the lesser known preparatory steps for homeowners before wildfire season is to integrate a “clean room” into their homes.

What is a “Clean Room”?

A clean room is a closed-off area of a home that is prepared to keep levels of airborne pollutants, particles, and smoke to a minimum during wildfire events. This space should be off-limits to activities that create polluted air, including cooking and smoking.

Windows and doors should always be kept closed during wildfire season to prevent contaminants and smoke from entering. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep a portable air cleaner in the clean room.

The Benefits of a Clean Room

Good air quality is important at all times; however, during a wildfire event, it becomes even more critical. Your home may already have an excellent HVAC system and even a whole-house air purifier, but a clean room can reduce your exposure to smoke and pollutants better than the rest of your home can.

If there is an active fire in your area or the air quality index indicates dangerous smoke levels, you may be advised by the authorities to remain indoors. Conditions can change quickly, so always follow your local media channels for updates.

Do I Need a Clean Room?

Everyone can benefit from maintaining a clean room in their home, as long as it remains safe to stay indoors there. Those who may benefit the most from a clean room during a wildfire smoke event are people who are at an enhanced risk from the effects of smoke. Some of these people include:

  • Children
  • The elderly
  • Anyone with heart disease
  • People with breathing problems
  • Those with a lung disease

Please note: If the electricity in your home goes out, too much smoke is entering your home, or you cannot stay cool at home, seek shelter elsewhere.

How to Set Up a Clean Room

  • The first step is to choose an appropriate room. This room needs to be large enough for everyone to fit comfortably. A good choice would be a large bedroom with an attached bathroom, because you can not only close it off from the rest of the house, but you can do so for a long period of time.
  • All windows and doors must remain closed, but don’t barricade it or do anything that would make it very difficult to get out. If there is an exhaust fan in the room you can use it, but only for short periods at a time.
  • Use a portable air cleaner that is appropriately sized for the room. If possible, run the purifier continuously on the highest setting. If you have a setting that produces ozone, do NOT use that setting.
  • If you have a central HVAC system, consider installing a filter that is high-efficiency with a MERV 13 rating or higher. Run your HVAC system’s fan as often as possible. It should be noted that during times of heavier-than-normal smoke in the air, you should plan to change your air filters much more often than usual.
  • Stay cool, but be careful. You can run fans, central air conditioning, and window A/C units. However, if your HVAC system or window air conditioner has a setting that pulls air in from the outdoors (usually a “fresh air option”) do not use that setting. Close the intake, turn it off, or set the system to instead recirculate indoor air.
  • Do NOT use a portable air conditioner or evaporative cooler that has a single hose unless there is a heat emergency. These single-hose devices can cause substantial smoke to get into your clean room.
  • Don’t create smoke or pollutants in the room. This includes smoking cigars, pipes, or cigarettes, using propane, wood-burning stoves, or gas, spraying aerosol products, frying foods, burning candles or incense, and even vacuuming (unless the vacuum uses a HEPA filter). Wipe surfaces in the clean room with a damp cloth to prevent particles from re-entering the air.

Air Quality and HVAC Services in Solano, The Bay Area, Napa and Contra Costa Counties

A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc is the leader in HVAC services throughout the Napa, CA area. Contact us today to learn how we can help your home achieve a cleaner, healthier air flow any time of the year with our air quality services and air cleaning systems.