![]() If your air conditioning system can’t use better filters, your best route will be to place portable air cleaners with HEPA filters or DIY fan/filter combos in the rooms of your home where you’re spending the most time.Ī lot of us do not have central air conditioning. ![]() Newer, high efficiency air conditioning systems should be okay, but do your due diligence and consult with an HVAC technician before upgrading your filter. ![]() Important note: not all air conditioning systems can cope with the pressure drop associated with better filters. Climate Smart Missoula has some nifty tips for keeping your home cool(ish) in the summer: ĭo you have central air conditioning? Awesome! If possible, bypass the fresh air intake when smoke arrives, upgrade your system’s filter (preferably MERV 13+, but MERV 11 or 12 will do), keep your doors and windows closed, and enjoy the cool, clean air. Do try to limit your air conditioner use to the amount needed to keep your house at a safe temperature and as smoke-free as possible. However, your health is important, so I’m not going to tell you not to use it. I would be remiss in my air specialist duties if I didn’t remind ya’ll that air conditioners can be energy hogs, which is a no-no when we’re trying to confront climate change by reducing energy use. However, heat-related illnesses are preventable, and one of the steps you can take is cooling your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat. For now, know heat is the most immediate danger. This is because there has been so much smoke overhead the temperatures have stayed cooler than forecasted and inversions have lasted well into the afternoon.īut it’s still hot. It’s been miserably hot for far too long, but you’ve probably noticed the days are taking a long time to heat up. We’re wrapping up yet another week of 90+ degree highs and the forecast has triple digits in the forecast. Otherwise, your air will only be cleaned while it is being actively cooled. For those of you with newer, high efficiency central air conditioning systems that can run with better filters, remember to decouple your fan from your thermostat so air is continuously running through the filters. Let's Learn About Air Conditioning (and Coping with the Double Whammy of Smoke and Heat)įor those of you who don’t want to learn about air conditioners, here’s the summary: if you have a window air conditioner, portable air conditioner, open your windows at night, or have a central air handler that cannot use a better filter, you will need portable air cleaners with true HEPA filters or DIY fan/filter combos to keep your indoor air cleaner during smoke season. Residential Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home (source: EPA) ![]() Using your central air handler to create cleaner indoor air (Source: Climate Smart Missoula) Planning framework for protecting commercial building occupants from smoke during wildfire events (Source: ASHRAE) Wildfire Smoke Ready Poster (Source: Missoula County Wildfire Smoke Ready Partners) It's time to be wildfire smoke ready - tips to stay healthy when smoke rolls into town (Source: Missoula County Wildfire Smoke Ready Partners) Montana's Today's Air websiteĬheck the current air quality at air monitors around the state. Before you purchase an air cleaner, make sure it's certified by California - they only certify air cleaner that do not produce ozone. Some air cleaners produce ozone, which is harmful to your health. California's list of certified air cleaners Includes great resources and some recommendations for creating cleaner indoor air spaces as well as info about air quality and health. Resources Websites Climate Smart Missoula's wildfire smoke pages : Hazardous Waste, Spills, Water Pollution.Animals - Abuse, Bites, Neglect, Viscious.Missoula Valley Water Quality District +.Wildfire Smoke-Ready Resources and Blog.PM10 Redesignation Request and Limited Maintenance Plan.Missoula Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas.Carbon Monoxide 2nd 10-year Limited Maintenance Plan.Performance Management & Quality Improvement.
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