Oregon wildfire smoke: Simple fixes can protect and save

Oregonians in 13 counties are currently living under air quality advisories due to dozens of wildfires.

While it is unclear how long the smoke will last, experts said there are simple things people can do to protect themselves and their families from smoke in their homes, and the strategies can also save energy and money. Smoke can easily slip into homes, so sealing up any cracks around windows, doors and vents to keep smoke out is a good place to start.

Jami Seymore, spokesperson for the nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon, said to be sure to double-check any air conditioners are not pulling air in from the outside.

“Make sure that the seal between your air conditioning unit and the window frame is airtight. If you use, say, a single hose portable air conditioner, try to avoid using that as they draw outdoor air indoors,” Seymore recommended.

Seymore added it is a good idea to check and change air filters more often when the air is smoky, aiming for every six weeks or fewer. It can also save energy, Seymore explained, as a dirty filter forces the system to work harder.

Dr. Gopal Allada, professor of medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University, said older adults, pregnant people and young children, along with people with conditions like asthma, need to be especially careful to avoid smoke. Allada suggested checking air filters have as high a MERV rating as an HVAC system allows, ideally in the teens, and not forgetting masks.

“If you have to be outside, wear one of those N95 masks. They’ll still work for wildfire smoke, actually. That’s what I’d recommend for even healthy people if they are in one of those danger zones,” Allada emphasized.

Seymore noted running portable air filters in the most commonly used areas in a home is also helpful, adding the Energy Trust of Oregon offers a $75 discount on energy-efficient models.

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