Wildfire season is part of life on California’s Central Coast. Even when flames are miles away, smoke can drift for days and seep indoors, leaving homes smelling smoky and airways irritated. This guide explains the practical steps to protect your indoor air during smoke events—and when it’s worth calling in a professional for an indoor air quality (IAQ) inspection.
Why wildfire smoke is a problem indoors
Wildfire smoke carries fine particles (PM2.5) small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Those particles can infiltrate homes through tiny gaps, open windows, and HVAC systems, reducing indoor air quality and aggravating asthma, heart, and lung conditions. The U.S. EPA’s wildfire IAQ guidance emphasizes the importance of sealing buildings and utilizing proper filtration to minimize exposure.
Quick actions when the AQI spikes
Check air quality before you act
Use AirNow or your local air district alerts to decide what level of protection you need. During unhealthy AQI days, stay indoors as much as possible.Close up and switch to recirculation
Shut windows and exterior doors. If your HVAC has a fresh-air intake, close it and set the system to recirculate. This helps keep smoke out of your living spaces.Run the system fan continuously
Set your thermostat fan to “On,” not “Auto,” to pull more air through your filter and remove more particles while smoke is present.Avoid adding extra indoor pollution
Skip candles, incense, smoking, high-heat frying, and vacuuming with non-HEPA machines during smoke events. These activities add particles to already stressed indoor air.
Create a clean-air room at home
Designate one room—ideally a bedroom with few windows and doors—as a clean-air sanctuary. Keep it closed, seal obvious gaps, and run a portable HEPA air cleaner sized for the room. The EPA’s “clean room” guidance explains setup and best practices.
If you can’t find a portable unit, a well-built DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box (box fan + MERV-13 filters) can significantly reduce smoke particles when constructed and operated safely.
Upgrade filtration the right way
If your central system can handle it, use higher-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or greater) during smoke season to capture more fine particles. Change filters more frequently after heavy smoke days. If you’re unsure your system can support MERV-13, consult an HVAC professional.
Choosing a portable air cleaner in California
Not all purifiers are equal—and some generate ozone, which is a lung irritant. In California, look for CARB-certified air cleaners (legal for sale in the state) and match the unit’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to your room size. Avoid devices that intentionally produce ozone.
After the smoke clears: clean-up tips
Once outdoor air improves, ventilate briefly by opening windows, then clean settled ash and dust using damp methods (damp microfiber wipe/mop) and a vacuum with a true HEPA filter. Change HVAC filters and purifier filters that worked hard during the event. Local guidance also recommends using your range hood while cooking and avoiding whole-house fans that pull smoky air indoors.
If you must be outdoors for clean-up while smoke lingers, a properly fitted N95 offers better protection than cloth or surgical masks. Note: respirators must seal well to be effective.
Who should be extra cautious
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are more vulnerable to smoke. Reduce exposure as much as possible and consult your clinician if symptoms worsen.
When a professional IAQ inspection helps
A comprehensive inspection can be valuable if:
Your home smells smoky for days despite ventilation and filtration
Family members experience persistent cough, headaches, or irritation indoors
You see visible soot deposition on surfaces or HVAC registers
You want to verify the effectiveness of your clean-air strategies
At Gold Coast Inspectors, our inspections can include:
Particle and humidity profiling to identify infiltration patterns
Visual assessment of building envelope gaps and attic/garage pathways
HVAC filter and duct condition review
Recommendations on MERV upgrades, portable purifier sizing, and clean-room setup
Post-event follow-up to confirm improvements
Quick checklist for wildfire-smoke days
Check AQI and local alerts
Close windows/doors; set HVAC to recirculate; fan “On”
Use a HEPA purifier or a properly built CR box in a clean-air room
Avoid candles, incense, smoking, and non-HEPA vacuuming
Wipe with damp methods; change filters after heavy smoke
Use a fit-tested N95 if you must be outdoors
Schedule Your Indoor Air Quality Inspection
Protect your home from wildfire smoke and breathe easier. Gold Coast Inspectors serves Ventura and Santa Barbara with practical, data-driven IAQ assessments and clear action plans. Contact us today to book your inspection and get a customised smoke-readiness strategy for your home.
