1. Choose one cleaner-air room
Pick a room where your household spends meaningful time, such as a bedroom or main living space. Keep doors and windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor, and use a correctly sized portable air cleaner there. Keeping the room practical can help: comfortable seating, water, chargers, medication, and low-particle activities make the plan easier to use.
2. Have filters ready before smoke arrives
Keep the correct replacement filter for your portable air cleaner on hand and follow its replacement guidance. If your home has forced-air heating or cooling, review the approved filter options for your system ahead of time. Smoke can load filters faster than normal, and a higher-efficiency filter should only be used when the equipment can support it.
3. Limit smoke entering from outside
During poor outdoor conditions, close doors and windows as much as practical and minimize unnecessary trips in and out. Health Canada notes that outdoor pollutants can enter through openings, vents, and air intakes. When smoke is high, a tighter building envelope and appropriate filtration help lower indoor particulate levels.
4. Use HVAC settings thoughtfully
If your system has a recirculation setting and the manufacturer or qualified HVAC professional confirms it is appropriate, it may reduce outdoor-air intake while smoke is heavy. When conditions improve, normal fresh-air exchange matters again. Avoid unfamiliar equipment changes during an event. Take time to understand your system’s intended operation beforehand.
5. Reduce indoor particle sources
A cleaner-air room works better when you avoid adding pollutants indoors. During smoke events, limit smoking, candles, incense, and other combustion; avoid activities that create unnecessary particles. Keep cooking and cleaning choices practical for your home, and follow public-health guidance if someone in the household is more sensitive to air pollution.
6. Keep safety and health guidance close
Make sure carbon-monoxide alarms are installed and maintained. This page is a home-preparation guide, not medical advice. If you or someone in your household has symptoms, a respiratory or cardiovascular condition, or needs individualized advice, use current public-health guidance and speak with a qualified health professional.
Common questions
What should I do at home when wildfire smoke reaches Calgary?
Check the AQHI, keep doors and windows closed while outdoor conditions are poor, use a properly sized portable air cleaner in a frequently used room, reduce indoor particle sources, and use HVAC recirculation only if your system supports it.
How can I make a cleaner-air room at home?
Choose a room where people spend time, keep it closed during poor outdoor conditions, run a correctly sized portable air cleaner, and avoid adding indoor sources such as smoke, candles, or incense.
Sources & further reading
Want to check how your home is set up?
A complimentary visit can start with your current system, rooms, and practical smoke-season questions.