Smoke, even from a wildfire happening far away, can be hazardous to health. Many steps can be taken to keep yourself informed and safe.
First, it is important to monitor air quality alerts. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers air quality alerts and a notification system through its Current Air Quality Conditions webpage. Otherwise, if a persistent haze and strong smell of smoke are present, it is still a good idea to take precautions.
Second, it is recommended to stay indoors and limit exposure to outdoor air as much as possible. However, if you live in a residence that lacks air conditioning, or if you rely on opening the windows, there is an effective “Do It Yourself” air filter you can create with a box fan. The only other materials needed are an air filter at least 1 inch thick and wide enough to cover the box fan, and tape or clamps to secure it to the fan.
Here are the steps to create your own cost-friendly air filter at home:
Materials:
- Air filter at least one inch thick, wide enough to cover the fan. We recommend using a product that is Energy Star certified.
- Tape or clamps to secure the filter to the fan
- Optional: cardboard and scissors
Step One:
Make sure the arrow symbol on the air filter is pointing towards the back of the fan.
Step Two:
Attach the filter to the back of the box fan with duct tape or clamps.
Optional Step Three:
Use a piece of cardboard the size of the fan to streamline the airflow by cutting a large hole in the center and taping it to the front of the fan.
More detailed steps and more advanced air filter constructions can be found with these two resources from Clean Air Crew and the Environmental Protection Agency’s air research page.
Keep yourself and your family safe with these DIY steps when air quality is poor, and always feel free to reach out to Ecolibrium3 with any questions or concerns you may have at 218-461-9644 or energy@ecolibrium3.org. For more personalized insights into your home health and energy use, sign up for a home energy assessment.