With multiple wildfires burning across the state, communities nearby are coping with the fire threat, but also with the threat of smoke.
are tips from Energy Trust of Oregon on how to keep smoke out of your home and the air in your home safe:
• Replace your air filter frequently: During smoke events, your filter may need to be replaced every six weeks to maintain healthy indoor air quality and to avoid extra energy use. Check your filter for dust and debris buildup at least once per month during heavy use and more often in heavy smoke conditions.
Filters with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) have a much finer weave that catches far more particles compared with standard filters. However, you may want to consult the manufacturer's manual or website for the best advice on the filters you should be using. After wildfire season, make sure to switch back to a standard filter and replace them every three months.
• Switch to "fan only" mode temporarily: It is a good idea to use your HVAC system in "fan only" mode during wildfire season. This ensures your system is operating continuously to run your indoor air through the filter. Remember to go back to "auto" mode before cold weather returns and heating season starts, so that the system kicks on only when needed. That way, you will avoid increasing your energy use and raising your costs.
• Tighten seals around windows, doors and window air conditioners: If your doors or windows are drafty, install weatherstripping to help prevent smoke from drifting into your house. If you have a window air conditioner, either close the outdoor air damper or do not use it. If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose, typically vented out of a window, do not use it in smoky conditions. If you have a portable air conditioner with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.
• Avoid creating more fine particles & air out your home after a smoke event: Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors: smoking cigarettes; using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces; spraying aerosol products; frying or broiling food; burning candles or incense; and vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. When air quality improves, air out your home by opening windows or the fresh air intake on your HVAC system. A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
• Use a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency filter to remove fine particles from the air: Run it as often as possible on the highest fan speed.
For more information on indoor air quality during wildfires, check out resources from the Environmental Protection Agency.
This column was adapted from an Energy Trust of Oregon press release.
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.
Have a thought or opinion on the news of the day? Get on your soapbox and share your opinions with the world. Send us a Letter to the Editor!
Portland Tribune Beaverton Valley Times Tigard Tualatin Times Lake Oswego Review West Linn Tidings Wilsonville Spokesman Hillsboro Tribune Forest Grove News Times Newberg Graphic Clackamas Review Oregon City News The Outlook Sandy Post Estacada News Canby Herald Woodburn Independent Molalla Pioneer Columbia County Spotlight Regal Courier Sherwood Gazette The Bee Southwest Community Connection
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Weekly Ads This Week's Circulars Find your Next Vehicle Special Sections Insiders
News Tips Letters to the Editor Births | Anniversaries | Weddings | Engagements | Business | Birthday | Obituaries Community Calendar
Weekly Ads This Week's Circulars Find your Next Vehicle Special Sections Insiders
News Tips Letters to the Editor Births | Anniversaries | Weddings | Engagements | Business | Birthday | Obituaries Community Calendar
Advertise with Us Current Job Openings
© 2022 Pamplin Media Group | All rights reserved | 6605 SE Lake Rd, Portland, OR 97222 | 503-684-0360 | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy