When wildfire smoke drifts into Santa Rosa, your home should feel like a clean‑air retreat. You want practical steps that actually work, not guesswork. In this guide, you’ll learn proven ways to reduce indoor smoke, set up your HVAC and purifiers, and know where to turn for trusted local updates. Let’s dive in.
Why wildfire smoke matters in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa sits near wildland areas, and California’s fire season has grown longer and more intense in recent years. UCLA research shows climate change is expanding fire seasons across the state. During smoke events, the main concern is fine particles called PM2.5, which can move indoors and affect breathing and heart health.
Make your HVAC work for you
- Set your central HVAC fan to ON so air circulates through the filter continuously.
- Close outdoor air intakes so the system recirculates indoor air.
- Install the highest efficiency filter your system safely allows. MERV 13 is recommended where compatible.
- Replace filters more often during smoky periods.
- Avoid whole‑house fans and evaporative coolers during smoke events.
For detailed guidance on filters, recirculation, and clean‑air setups, see the CARB Smoke Ready California page.
Use portable air cleaners
If your HVAC cannot handle high‑MERV filters, a portable HEPA unit is a strong backup. Size it with the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for “tobacco smoke.” A simple rule from the EPA: choose a tobacco‑smoke CADR at least two‑thirds of your room’s square footage. For example, a 120‑square‑foot room needs a CADR of about 80.
- Choose HEPA units that do not emit ozone.
- Run them on a higher setting during smoke events.
- Keep doors and windows closed while they run.
Learn more about CADR sizing and selection in the EPA’s guidance.
DIY option: Corsi‑Rosenthal box
A Corsi‑Rosenthal box pairs a box fan with MERV 13 filters to create a low‑cost purifier that can significantly reduce indoor PM2.5.
- Use a newer box fan with safety features, follow tested designs, and keep the intake and exhaust clear.
- Do not leave DIY units unattended near flammable materials.
- Replace filters when they look loaded or airflow drops.
The EPA summarizes performance and safety notes for DIY designs here.
Create a clean room
Designate one room as your household clean room during smoke days. This concentrates filtration where you spend time resting, working, or sleeping.
- Close and seal windows and doors. Add weatherstripping or towels where you see gaps.
- Run a portable HEPA or DIY unit continuously.
- Set your HVAC to recirculate with the fan ON, if available.
Step‑by‑step setup is outlined in the EPA’s clean room guide.
Cut indoor particle sources
On smoky days, small habits make a big difference. Avoid:
- Frying or broiling without a strong range hood.
- Burning candles, incense, or using fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Vacuuming without a HEPA‑equipped vacuum.
- Running evaporative coolers that bring outside air in.
Plan for outdoor errands
If you must go outside when air quality is unhealthy, wear a well‑fitting NIOSH‑approved N95 or a well‑fitting KN95. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not reliably block fine smoke particles. Review fit and use guidance from the CDC.
Step‑by‑step smoke‑day plan
- Check current conditions on the official AirNow Fire & Smoke Map.
- Close windows and doors. Set HVAC to recirculate with the fan ON.
- Run a HEPA or DIY purifier in your clean room.
- Skip activities that create indoor particles.
- If you must go out, use a well‑fitting N95 or KN95.
For buyers and sellers in Santa Rosa
If you are buying
- Ask about the HVAC system: filter size, MERV rating it supports, and whether the fan can run continuously.
- Confirm recent service records and how the system is set to recirculate during smoke events.
- Inspect window and door seals for leaks and drafts.
- Note any portable air cleaners, their CADR ratings, and if spare filters are included. The EPA explains CADR on its selection guide.
If you are selling
- Install the highest MERV filter your system can handle and document recent service.
- Provide spare filters and a one‑page guide to using recirculation and locating AQI updates.
- Stage a visible portable HEPA or a clearly labeled Corsi‑Rosenthal unit in a designated clean room.
- Seal obvious window and door leaks to reduce infiltration.
Budget and maintenance
- Expect more frequent filter changes during heavy smoke periods.
- Keep extra HVAC and purifier filters on hand.
- Note that higher CADR or multiple units may be needed for large, open‑plan spaces.
Local quick resources
- BAAQMD wildfire preparedness and regional notices: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
- Sonoma County advisories and clean‑air center updates: Sonoma County Public Health
Your home should be a calm, healthy place during wildfire season. If you are planning a move, preparing a listing, or evaluating upgrades that support clean indoor air, connect with the local experts who know wine‑country living inside and out. Reach out to SagePoint Real Estate Company for thoughtful guidance tailored to your property goals.
FAQs
What is the healthiest way to breathe cleaner air at home during wildfire smoke?
- Stay indoors with windows closed, run HVAC on recirculate with a high‑efficiency filter if compatible, and use a properly sized HEPA or DIY purifier in a designated clean room.
How do I choose the right size portable air cleaner for a room?
- Look for a tobacco‑smoke CADR at least two‑thirds of the room’s square footage, then run it on higher settings during smoke events with doors and windows closed.
Can my existing HVAC handle a MERV 13 filter?
- Many systems can, but not all. Check your unit’s specifications and consider consulting an HVAC professional before upgrading filter rating or thickness.
Are DIY Corsi‑Rosenthal boxes safe and effective?
- When built with newer box fans and used as directed, they have shown substantial PM reductions in testing. Keep them clear, supervise use, and replace filters as needed.
Where should I check official air quality during a wildfire?
- Use the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map for official AQI and smoke information, and follow regional notices from BAAQMD and local advisories from Sonoma County Public Health.