How to Protect Your Home and Health When Air Quality Is Poor

Climate change is increasing the likelihood of hotter, drier conditions — and with them, more wildfire smoke and haze in many parts of Canada. Add in urban smog and pollen season, and “bad air days” are becoming a more common part of summer (and sometimes spring and fall, too).

The good news: you don’t need to be close to a wildfire to take smart, simple steps that reduce exposure and keep your indoor air cleaner.

Start with local air-quality updates so you can decide when to stay inside, limit exertion, or change your plans. In Canada, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a helpful baseline. Sites like IQAir can add detail, especially during smoke events.

Indoors, a basic air-quality monitor can help you spot when outdoor pollution is getting in. If smoke is the main issue, look for a monitor that tracks PM2.5 (fine particles that are common in wildfire smoke).

Carbon monoxide (CO) isn’t the same thing as wildfire smoke — but it becomes a higher risk if you’re sealing up the house and using fuel-burning appliances (or if there’s a power outage and people turn to generators or fireplaces).

A good rule of thumb is CO alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas, and to test them regularly.

If you have to be outdoors during smoky or polluted conditions, a well-fitting respirator mask (like a NIOSH-certified N95) can reduce exposure to fine particles.

Fit matters more than brand: gaps around the nose or cheeks let polluted air leak in. And if wearing a respirator makes it hard to breathe, you feel dizzy, or it isn’t safe for your situation, prioritize staying indoors and reducing exertion instead.

When outdoor air is poor, your goal is to make it harder for polluted air to sneak inside.

Do a quick walkthrough and check:

Affordable fixes like weather stripping and door sweeps can help immediately — and they pay off year-round with better energy efficiency.

There are two main ways to filter air:

Portable air purifier (often the easiest win)

A portable HEPA air cleaner can meaningfully reduce indoor smoke particles — especially in the rooms where you sleep or spend the most time.

Home HVAC system (if you have one)

If your furnace or central air system can handle it, upgrading to a higher-efficiency filter can help. Not every system is designed for very dense filters — if airflow drops noticeably, step down to a filter your system can support.

Also:

If your home is hard to keep comfortable — or if someone in your household is higher risk (asthma/COPD, heart conditions, older adults, infants, pregnancy) — consider spending time in a cleaner-air space during smoke events.

Your municipality may publish locations (sometimes called clean-air shelters or Cleaner Air Spaces). Libraries, community centres, malls, and other large public buildings can also be a temporary option if they’re well-ventilated and feel comfortable.