When smoke or particle haze is outside, close windows and doors if it is safe to stay indoors, keep outdoor air from entering through your heating or cooling system, and filter the room where people spend time. A compatible HVAC filter and a properly sized portable air cleaner can help reduce fine particles; neither is a guarantee, and particle filtration does not remove every gas or odor. If you cannot keep the home cool or adequately protected, move to a cleaner-air location.
What to do first when outdoor air is smoky
- Check local conditions. Use AirNow, your state or local air agency, or local alerts for current smoke and air-quality information. Conditions change, so use current local readings rather than relying on a fixed AQI.
- Keep smoky air out when it is safe. Close windows and exterior doors. If your HVAC system or room air conditioner has an outdoor-air intake or fresh-air setting, switch to recirculation or close the intake during smoky periods, following the equipment instructions. Keep exits usable.
- Run filtration. Use a compatible forced-air HVAC filter and/or a room-sized portable air cleaner. Run them as continuously as practical while the air is smoky.
- Reduce particles made indoors. Avoid smoking or vaping, candles and incense, fireplaces and wood stoves, aerosol sprays, and cooking that creates substantial smoke or particles. Postpone vacuuming unless the vacuum has a HEPA filter.
- Balance clean air with cooling and safety. If the home becomes too hot with windows shut, use air conditioning or fans that do not draw in smoky air. If you need to open windows to cool the home, do so during a cooler period where possible; close them once the home is cool, then filter the air. If you cannot keep the home cool or protected, go somewhere with cleaner air.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that indoor PM2.5 during wildfire smoke events is generally around 55% to 60% of outdoor levels when windows and doors are closed and portable air cleaners are not in use. That is an approximate finding, not a prediction for an individual home: EPA reports that conditions vary considerably, roughly from 30% to 100% of outdoor levels. Closing up and filtering can help, but they do not guarantee a particular indoor concentration. EPA’s indoor-exposure guidance summarizes the underlying studies.
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Choose a filtration approach that fits your home
| Option | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Portable air cleaner | One room, a home without forced-air HVAC, or an additional layer alongside HVAC filtration. | Smoke CADR relative to room area, low or no ozone emissions, noise, and filter-replacement needs. |
| Forced-air HVAC filter | A home with compatible forced-air heating or cooling and a fan that can run. | MERV 13 or the highest efficiency the system can accommodate; correct fit and adequate airflow. |
| DIY box-fan filter | A temporary or lower-cost option when a commercial cleaner is unavailable or unaffordable. | Performance depends on construction and components; it is not a tested equivalent to a commercial cleaner. |
| Cleaner-air location | A home that cannot be kept cool or adequately protected. | Choose a place with cleaner air and a safe route to leave; do not seal a room in a way that blocks exits. |
How to choose and use a portable air cleaner
Size it by smoke CADR and room area
Look for the unit’s clean air delivery rate (CADR) for smoke, not just a claimed maximum room size. EPA recommends a smoke CADR of at least two-thirds of the room area in square feet. For example, a 150-square-foot room calls for a smoke CADR of at least 100 cubic feet per minute under this rule. Use the actual room area and the smoke CADR shown for the device. EPA’s cleaner-air-room guidance explains the sizing recommendation.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPlace the cleaner in the room where people spend the most time, keep its air inlet and outlet unobstructed, and run it continuously while outdoor air is smoky, if practical. Close the room’s windows and door when safe. A unit that is too small, run intermittently, or obstructed is less useful than one appropriately sized and operated as intended.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY CHOOSE AHAM VERIFIDE AIR PURIFIERS: AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) is an ANSI-accredited organization that sets strict standards for appliance performance. Air purifiers with the AHAM VERIFIDE seal have been independently tested for air cleaning performance and energy efficiency. When you choose an AHAM certified air purifier, you're choosing a product trusted for reliable and effective indoor air quality improvement
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE AIR PURIFICATION: A powerful 56W high-torque motor and 143 CFM CADR delivers fast, effective cleaning. The Levoit Original Filter is HEPA-grade while operating in Sleep Mode (Based on IEST RP C001.7). Ideal for home, bedroom, or office
- AHAM VERIFIDE, PROVEN PERFORMANCE: AHAM VERIFIDE with a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating of 143 CFM for smoke, 153 CFM for dust, and 167 CFM for pollen—refreshing air in a 222 ft² room 4.8 times per hour and a 1,073 ft² room once per hour
- GENUINE REPLACEMENT FILTERS: For the best performance and longest lifespan, use official Levoit filters designed specifically for Levoit air purifiers. Levoit replacement filters ensure the best fit and high-efficiency filtration, while off-brand filters may be unreliable and may damage your Levoit air purifier
- FIND COMFORT: Our filter has strong filtration performance of fine particles. 99.97% filtration efficiency for 0.1 to 0.3μm airborne particulates, including pollen, dust, and animal dander allergens. Tested by an independent lab
Check ozone, noise, and filter upkeep
Choose a cleaner that emits little or no ozone. EPA recommends looking for California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified air cleaners as a way to identify models meeting its ozone-emissions standard. Consider whether the unit’s noise at the setting you will actually use is tolerable; a quieter setting may move less air. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for filter replacement and maintenance. A particle cleaner can reduce particles, but do not assume it removes all gases, smoke odors, or other haze constituents.
EPA’s indoor air filtration fact sheet states: “Choose a PAC with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) for smoke that is at least two-thirds of the room area in square feet.”
Rank #2
- Effortless Operation: Simplified control panel with intuitive design makes it easy to operate. No complicated setup—just one tap, and you're on your way to cleaner air, saving time and letting you relax with ease
- Compact Yet Powerful: Covers up to 1,076 ft² while maintaining a compact size of just 6.69 x 6.69 x 9.84 inches. Its small frame makes placement a breeze—whether on your desk or in a corner, it's ready to work hard wherever you need it (Laboratory Tested: Our air purifier efficiently cleans 250 ft² every 15 minutes, covering up to 1,076 ft² per hour)
- 360° Airflow & High Efficiency Filtration: The elegantly engineered 360° surround air intake, coupled with the sophisticated a triple-layer filtration system, meticulously captures an astounding 99.97% of airborne pollutants, transforming your living space into a sanctuary of purity and vitality
- Quiet with Essential Oil Option: Operates as quietly as 22dB, perfect for undisturbed sleep. The built-in essential oil tray lets you add 3–5 drops to infuse your space with soothing scents while enjoying purified air
- Fully Certified: Backed by DOE, ETL, FCC, CARB, CE, and ROHS certifications, our air purifier meets the highest standards for performance, giving you peace of mind with every use
Use your HVAC system without overloading it
For a forced-air heating or cooling system, EPA advises using a MERV 13 filter, or the highest-efficiency filter the system can accommodate. The filter must fit correctly so air does not bypass it. Run the system fan as often as practical during smoky conditions to circulate air through the filter. If you are unsure whether a higher-rated filter is compatible, check the HVAC manufacturer’s instructions or ask an HVAC professional; MERV 13 is not suitable for every system.
If your system has an outdoor-air intake, set it to recirculate or close the intake during smoky periods if the equipment allows it. Do not obstruct vents or modify the system in a way that interferes with safe operation. EPA’s emergency indoor-air guidance covers HVAC operation during poor outdoor air conditions.
Rank #3
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 & 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: This air purifier for home pets is designed with a larger front air inlet and wider dual-side air inlet, which can pull air from multiple sides and trap airborne pet hairs and odors more easily. Engineered to tackle the wildfire smoke, floating ash, and heavy smog, this high-performance air purifier creates a safe haven indoors, keeping your indoor air fresh during severe air quality alerts
- 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐌𝟐.𝟓 𝐀𝐐𝐈 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 & 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞: Built-in high-precision PM2.5 air quality sensor, real-time monitoring and digital display of indoor air quality. In Auto Mode, the purifier automatically ramps up to higher speed the moment it detects incoming wildfire smoke or household odors, ensuring no-hassle, round-the-clock purification.
- 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 & 𝟑-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: Equipped with a high-efficiency 3-stage filtration system, the air cleaner can capture micro-sized airborne particles, including harmful PM2.5 particulates, dusty combustion ash, seasonal pollen, and pet dander. Cleaning the pre-filter helps save your daily replacement cost and extend the life of the HEPA filter. More activated carbon pellets help absorb unpleasant odors
- 𝟒 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲-𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: The room air purifier has 4 adjustable fan speeds. You can choose the fan speed according to the air quality. The higher the wind speed, the faster the purification speed. When you are out or resting, you can set the air purifier to automatically shut off after 2/4/6/8 hours to reduce energy costs. Running at maximum wind speed for 24 hours only consumes 0.63 kW·h of electricity
- 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝐝𝐁 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬: Choose our quiet air purifier for bedroom. Noise is as low as 20dB in sleep mode. Low noise, low speed and no lights make it perfect for a good night's sleep. Even light-sleeping babies or pets can enjoy fresh and clean air on quiet nights
When a DIY box-fan cleaner makes sense
A box fan fitted with high-efficiency filters can be a temporary or lower-cost way to add particle filtration, but results depend on the fan, filter, fit, and assembly. EPA prefers commercial air cleaners with known performance when those are available and affordable; a DIY unit should not be treated as a guaranteed substitute for a tested cleaner. Follow current safety guidance for the particular fan and filter, and do not leave an improvised setup unattended if its manufacturer’s or safety instructions advise against it. EPA discusses this option in its filtration fact sheet and cleaner-air-room guidance.
Do not let a sealed home become dangerously hot
Keeping windows closed is useful only while staying indoors remains safe. Use air conditioning or fans that recirculate indoor air rather than pulling in smoky outdoor air, if available. If you must open windows to cool the home, choose a cooler time when possible, then close them once the temperature is manageable and run filtration.
Rank #4
- Air Quality Monitoring: This air purifier is designed with a built-in PM2.5 sensor and real-time display, eliminating the need for guesswork about air quality. In auto mode, when it detects a decline in air quality, the purifier with the indicator changing to green, blue, yellow or red, and the fan accelerating to purify the air more efficiently.
- Remarkable Filtration: Featuring an advanced filtration system, the air purifier effectively removes airborne particles (such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke ). When activated, this air cleaner can refresh the atmosphere in a space up to 2400 sq ft / 223 m² every 30 minutes, ensuring you enjoy a fresh and comfortable air quality throughout the day in your home or office. (Note: For significant amounts of pet hair on floors or fabric surfaces, we recommend use other cleaning products.)
- 3-Stage Advanced Filtration: Our air filter combines a high-efficiency purification filter with 3 layers to can effectively filter out the impurities in the air. This high-performance system delivers thorough air purification, creating a healthier living environment for you and your loved one. (Note: The filter needs to be replaced every 3 to 6 months, and must not be cleaned with water or other liquids.)
If you cannot keep the home cool with openings closed, or cannot adequately reduce smoke intrusion, move to a cleaner-air location such as a place with suitable filtration. Keep doors and routes out of the home accessible. EPA’s current smoke-exposure guidance and cleaner-air-room guidance emphasize managing both smoke and heat.
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Reducing indoor haze does not protect you during unavoidable outdoor exposure. EPA advises using a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 respirator for particle exposure when you must be outside in smoky conditions. Follow the respirator’s fit and use instructions; it is not a way to clean the air inside your home. See EPA’s smoke-exposure guidance.
Best Value
- Cleaner Air In Minutes: Purivortex is proven to filter common pollutants from your home’s air. This air purifier purifies rooms up to 880 ft² in one hour. It can purify a 215 ft² room in about 15 minutes, giving you noticeably fresher air in a short time. Breathe clean, crisp air and feel the difference in your space. (*Tested in an ISO 17025 certified laboratory under typical residential room ventilation conditions.)
- Breathe Easier with 99.97% Filtration: Purivortex HEPA air purifiers for home feature a powerful 3-layer filtration system — a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon—that filter up to 99.97% of pollutants, including dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, and VOCs. Purivortex air filters filter out particles as small as 0.1 microns, while the carbon filter helps reduce light household odors from smoke, pets, and cooking.**(**Independently tested in an ISO 17025 laboratory.)
- Bigger Filter, Better Purification: Purivortex goes beyond the standard—while most purifiers of this size use a 4 inch filter, Purivortex air filters stand tall at 6 inches. That’s nearly 1.5× larger, pulling in more air and delivering cleaner results, faster. Filter made of FSC-Certified paper, sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring both high performance and care for the environment.
- Backed by Science, Trusted by Standards: Purivortex air purifiers are rigorously tested to deliver powerful purification performance. Certified by ETL, FCC, and CARB for safety and energy efficiency, and verified through independent SGS laboratory testing to prove their effectiveness. With Purivortex, you get science-backed confidence in every breath.
- 2 Years of Guaranteed Confidence: Purivortex stands behind the quality and performance of every purifier, which is why Purivortex air purifiers come with a full 2-year warranty. More than 500,000 families have already chosen Purivortex for cleaner, fresher air. With added convenience features such as 3 timer settings (4H/8H/12H), 4 fan modes (Sleep/Low/Med/High), and 4 night light modes (Multicolor, Blue, Green, Purple), Purivortex delivers comfort tailored to your lifestyle.
When outdoor air improves
Once local outdoor air quality has improved, air out the home to clear remaining smoky indoor air, consistent with EPA guidance. Check local conditions first, and continue using filtration if indoor air still seems smoky.
Quick Recap
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