Practical ways to improve the air you actually breathe
AirScore reflects long-term outdoor risk — but your biggest leverage is often indoors.
These steps are high-impact, realistic, and calm (no doom scrolling required).
✅ Quick wins (do these first)
Highest impact
Low effort
Works anywhere
- Bedroom = priority #1: run a true HEPA air purifier where you sleep.
- HVAC filter upgrade: use MERV 13 if your system can handle it (otherwise MERV 11 is still a win).
- Kitchen + bath ventilation: use exhaust fans while cooking/showering (and 15–20 minutes after).
- When AQI is high: keep windows closed, run filtration, and save outdoor exercise for cleaner hours.
Rule of thumb: if you can make your bedroom air “clean,” you’ve already improved your daily exposure a lot.
🌀 Filtration & HVAC (what to buy / what matters)
Ignore marketing hype and focus on two specs:
True HEPA + CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) sized to your room.
If you have HVAC, filters matter too — but don’t overload the system.
Portable purifier: what to look for
- CADR matched to room size (bigger is better than “barely enough”).
- True HEPA for particles (PM2.5, smoke, dust).
- Carbon layer helps with odors/VOCs (varies by model).
- Plan for filter replacement cost (it’s the real “subscription”).
If you have one purifier, put it in the bedroom. If you have two, add the main living area.
HVAC filter: quick guidance
- MERV 13 is great if your HVAC can handle it.
- If airflow seems worse, step down to MERV 11 rather than quitting.
- Replace on schedule (more often if you have pets, smoke, or allergies).
If you’re unsure, ask an HVAC tech: “Can my system run MERV 13 without stressing the blower?”
Example products (not sponsored)
These are common, well-reviewed options at different price points. Pick based on room size + filter cost.
(Links go to manufacturer/retailer pages.)
Rabbit Air MinusA2 (HEPA + carbon)
Premium option with multi-stage filtration and strong odor/VOC control.
View product →
Austin Air HealthMate Plus
Heavy-duty carbon + particle filtration; often chosen for odor/chemical sensitivity.
View product →
Dyson Purifier (Cool / De-NOx line)
High-end option combining filtration with fan features; check CADR/room fit.
View product →
Budget tip
If you’re optimizing for value: prioritize CADR/room fit and reliable filter availability.
CADR basics (AHAM) →
🔥 Wildfire / smoke plan (simple + effective)
Preparedness
Smoke days
No panic
- Create one “clean room” (usually a bedroom): doors closed, purifier running continuously.
- Seal obvious leaks around windows/doors (temporary weather stripping works).
- Avoid indoor particle spikes: limit candles/incense; cook with ventilation; consider lower-smoke cooking methods.
- Optional DIY: a box-fan + high-quality filter setup can help in a pinch (use common-sense safety).
During heavy smoke: indoor air can still get worse fast without filtration — “clean room” is the highest ROI move.
🧭 Daily habits (small adjustments that add up)
Real life
Low friction
Consistency
- Time outdoor exercise away from rush hour; consider post-rain windows when air can be cleaner.
- Traffic micro-choices: recirculate air in heavy traffic; avoid idling in garages.
- Dust control: vacuum with HEPA if you can; damp-wipe surfaces instead of dry dusting.
- If you’re sensitive: consider a high-filtration mask for short, high-exposure moments (smoke events, heavy roadside work).
