When the sky turns hazy over Noe Valley, indoor air quality can change fast. You want a simple plan to protect your household, especially in older homes without central air. In this guide, you’ll learn how to seal your space, filter the air, set up a clean room, track alerts, and clean up after the smoke clears. Let’s dive in.
Why prepare in Noe Valley
San Francisco sees smoke transported from regional wildfires, and Noe Valley is not immune to PM2.5 spikes during these events. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues local advisories that often cover the neighborhood and nearby hills. You can follow these updates and seasonal tips through the district’s wildfire preparedness hub.
Older Victorian and Edwardian buildings are common here, and many do not have central HVAC. That means you’ll likely rely on sealing, portable filtration, and smart room-by-room strategies. Using the right tools ahead of time helps you keep indoor air cleaner when outdoor conditions worsen.
BAAQMD’s wildfire preparedness guidance explains how to follow local advisories and prepare your space.
Health basics: what smoke does
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles called PM2.5. Short-term exposure can irritate your eyes and airways and worsen asthma and heart or lung conditions. Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac disease. EPA explains the health effects of wildfire smoke and why reducing indoor exposure matters.
To track conditions, use the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map and local AQI alerts. Treat “Unhealthy” AQI for PM2.5 and above as a signal to limit outdoor time and tighten your home.
Prepare your home now
Seal and weatherize first
Keep smoky air out so your filters can do their job. Weatherstrip doors, caulk window gaps, and seal utility penetrations. Close fireplace dampers and check door sweeps. Simple sealing reduces infiltration and improves your indoor air during smoke days.
Upgrade HVAC filtration
If you have a forced-air system, use the highest filter rating your blower can handle. MERV 13 is recommended for smoke where compatible. Run the fan on continuous or recur to circulate through the filter during events. See EPA’s Indoor AirPlus guidance for filter selection and system compatibility.
Use portable HEPA air cleaners
For homes without central HVAC, portable HEPA units are key. Size them by the smoke CADR for each room. A practical rule is to choose a smoke CADR about two-thirds of the room’s square footage. ENERGY STAR’s guide to choosing a room air cleaner includes easy sizing tips.
Consider a DIY option
If purifiers are sold out, a simple “Corsi Rosenthal” box made from a box fan and high-MERV filters can help. Follow safety guidance and never leave older fans unattended. Learn more from EPA’s research on DIY air cleaners.
Build a clean room
Pick a small, easy-to-seal room where you spend the most time, like a bedroom. Close doors and windows, seal gaps, and run a properly sized HEPA unit continuously during smoke episodes. Follow EPA’s clean room instructions for a step-by-step setup.
Stock masks and essentials
Keep NIOSH-approved N95 respirators on hand for brief outdoor trips during smoky periods. Have extra filters for purifiers and HVAC, basic cleaning supplies, and chargers or backup power for critical devices. Local health agencies emphasize N95 use for outdoor exposure during smoke days.
Set up alerts and tools
Sign up for city alerts with AlertSF. Save the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map on your phone and check neighborhood conditions when the forecast shifts. Having both local and regional tools helps you respond quickly.
What to do during smoke
Immediate actions
- Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when AQI is elevated for PM2.5.
- Set HVAC and car vents to recirculate. Avoid bringing in outdoor air unless necessary.
- Run your MERV 13 filter or portable HEPA units continuously, especially in your clean room.
- If you must go outside, wear a well-fitted N95 and keep activities light.
What to avoid
- Do not use window fans that pull smoky air into the home.
- Avoid activities that add indoor pollution, like smoking, candles, incense, or high-heat frying.
- Skip ozone-generating air purifiers.
If it’s smoky and hot
If staying inside becomes too warm or unsafe, go to a cool, filtered public building such as a Clean Air Center or library. The statewide program lists participating locations; check Clean Air Centers for options.
Evacuation note
Smoke advisories are not evacuation orders. If a fire threatens the city or you receive an official order, evacuate promptly and bring masks, medications, IDs, and key documents. Keep AlertSF notifications on.
After the smoke clears
Clean carefully and replace filters
Use damp wiping and mopping to remove ash. Vacuum carpets and soft surfaces with a HEPA vacuum. Launder washable fabrics and replace disposable HVAC and purifier filters. Vulnerable household members should avoid cleanup tasks. For detailed steps, see EPA’s wildfire indoor air guidance.
Keep filtering for a bit
Run HEPA units or higher-MERV filters for several days after heavy smoke, especially if odors linger. Activated carbon prefilters can help with short-term odors.
Plan long-term upgrades
Consider a phased approach: sealing and weatherization, upgraded HVAC filtration or a whole-home solution, pre-sized portable HEPA units for key rooms, and a written smoke plan. These improvements support daily comfort and resilience during future smoke events.
Ready to make a move or optimize your home’s setup before listing or buying in Noe Valley? Reach out to Sasha Mazur for local, design-informed guidance tailored to San Francisco living.
FAQs
How should Noe Valley residents read the AQI for smoke days?
- Treat “Unhealthy” AQI for PM2.5 and above as a signal to stay indoors, run filtration, and limit outdoor activity; use regional tools and local alerts to time your actions.
What size HEPA purifier fits a typical bedroom?
- A quick rule is a smoke CADR about two-thirds of the room’s square footage; for a 150 square foot bedroom, look for roughly 100 CADR or higher.
Are N95 masks useful for brief outdoor errands in smoke?
- Yes, NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators filter fine particles effectively when fitted properly; cloth and surgical masks do not provide the same protection.
What’s the simplest way to set up a clean room?
- Choose a small room, seal gaps, close windows, and run a properly sized HEPA unit continuously; keep doors closed and minimize in-and-out traffic.
How soon should I replace filters after a smoke event?
- Replace HVAC and purifier filters right after heavy smoke, then check monthly until odors and visible dust are gone.
Where can I go if it’s both smoky and hot at home?
- Visit a public building with filtered air, such as a Clean Air Center or library; use city alerts to find open facilities and hours.
