Why an Air Filter is One of the Smartest Investments During Wildfire Season
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Time to read 2 min
As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, smoke is affecting communities hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of miles away from active fires. Even if you can't see or smell the smoke, tiny airborne particles can still find their way into your home, impacting the air you breathe every day.
We've felt it here in Colorado for the past few summers and without air conditioning closing our windows and home up is not enough. That's why a high-quality air purifier has become less of a luxury and more of a practical tool for protecting your indoor air.
The good news is that while you can't control the air outside, you can significantly improve the air inside your home.
What to Look for in an Air Purifier
Not all air purifiers perform equally. While wildfire season often reminds us how important clean air can be, air purifiers provide benefits throughout the year. Here is what I look for:
- A true HEPA filter capable of capturing fine particles.
- High clean air delivery rates (CADR) for faster air cleaning.
- Activated carbon filtration to help reduce smoke odors and certain gases.
- Coverage appropriate for the size of your room or home.
- Quiet operation, especially since you will run it continuously.
Two Air Purifiers I Like
After comparing and using various air purifiers over the years, the two I come back to are the Jaspr and Molekule. In my opinion, these are the best air purifiers on the market and worth the investment.
JASPR is designed with powerful medical-grade filtration and excellent air circulation. It's especially appealing for larger living spaces and households that want rapid air cleaning during heavy smoke events. Many users also appreciate its focus on improving overall indoor air quality beyond wildfire season. Use code HAVENWITH to get a discount.
Molekule has built a strong reputation for effective HEPA filtration and user-friendly features. Available in several sizes, it's a solid choice for bedrooms, offices, and larger living areas depending on the model you choose. We have had the Mini for a long time (from our old 400 sq ft apartment). The design is aesthetically pleasing and size works well in small places. Their Air Pro is best for larger spaces.
Both brands are capable options, and the best choice depends on your home's size, budget, and specific air quality needs.
Additional Tips During Wildfire Season
An air purifier works best as part of a broader strategy to reduce smoke exposure:
- Keep windows and exterior doors closed when air quality is poor.
- Replace HVAC filters regularly (we do not have a HVAC system so I do not have a brand recommendation).
- Avoid activities that create additional indoor pollution, such as burning candles/diffusers/gas stoves.
- Prioritize spaces, if your budget is for one air purifier, run it in continuously in the room where your family spends the most time.
Clean Air is an Investment in Your Health
We often think about healthy eating and exercise, but the air we breathe deserves just as much attention.During wildfire season, improving indoor air quality can help make your home a safer, more comfortable place.
Whether you chose JASPR or Molekule, investing in a quality air purifier is one of the most effective steps you can take to reduce your exposure. The air inside your home can contain dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne particles that affect comfort and, for some people, respiratory health.
Please note: A previous version of this article included AirDoctor as one of our favorite filters. In light of recent findings and information about the parent company, Ideal Living, we are not comfortable recommending their products.