Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke Protection

Yes. A properly sized air purifier with True HEPA filtration can remove the fine particles (PM2.5) found in wildfire smoke. HEPA filters capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke particles.

For best results during wildfire events, the unit should also include activated carbon filtration to reduce smoke odors and harmful gases.

The best air purifier for wildfire smoke includes:

• True HEPA filtration for fine particulate removal

• Activated carbon filter for smoke odor and gases

• High CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)

• Proper room coverage and air changes per hour (ACH)

During heavy smoke conditions in Canada or the U.S., higher airflow and faster air exchange rates are recommended.

Wildfire smoke can enter homes through:

• Open doors and windows

• HVAC systems

• Small air leaks around windows and foundations

• Bathroom and kitchen vents

Even tightly sealed homes can experience smoke infiltration during severe wildfire events.

Yes. During wildfire smoke advisories in Canada or North America, windows and doors should remain closed as much as possible.

Use recirculation mode on your HVAC system and run your air purifier continuously to reduce indoor smoke particle levels.

It can be. Without proper filtration, smoke particles that enter the home can become trapped and continuously recirculate indoors.

In some cases, indoor air can remain polluted longer than outdoor air if ventilation and filtration are not properly managed.

Wildfire smoke can shorten filter lifespan.

During heavy smoke events:

• Check pre-filters weekly

• Monitor HEPA filter performance

• Replace carbon filters sooner if odors persist

Homes in regions affected by Canadian or U.S. wildfire smoke may need more frequent filter changes during active fire seasons.

It depends on the size, layout, and airflow of the home.

Most portable air purifiers are designed to clean the air in a single room. In larger homes, open-concept layouts, or during heavy wildfire smoke conditions, multiple units may be required to maintain proper air changes per hour (ACH).

For enhanced performance in larger spaces, premium systems such as MedicAir® Pro HEPA air purifiers and ActivePure® air purification technology are designed to deliver higher airflow, advanced filtration, and improved whole-space coverage.

Depending on your home’s square footage, ceiling height, and HVAC setup, you may benefit from:

• Multiple high-performance portable HEPA units

• A large-capacity purifier like MedicAir™ for open living areas

• An HVAC-integrated system such as ActivePure® for whole-home air treatment

Proper sizing is critical. During wildfire smoke events across Canada and North America, higher airflow and continuous filtration are essential to maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Our team evaluates your home and recommends the right system to ensure consistent performance throughout the entire space.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns. These particles are produced in large quantities during wildfires.

Because they are so small, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of:

• Asthma flare-ups

• Respiratory irritation

• Heart and lung complications

• Long-term health impacts

HEPA filtration is designed to capture these fine particles.

Standard furnace filters are not designed to fully remove fine wildfire smoke particles.

Higher MERV-rated filters can help, but dedicated HEPA air purifiers or whole-home purification systems provide significantly stronger protection during wildfire events.

Yes. Most high-quality air purifiers are designed to operate continuously and are most effective when left running during smoke events.

Continuous operation helps maintain stable indoor air quality levels and reduces particle buildup.