Wildfires are increasing around the globe in frequency, severity and duration. During wildfire events people are directed to stay indoors and closed all windows and doors. However, wildfire smoke still enters buildings by infiltration through the building envelope and contaminants from wildfire smoke still pose a significant danger to individuals who are indoors.

Portable air filters are an alternative or supplement to whole house filtration provided by circulating indoor air through the filter on a furnace. Some residences do not have whole house filtration capacity: older houses, apartments, rentals, etc. In these cases, portable indoor air filters can do the job.

During a wildfire event running an air filter at night in the bedroom where people spend most of their time is recommended.

This filter uses MERV-13 filters. The filter removes household dust and dust mite debris, mould spores, pollen, pet dander, candle soot, bacteria, viruses including Covid-19, respiratory droplets, PM2.5, and wildfire smoke.

With several passes through the filter, the air is cleaned similarly to HEPA filter performance. MERV-13 filters cost less than HEPA filters and do not require as much fan pressure to move air through.

The air filter uses computer fans which run a lot quieter than a box fan and is smaller and quieter and more suitable to the residential environment.

The air filter costs $75-120 depending on whether the parts can be ordered singly or in bulk.