Improving Indoor Air Quality: Keep the Wildfire Smoke (and the Gas) Out

Wildfires continue to rage across LA, and while the immediate concern is community safety, the effects are far-reaching—like the smoke currently sneaking into homes across Southern California. Add to that the hidden pollutants already in your house (hello, gas stoves), and you’ve got an air quality problem that’s not just outdoors. But don’t worry—there’s hope!

Here’s how to breathe easier and make your home a fortress against indoor air pollution.

1. Gas Cooking → Induction‍

First things first: gas stoves are out, and induction is in. Gas stoves might look sleek on your countertop, but they’re secretly sabotaging your air quality. Burning gas releases nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulates into your home—pollutants that are linked to respiratory issues and asthma, especially in kids.

Here’s the game-changer: Research from Columbia University shows that switching to an electric induction stove can slash indoor nitrogen dioxide levels by more than 50 percent. And the perks don’t stop there. Induction cooktops are fast, safe, and energy-efficient. Imagine boiling water in under two minutes (our friends at Impulse do this really well) or keeping your kitchen cool during summer because there’s no open flame heating up the room.

If you want to see how this switch plays out in real life, check out this personal story from someone who made the leap: I Made the Switch from Gas to Electric Cooking.

Not ready for a full stove replacement? Portable induction burners are an easy, affordable way to dip your toes into the electric cooking world. They’re small, mighty, and perfect for sautéing without the side of soot.

2. Whole-Home Filters

Air purifiers are great, but they can’t do it all if your entire home is exposed to pollutants. Enter whole-home filters. These bad boys attach to your HVAC system to scrub the air of dust, smoke, and other contaminants before it even hits your lungs. Look for MERV 13-rated filters or higher, and change them regularly (no cheating—set a reminder). Think of it as your home wearing a top-tier N95 mask.

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Pro tips during wildfire season: Make sure your HVAC fan is set to “on” instead of “auto”. This ensures the air is continuously circulating and getting filtered, rather than sitting stagnant. Pair your filter with a smart thermostat to optimize your system’s performance and energy use.

3. Sealing Your Home (and Making It Sealable)
   

If your windows rattle or your doors let in drafts, you’re giving pollutants an easy entry point. Focus on areas where air can sneak in: gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and even light fixtures.

Check out the video above from Efficiency Vermont that breaks down the process step by step. Whether you’re caulking window frames or adding foam gaskets behind outlet covers, these small changes can make a huge difference.

For renters: Removable weather-stripping and door sweeps are affordable, landlord-friendly solutions. Draft stoppers or rolled-up towels at the bottom of doors can also help in a pinch.

4. Weather Stripping
   

Weather stripping is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s air quality. For doors, consider adhesive-backed foam tape or V-strip weather seals. For windows, try rope caulk or silicone-based seals.

Not sure where to start? For an in-depth breakdown of material options and their use cases check out this spreadsheet. And if you’re curious about prices, check out this graphic. 

The best part? Weatherstripping doesn’t just keep pollutants out—it also traps conditioned air inside, reducing energy waste and lowering your utility bills. A win for your lungs and your wallet.

5. Having Windows That Actually Close

This might sound basic, but windows that don’t close properly are like an open invitation for smoke and outdoor air pollution. If your windows stick, sag, or have warped over time, it’s worth repairing or replacing them.

Consider double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These not only improve insulation but also reduce the infiltration of pollutants. In the meantime, temporary solutions like window film or sealing gaps with plastic wrap can help keep your indoor air cleaner.

6. Getting Gas Out of Your HVAC

Gas-powered HVAC systems release combustion pollutants into your home—even when vented properly. Transitioning to an electric heat pump eliminates these pollutants and improves overall indoor air quality. In fact, you’re sitting on the website of a product that gets gas out of your heating and hot water with the most planet-friendly heat pump available.  It’s called Harvest. 

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Heat pumps are a triple treat: they heat, cool, and dehumidify your home efficiently. Plus, they’re eligible for major rebates: the tax code offers a 30% federal tax credit, and you can get $6,150 off with California Energy Smart-Homes for Harvest, if you go all electric. That’s a lot of bang for your (clean-air) buck.

If you’re not ready to replace your entire system, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. It can improve the efficiency of your existing setup and help you control air circulation during peak pollution times.

Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t require a complete home overhaul—just a series of small, thoughtful steps. Whether it’s upgrading to an induction cooktop, sealing those pesky drafts, or investing in a whole-home air filter, each action helps create a cleaner, healthier space for you and your family.

So while wildfire season keeps the skies smoky, let’s keep the air inside your home fresh and breathable. Oh, and don’t keep these tips to yourself—share them with your neighbors, friends, and family.