How to keep bushfire smoke out of your home

Living near a bushfire-affected area? - by Laura Barry

WATCH: New Idea are on the ground in bushfire-affected area

The tragic bushfires that have impacted many parts of Australia over the past few weeks have resulted in clouds of thick bushfire smoke sitting over cities and towns across the country. Most notably, the smoke haze choking Sydney, which has created the worst ever air pollution the city has ever seen, with air quality reaching 12 times the hazardous level in some parts of the city.

With smoke sitting so thick and heavy on the city, many office buildings, schools and homes have experienced smoke seeping into their indoor spaces. Fortunately, the folk at track and sealing retailer Cowdroy have some tips for keeping smoke out of your home.

1. Go into lock down

Now is the time to ensure all windows and doors are closed so no smoke is seeping in.

2. Use your air conditioner

Keep your indoors cool and clean by using the air-con, and if you can, add a filter to your air conditioner to stop smoky air from entering your home.

3. Ventilate when possible

Take the opportunity to open windows and doors to ventilate your home when there are periods of clarity in the air quality.

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4. Buy a portable air purifier

A portable air purifier can drastically improve the air quality in your home and break down smoke particles.

5. Install weather seals

Also known as weather strips, a weather seal is a component used to seal gaps around moveable building components such as doors and windows to prevent air leaks. Weather seals will provide an infiltration barrier against conditioned air creeping out of the house, as well as keeping smoke, dust and insects from entering.

6. Introduce plants

While indoor plants on their own may not be able to purify your air, a combination of air purifying indoor plants and an air purifier can certainly do wonders for air quality.

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Health tips for coping with smoke haze

Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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