(StatePoint) Recent, out-of-control wildfires in Canada are bringing hazy, dangerous air to American communities, prompting air quality alerts and advisories in multiple states nationwide. With the size and number of wildfires increasing, and fire seasons lengthening, experts advise taking action so you can protect your household.

“One of the single most effective strategies for improving your indoor air quality and breathing better every day, but particularly during events such as wildfires, is investing in the right air purifier,” says Ed Vlacich, CEO of Lasko Products, parent company of Guardian Technologies.

When it comes to something as important as your family’s health and safety, you should shop for products made by experienced manufacturers that make it their business to over perform. In 2005, GermGuardian set a goal to change the air purifier industry using rigorous and respected testing methods, performed by labs in the United States that exceed industry standards. Today, all its devices are designed and engineered domestically and are ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED, CARB (California Air Resource Board) Certified, ETL Certified and Zero Ozone Verified. While some competitors remove less than 90% of particles, independent testing shows that GermGuardian’s air purifiers remove more than 99.97%. That’s thanks to the devices’ advanced HEPA filtration system, which are designed to efficiently capture smoke particles, allergens and various pollutants.

One model that is particularly well-equipped to help ensure clean, healthy indoor air during wildfires is the GermGuardian 22” 4-in-1 Air Purifier (AC4825E). For added protection, users can pair it with a Smoke Clear HEPA Genuine Replacement Filter, which has over 125 pleats and 8.0 square feet of filter media surface area, and is designed to specifically remove the particles, principal toxins, and some of the leading cancer-causing gases found in wildfire smoke, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. Also equipped with UV-C light technology, the AC4825E helps reduce airborne viruses, and its pre-filter traps dust, pet hair, and other large particles, while ensuring long-lasting performance of the HEPA filter. If you’re looking for a quick solution for recent wildfires, both products are available on Amazon for fast delivery and will start working immediately to help ensure clean air in your home.

In addition to investing in a high-performance air purifier, you can also make a few lifestyle adjustments and home improvements for better indoor air.

Weather strip and caulk windows and doors. It’s not only an effective strategy for reducing energy bills, it will go a long way toward improving indoor air quality, especially when the air outside is hazy and smoky. During times when wildfires are impacting local air quality, you may also want to limit or avoid activities that create smoke or fine particles indoors, including burning candles, smoking, vaping, or using a gas-burning stove. The EPA also recommends during these times to set your HVAC system to recirculate mode and to use portable AC units with one hose sparingly. According to Guardian Technologies, your HVAC system should also always be equipped with a high-quality filter.

Raging wildfires that impact people hundreds and even thousands of miles away are no longer a rare occurrence. Fortunately, there are effective actions you can take right now to breathe better at home.

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