How to Clean the Air You Breathe (Encore)

About this episode

This week, we’re re-airing a discussion about keeping your indoor air clean and healthy to breathe. Wirecutter senior writer Tim Heffernan walks us through how to reduce the outdoor pollution that inevitably seeps into your home, what to do if you're dealing with wildfire smoke, and surprising and free ways to keep your air clean.    Tim covers exactly why you shouldn’t overspend on an air purifier, and how often you really need to change the filter. Plus he does some myth busting about whether plants clean the air.   This episode covers:  • Monitoring outdoor air: How to use the free EPA Air Now app to track local Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, so that you and know when to wear an N95 mask or seal up your home. • Wildfire preparedness: Practical, low-cost steps to prevent outdoor smoke from contaminating your indoor air, from adjusting your HVAC settings to designated shoe-and-clothes drop zones. • Air purifier science: How HEPA filters capture microscopic particles, why you don't need to replace filters as often as manufacturers claim, and where to position your unit for maximum coverage. • Gimmicks to avoid: Why plants won't clear wildfire smoke and why expens