Climate Change and Health

Cleaner and Cooler Air Spaces

What is a cleaner and cooler air space

A cleaner and cooler air space (CCAS) is a space that combines the concepts of cleaner air and cooler air to protect indoor air quality during a poor air quality event.

A cleaner air space is a space in a home or building with air filtration that prevents pollutants from accumulating indoors.

A cooler air space is a space in a home or a building with air conditioning that helps to reduce the impacts of extreme heat events.

A cleaner and cooler air space can help protect your health by reducing your exposure to poor air quality events and/or extreme heat events. By using equipment like air conditioners and air cleaners/purifiers your indoor air is made more comfortable and safer to breathe than outdoor air. These spaces can exist as a room inside your home or in a community building.

Setting up a cleaner and cooler air space in your home

A cleaner and cooler air space can exist in your home. It can be for your entire home, one level of your home, or just one room.

  • Consider how many people live in the home and how much space is needed to fit everyone
  • Equipment you will need
    • Portable air cleaner/purifier or DIY air cleaner
      • Note: A large space might require more than one air cleaner if it is rated to a smaller room size.
    • Portable air conditioner
    • Air quality monitor (some air purifiers have this built-in)

Steps to take:

  1. Choose a room that:
  • Is large enough for everyone in the household
  • Receives the least amount of direct sunlight
  • Has well-sealed windows and doors
  • Has easy access to essentials such as a washroom, food, water, electricity, and internet
  1. Prevent smoke from entering the room
  • Keep windows and doors closed and ensure they seal properly, without affecting emergency exits
  • Limit the use of exhaust fans and range hoods, as they can draw outdoor air into your home
  1. Gather your equipment
    1. Portable air cleaner/purifier or DIY air cleaner
      Note: A large space might require more than one air cleaner if it is rated to a smaller room size.
    2. Portable air conditioner or fans.
      1. During poor air quality events, set air conditioners to recirculate mode and disable any fresh air intake. If that is not possible, use the unit sparingly.
    3. Air quality monitor
      1. Optional, some air purifiers include a built-in monitor
  2. Prepare the space
  • Test your equipment to make sure it is working and you know how to use it
  • If you have a window air conditioner, ensure that the recirculation setting is working
  • Test your carbon monoxide alarm to make sure it is working
  • Check for other sources that could be affecting your indoor air quality

Using your Cleaner Cooler Air Space at Home:

When you receive an air quality alert from the government, the WeatherCAN app, or your local news, consider activating your cleaner and cooler air space.

  • Close doors and windows leading to the space
  • Turn off any external vents (i.e. exhaust fans)
  • Plug in and turn on your equipment
  • If you have a window air conditioner, set it to recirculate mode
  • Avoid activities that can worsen indoor air quality, including:
    • Smoking
    • Vacuuming (unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter)
    • Burning incense or candles
    • Using wood stoves or other cooking options that release heat and smoke
    • Using air fresheners or cleaning products
  • If you do not have air conditioning, follow these steps to help control indoor air temperature:
    • Use shades, blinds, or a blanket to limit the amount of sunlight entering your home
    • At night, when it is cooler and if outdoor air quality allows, open your windows and use fans to create a cross breeze. This moves hot air out and draws cooler air inside.
    • Once the indoor air is cooler, close doors and windows
    • If the outdoor air quality is poor and you cannot open your windows to cool your home down, consider spending time in a community cleaner and cooler air space

After a Poor Air Quality Event:

After the outdoor air quality improves:

  • Unplug and store your equipment
  • Open your doors and/or windows to let fresh outdoor air into your home
  • If you have a window air conditioner, change the setting to fresh air intake
  • Wet dust and wet mop surfaces to remove settled dust

Community Cleaner and Cooler Air Spaces

A community cleaner and cooler air space (CCCAS) is a safe indoor area that is available to community members during extreme weather events, such as extreme heat events or wildfire smoke events. These spaces should be equipped with equipment like a central   HVAC system, air purifiers, air conditioners, and indoor air quality sensors, to help keep indoor air clean, cool, and safe to breathe. 

When Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues a yellow, orange or red alert for heat or air quality, it is recommended to open and use the CCCAS. Alerts can be found at this link: Weather Information - Environment Canada

A CCCAS can help reduce health risks from extreme heat and poor air quality, particularly for people who are more vulnerable, such as elders and seniors, people with chronic health conditions, and those without access to air conditioning or air filtration at home.

Check with your community government for access to indoor facilities and clean air locations.

Additional resources: