Is it safe to use your AC during poor air quality?

Air Quality Concerns Due to Wildfires

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has traveled across the Great Lakes and reached parts of the East Coast, leading to widespread warnings for people in the United States to stay indoors. This situation raises an important question: Is it safe to run your air conditioner when the air quality in your city is unhealthy or even hazardous?

According to experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, the answer is yes. A well-maintained air conditioner can help maintain healthy indoor air quality. However, there are key steps you should take to ensure your system is working effectively during these times.

The Role of Air Filters

As with most situations, the condition of your air filter plays a crucial role. Keeping your air filter clean and up to date is essential for optimal performance. If you want additional protection against poor air quality, consider adding an air purifier to your home setup.

Ronald Grifka, M.D., president of University of Michigan Health-West, explains that “an air conditioning system can clean and purify more air than a single, small, corner air purifier. From that perspective, air conditioning may be helpful.” He adds that homes built with proper air conditioning systems typically prevent too much outside air from entering. Any air that does manage to get inside can be filtered effectively, keeping the indoor air as clean and safe as possible.

Practical Tips from the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association offers several practical tips to help protect your indoor air quality during periods of poor outdoor air:

• Close all windows and doors and consider sealing gaps around them using weatherstripping or weather-sealing tape.
• Ensure AC filters are clean and replace them if necessary.
• If your central HVAC system has a fresh-air intake or ventilation setting, close it (if possible) and set the system to recirculate.
• Use a portable air purifier or install a high-efficiency filter.
• Avoid activities that can worsen indoor air quality, such as smoking, burning candles, or using a gas stove.
• Do not vacuum, as it can stir up dust and other particles into the air.

Additional Measures for Better Air Quality

In addition to the above steps, there are other measures you can take to improve your indoor air quality:

• Keep your home as sealed as possible to reduce the amount of outside air entering.
• Regularly check and maintain your air conditioning system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Consider using HEPA filters if available, as they are highly effective at capturing fine particles.
• Monitor air quality updates through local authorities or trusted sources to stay informed about conditions in your area.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on your indoor environment. While it’s always best to avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality, having a well-maintained air conditioning system and additional air purification tools can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and comfortable.