Air conditioning units are primarily designed to cool and circulate indoor air, rather than to purify it. Standard AC filters capture larger particles, such as dust, pollen, and some allergens. However, the particles in smoke are microscopic—often 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which makes them challenging for typical AC filters to catch. This is why, while AC units provide some level of filtration, they aren’t usually sufficient for fully purifying air in smoky conditions.
How Do AC Filters Work?
Your AC units use filters to help prevent dirt and dust from clogging up the system, as well as circulate cleaner air into your spaces. Standard filters work great for:
- Dust and lint
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Basic allergens
But these, do not filter out the fine particles from smoke. When inhaled, smoke particles are small enough to reach way down into the lungs and that can cause respiratory distress, particularly in those who suffer from asthma or allergies. A higher level filter is usually needed to catch smoke.
Better Air Purification With Your AC
If you live in wildfire smoke territory, or worry about smoke more generally, it is possible to upgrade your AC system to do a better job at cleaning that air. Here are a few of the most useful solutions:
- HEPA Filters
HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles at least as small as 0.3 microns and smaller – many of the smoke particles fit this size range. Commonly found in air purifiers, these filters can occasionally be retrofitted for use in HVAC systems. Consult your AC manufacturer or an expert to know if you can use a HEPA filter with your existing ac.
- Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are more powerful than regular ones — it absorbs odors, gases and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) so to be able to get rid of smoke smell. These canisters contain activated carbon, which serves to absorb the odor-causing components in smoke in a process called adsorption — making all your indoor air much more pleasant.
- UV Light Purifiers
Certain newer AC units feature integrated UV light purifiers, which can kill off airborne bacteria and viruses. UV light will not eliminate smoke particles, however it can provide an additional level of protection for overall air quality. Combining this tech with an enhanced filter helps keep your home environment cleaner.
- Air Purifiers for Your Air Conditioner
Using an air purifier in tandem with your AC unit is one effective way to battle smoke. Ghani explains that HEPA-filtered air purifiers, while not small in power for taking the fine particles from smoke out of your indoor environment, can work along with your AC to help quality of indoor air.
- Regular AC Filter Maintenance
You should also be maintaining your AC filters, even if you are unable to upgrade to HEPA or activated carbon filters. Replace or clean your AC filters frequently to ensure it is capturing as many particles as possible, and keep harmful pathogens from circulating through your air.
How Ventilation Effects Smoke Control
As key to controlling the smoke indoors, combining filtration with proper ventilation is essential. An AC cools, conditions, and recirculates the air but does not usually draw in outside air (except for special types of HVAC systems). To improve indoor air quality, try the following:
Airing out on better days: Let the outside air into your home by opening windows and doors whenever possible during periods of good outdoor air quality.
Exhaust fans: While using exhaust fans in rooms such as kitchens and tampons can remove smoke, since kitchen and bathroom are the areas where most odors occur.
Install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV): An ERV can introduce filtered outside air without lowering the cooling performance of your AC, which can be a great option if you live in an area that often has smoke.
Why an Air Purifier Works Perfectly with Your AC
A dedicated air purifier is best in most cases (when smoke is an ongoing issue). Moveable air purifiers are portable, so they can work their way around your home as needed, and many have several filtration steps (HEPA, activated carbon, etc.) in order to eliminate smoke particulates and smells. Make sure to position the air purifiers in areas where you stay most, such as bedrooms and living spaces.
Conclusion: Can an Air Conditioner Purify Smoke?
To put it differently, a regular AC alone cannot be used to remove smoke from air. It is used for cooling, basic filtration, but not for filtering all small particles and smells out of the air from smoke. But upgrading filters, getting ISO-Certified Air Purifiers and improving ventilation can prepare you to deal with the smoke in your house with a lot more efficiency.
If you or your loved ones have respiratory conditions, or live in an area hit continuously by wildfires, investing in HEPA or activated carbon filters and using them with a good quality air purifier is really impactful. Together, these improvements can contribute to cleaner and healthier air circulating within your home – continued protection from unwanted outdoor pollutants which compromise the safety and comfort of your indoor environment.
FAQs
Does my AC Work for Getting Rid of Wildfire Smoke?
Some filtration is available with a conventional AC unit, but it does not filter out fine particles from smoke very well. Filters can be upgraded to HEPA or activated carbon, and a portable air purifier can also be added.
Is it possible to add a HEPA filter to my HVAC system?
In some cases, yes. Not all AC systems can accommodate HEPA filters, so confirm with your HVAC provider whether it is possible to upgrade.
How often should I change ac filter to help smoke?
In periods of dense smoke, replace your filters more frequently—every 1 to 3 months based on the type of filter and degree of smoke exposure.
Have an AC, will an air purifier still help?
The answer is yes, as it works very well for removing smoke particles and odors. The optimum air quality at home can be achieved with a combination between air purifier and your AC unit.
Q: What kind of filter absorbs smoke smell?
If you are looking to reduce odors in addition to smoke, the best option would be an activated carbon filter. They help to absorb the molecules that cause odors, so your air has less smell in it when you are inside.
Is it OK to run my AC during a smoke event?
Yes but make sure you recirculated the air vice blew outside air in. Use filters that can be checked regularly and replaced to capture as many particles as possible.
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