As Canadian wildfires continue to spread smoke across the country, residents in affected areas may want to turn on their air conditioning units to avoid the summer heat outside.
With temperatures still high in most areas, the wildfires that began burning earlier this summer in Canada and Minnesota only make cooling down more difficult. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are currently 858 wildfires burning across the country, with 200 of the blazes in Ontario.
In the United States, hazardous smoke is currently affecting 115 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast, according to the American Red Cross. Additionally, the extreme heat is pushing smoke closer to the ground, making inhalation significantly risky.
Gases and fine particles found in wildfire smoke can make people sick, especially individuals with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, who are pregnant and children. Symptoms of smoke inhalation include coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and irritated sinuses, headaches, tiredness, chest pain and a fast heartbeat.
While air conditioning can provide a respite from harsh conditions, people should use it with precautions, according to U.S. government agencies.
How to Use Your Air Conditioner During Wildfires
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises against using air conditioning (HVAC) systems with fresh air intake. People with a central HVAC system should switch it to “recirculate” mode, according to agency recommendations.
Additionally, people should check whether their HVAC filter is in good condition, fits the filter slot and has been replaced at the frequency recommended by its manufacturer.
Individuals with window air conditioning units should learn how to close the outdoor air damper, a valve or movable plate that’s used to regulate, redirect or block airflow. If the damper cannot be closed, people should consider using a fan. The seal between the air conditioner and window should be as tight as possible.
Individuals with a portable air conditioner that has a single hose, which is typically vented out of a window, should use it sparingly.
Additionally, high-efficiency filters, such as MERV 13 or higher, are recommended to help clean air, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY.
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