Residents across Illinois are battling a staggering combination of triple-digit heat indexes and unhealthy air quality this week as smoke from Canadian wildfires makes its way to the Midwest.
The air pollution is currently the worst in the Chicago metro area, with Air Quality Indexes ranging between 214 (Unhealthy) in Aurora and Elgin to 524 (Hazardous) in the north and west Chicago suburbs.
Many homeowners and renters alike are forced to hole up inside until the wave passes, likely wondering if it’s safe to blast the air conditioning when the air smells like barbecue.
Here’s what experts recommend.
Can wildfire smoke impact indoor air quality?
The biggest threat from wildfire smoke is from fine particles that can get into your eyes or respiratory system, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, these microscopic particles can cause burning eyes, runny noses and illnesses such as bronchitis. They can also aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases, potentially leading to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
Depending on the proximity of the fire and the density of the smoke, the particles can impact your indoor air quality by entering your home via the following routes:
Can you use air conditioner when air quality is hazardous? How to keep wildfire smoke from coming inside
Running the AC with smoke outside can improve the air quality in your home, with some well-maintained systems removing certain forms of air pollution, according to HVAC company Ingrams Water & Air Equipment. It also helps cool those inside without the need to open windows or doors.
This all depends on the type of air conditioner your home utilizes and the steps you take to maintain it, however.
Those with a central HVAC system should close any fresh air intake or turn the system to “recirculate” mode, according to the EPA. The HVAC filter should be in good condition, fitting snugly in the filter slot and switched out at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer. Consider upgrading to a MERV 13 or higher rated filter if your system can accommodate it.
Those with an evaporative cooler should completely cover the outside air intakes with 4-inch-thick high-efficiency (MERV 13) furnace filters, or otherwise use it sparingly.
If you have a window AC unit, you should find out how to close the outdoor air damper and make sure the seal between the AC unit and the window is as tight as possible. Otherwise use it sparingly and consider other cooling options such as fans.
Portable AC units with one hose should be used sparingly, as they can bring smoke from outside into your home. If you have a portable AC unit with two hoses, make sure the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.
Smoke map
Air quality map
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Is it safe to use AC units in Illinois now? How to keep smoke outside
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
