07/16/2026
During the wildfire smoke here are some suggestions in regards to running your cooling units.
As always if you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
During wildfire smoke, the goal is to keep smoky outdoor air from entering your home while still staying cool. How you run your air conditioner depends on the type of system you have:
Central air conditioning: Set it to recirculate indoor air (sometimes labeled "recirculation" or by closing the fresh-air intake). Avoid any setting that brings in outside air. If your system has a high-efficiency filter (such as MERV 13 or the highest rating your system supports), make sure it's installed and replace it if it becomes heavily loaded with smoke.
Window air conditioner: If your unit has a "recirculate," "max," or "inside air" setting, use that. Avoid any "fresh air" or "vent" setting that pulls outdoor air inside. Some older window units don't have a fresh-air intake and already recirculate indoor air.
Portable air conditioner: If it's a single-hose model, it can create slight negative pressure indoors, which may draw smoky air into the home through gaps. A dual-hose model generally performs better during smoke events because it doesn't depressurize the room as much.
A few additional tips:
Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Run your HVAC fan continuously (if it recirculates indoor air) to help filter the air.
If you have a portable HEPA air purifier, use it in the room where you spend the most time.
If indoor temperatures become dangerously hot and you don't have effective cooling, it's safer to seek a location with cleaner air and air conditioning, such as a public cooling center, rather than remain in extreme heat.
