Unfortunately, wildfires are common across many parts of the country, especially in the Western United States. The smoke and ash they generate can wreak havoc on the outdoor environment and your home’s HVAC system.
If a nearby wildfire has impacted you, you may have noticed your air conditioner is no longer cooling properly or blowing as strongly as it should. The smoke and particulate matter in the air can clog the AC coils and drainage areas, leading to reduced efficiency.
Don’t panic. You can typically get your AC back up and running with DIY cleaning and maintenance. Below are some tips for inspecting and servicing an AC unit after exposure to wildfire smoke.
Inspect and Clean the AC Coils
The most crucial step is thoroughly cleaning the condenser coils outside your home. These coils disperse heat from the refrigerant as part of the cooling process. When debris builds up on the coils, it reduces their heat transfer capabilities.
- To access the coils, carefully remove the top casing of the outdoor condensing unit. Then, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove surface debris from the condenser coils.
- Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution liberally onto the coils and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. The acidic vinegar will help dissolve residual soot and ash. Note: Acid may damage certain coils — consult manufacturer documentation.
- Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove standing water from the drain pan beneath the coils. Remove any debris clogging the drain outlet.
- Inspect the coils for rust spots and clean these using a coil cleaner solution specifically designed for HVAC systems. Rust damages the coils’ integrity.
- Replace the top casing and run the unit to see if the airflow has improved. It may take several rounds of cleaning to restore cooling capabilities fully.
Thorough coil cleaning is the most practical DIY step for reviving an AC from smoke damage. But take care not to bend or damage the fragile coils in the process. Sometimes, it’s best to call an HVAC professional for assistance.
Change the Air Filter
Smoke particles inevitably make their way indoors, clogging the air filter in your HVAC system. A dirty filter restricts airflow, so you should replace it with a new filter after exposure to wildfire smoke.
Disposable paper filters are common and inexpensive. Look for a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of at least 8, which will trap fine smoke particulates. For better filtration, opt for a pleated filter, which can remove particles as small as three to 10 microns. Be careful about using high-efficiency filters rated above MERV 13 without first having the static pressure of your air duct system tested to ensure your HVAC system can handle the added stress (increased resistance to flow).
Have a Professional Service Visit
If DIY cleaning fails to restore cooling capabilities, it’s best to call an HVAC technician for a complete diagnostic service and maintenance.
A technician has specialized tools, coil cleaners, and access to restricted-use products. They can test system components like refrigerant levels, duct integrity, blower motor function, and airflow. An HVAC pro can also extend the life of your AC system.
Certain damages, like a burnt-out motor or compressor failure, can only be detected and repaired by a technician. Avoid further system breakdowns by having a pro inspect your AC after smoke contamination.
Expect to pay $75 to $150 for a diagnostic service call plus repair costs.
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Install a Whole-House Air Purifier
For homeowners who regularly experience seasonal wildfires, a whole-house air purifier provides extra protection for the HVAC system and indoor air quality.
These units are installed on your central air ducts to filter out contaminants as air circulates through your home. They use a thicker, pleated filter media that can trap smoke particles down to 0.3 microns.
Whole-house air purifiers run $800 to $1,500 installed but are a wise investment if you live in an area impacted annually by wildfire smoke. They reduce strain on your HVAC system while removing irritants from the air your family breathes.
So, Is Regular AC Maintenance a Must After Wildfires?
Given how vulnerable HVAC systems are to smoke and ash, preventative maintenance is highly recommended after wildfire contamination. Even if your AC seems to run normally, fire dust and debris can damage system components over time. A strained blower motor or restricted coils will burn out faster than normal, leading to premature failure.
Have your HVAC technician perform a full system inspection to examine the coils, filters, blower, motors, refrigerant levels, ducts, and other components. They can thoroughly clean any soot buildup and make repairs if needed.
Though it adds a service cost, preventative maintenance can prevent expensive breakdowns and keep your system operating at peak efficiency despite ongoing exposure to smoke particles in the air.
FAQs About Wildfire Damage To AC Systems
How much does it cost to repair smoke damage to an AC?
The cost varies depending on the severity of the damage. Minor coil cleaning and filter replacement may cost $150 to $300. But if the motor, coils, or compressor are burnt out, you could pay an AC repair cost of $2,000 or more.
Should I run my AC during a wildfire?
It’s best to shut off your central air and close windows to avoid pulling smoky air indoors. Run a window AC unit with a HEPA filter in one room instead. Make sure to change the filter frequently.
What setting should I put my thermostat on during a wildfire?
Set your thermostat to “fan” mode, which circulates indoor air without activating the cooling cycle.
How often should I change my air filter after a wildfire?
Change it immediately after smoke exposure. Then, replace filters two to three times more often than usual for the next several months to maintain indoor air quality. Upgrade to a pleated or electrostatic filter for better smoke filtration.
Can smoke permanently damage my AC?
It’s unlikely smoke would permanently ruin the AC, provided you have repairs done. However, over time, the strain of running an AC with clogged coils can shorten its lifespan and lead to early failure. Proper cleaning and maintenance help minimize permanent damage.
