This is general advice only

This guide is general advice about using your air conditioner when bushfire smoke is about. It is not a substitute for a bushfire plan.For essential bushfire warnings and planning, visit your local fire station or, in NSW, the Rural Fire Service website at rfs.nsw.gov.au.Bushfire season can produce vast amounts of smoke and affect large areas, including densely populated residential neighbourhoods that are nowhere near the fire itself. The smoke is made up of water vapour, gases and small particles that can be very harmful to human and animal health. The gases and particles can affect the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and have the potential to cause serious medical issues and even death.So the question many homeowners ask is a fair one. Is it safe to run your air conditioner during times of heavy smoke? The short answer is yes.

Is it safe to run the air conditioner with smoke outside

In most cases, your home air conditioner recycles the air within the home. Every time that air passes through the filter it is cleaned. Because no polluted air is entering the home, the air inside stays quite clean and safe.Many governments and fire agencies recommend that people stay in their homes with doors and windows closed and the air conditioner turned on. Pets and other animals should also be moved inside where possible, to escape the heat and the smoke.A well kept system that is run correctly is one of the more useful things you have for getting through a smoky spell. For more on what your system can do for the air inside your home, see 3 steps to improve indoor air quality with air conditioners.

Turn off the fresh air function

It is important to note that if your air conditioner has a 'Fresh Air' function, you should turn it off.This feature allows air from outside to enter the air conditioning system. Any air drawn from outside risks bringing in bushfire smoke and the harmful contaminants you want to keep out.Check your controller or the system manual to see whether your unit has this feature. If you are not sure, an accredited dealer can tell you and show you where the setting is.

• Fresh air function on: outside air, and smoke, enters the system.
• Fresh air function off: the system recycles the air already inside the home.

Filters: upgrades and cleaning

Upgrading your filter to a pleated disposable type, a HEPA filter or another higher filtration option is an excellent way to reduce bushfire smoke contaminants inside your home. Your local accredited dealer can help with a range of filtration upgrades for your existing home air conditioner.Cleaning your filter is essential to its longevity and overall performance. The best way to clean a washable filter is a gentle wash with water, so that all the contaminants are removed. A dirty pleated disposable filter looks noticeably darker than a new one, and that is your sign it is due for replacement.For more on looking after your system, see how to take care of your ducted air conditioner.

Plan ahead, before the smoke arrives

A good air conditioner that is prepared and run correctly can be a vital tool for dealing with bushfire smoke over summer. As with your bushfire plan, early planning is the key.Before the season starts, have the system checked and the filter cleaned or replaced. Find out whether your unit has a fresh air function and how to switch it off. If you want higher filtration, ask about it now rather than in the middle of a smoke event.An accredited dealer can do all of this for you. Use the dealer locator to find one near you, or read is your air conditioning ready for summer for a pre-season check.

When smoke is about

• Check bushfire warnings with your local fire station or, in NSW, the Rural Fire Service.
• Close doors and windows and run the air conditioner.
• Turn off any fresh air function on the system.
• Bring pets and other animals inside where possible.
• Clean a washable filter with a gentle wash of water, or replace a dirty disposable one.
• Ask an accredited dealer about a pleated, HEPA or other higher filtration upgrade.
• Have the system checked before the season starts, as part of your bushfire planning.

An accredited dealer can check your system, show you the fresh air setting and fit a higher filtration option before the smoke arrives. Every accredited member works to the ACDA Standards.