AC users warned of risks after wildfires

SPAIN: With firefighters continuing to battle 14 major blazes across Spain, home and business owners are being advised of precautions to take with their air conditioning systems.  

The CNI, Spain’s national confederation of HVACR, plumbing, electrical and fire protection installers, has warned of the potential harm to health if air conditioning equipment, damaged by large amounts of smoke and ash, are restarted after the fires.

Even if a building has not suffered damage from the flames, the CNI warns that proximity to a fire can seriously affect outdoor HVAC and heat pump equipment.

It warns that smoke and ash can block filters and ducts, reducing airflow, increasing energy consumption and straining the compressor.

Wet ash can also cause corrosion to fan blades, heat exchangers and condensate trays.

Importantly, if the equipment is restarted without attention, accumulated particles, which may contain toxic compounds, heavy metals, or combustion residues that are harmful to the respiratory tract and eyes, can be redistributed inside.

The CNI warns system owners not to restart equipment without inspection by a qualified installer after any smoke or fire incidents nearby.

This might include deep cleaning of filters and ducts and removing ash from outdoor units and would require the inspection of fan blades, heat exchangers and condensate trays.

It also advises to carry out an indoor air quality check if there is a smoke odour or visible particles.

“A fire can be extinguished in hours, but its invisible effects can last for weeks if no action is taken in time,” the CNI said. “Prevention and professional maintenance are the best guarantees for your health and that of your air conditioning equipment.”