Assessing Window AC and Portable AC Filter Performance on Removing Particulate Matter from Wildfire Smoke

RILEIGH ROBERTSON, Henrik Helmig, Marina Vance, CU Boulder

     Abstract Number: 52
     Working Group: Reducing Aerosol Exposure with Control Technologies and Interventions

Abstract
Wildfires generate large amounts of particulate matter (PM), which pose significant health risks when inhaled. Indoor air filtration plays a critical role in reducing exposure but can be expensive. There is currently limited research investigating the performance of low-cost solutions that also address thermal comfort. In this study, we developed and evaluated the PM removal efficiency of 6 different materials inserted into a window AC unit and portable AC unit that maximize comfort, cost, and effectiveness during a simulated wildfire event. A cocktail smoker with Ponderosa Pine chips was used to inject the PM into a 38 m3 chamber and left to decay with the AC units on. Particle sizers were used to measure the concentration of PM ranging from 10 nm to 10 µm. Clean air delivery rates were calculated for each of the filters, and the flow drop was recorded. All tested filters outperformed the control, confirming that the filter materials can effectively reduce occupant exposure to wildfire smoke. These solutions are low-cost and utilize a device that the home may already have with the added benefit of cooling.