As temperatures rise in North Carolina, air conditioning becomes a welcome relief for many homeowners. While it helps keep us cool and comfortable, you might be wondering if your air conditioning can make you sick.
The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. While air conditioning itself isn’t inherently harmful, infrequent maintenance can contribute to health issues.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how air conditioning might impact your health, common symptoms to watch for, and steps you can take to ensure a comfortable, healthy environment all summer.
Common Health Symptoms Linked to Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is generally safe, but if the system isn’t well-maintained, it can cause discomfort or exacerbate certain health issues.
Common symptoms that may be linked to air conditioning include:
- Dry throat and skin: Air conditioning can dry out the air, which can lead to a scratchy throat or dry skin.
- Headaches: Sudden temperature changes can trigger headaches in some people.
- Fatigue: Long exposure to air-conditioned spaces can cause feelings of fatigue or lethargy due to dehydration or poor circulation.
- Respiratory issues: Coughing, sneezing, and sinus irritation are common, particularly if the air in your home is dry or circulated with allergens.
Remember, just because you’re feeling a little off doesn’t always mean you’re getting sick. In many cases, it’s just dry or stale air circulating around. But if those symptoms stick around, it might be best to take a closer look at the air quality in your space.
How ACs Can Contribute to Illness
Your air conditioner cools your whole home, and if it’s not properly maintained, it can cause some health problems. Here’s how that happens:
- Mold, bacteria, and allergens: Without regular cleaning, AC units can accumulate mold, dust, and bacteria in their filters, ducts, and coils. When the system runs, these allergens and microorganisms are distributed throughout the air, which can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, and sinus infections.
- Cold, dry air: The dry, cold air produced by an AC can irritate the mucous membranes in your throat, nose, and lungs. This can worsen existing conditions like asthma or allergies and may cause discomfort in sensitive people.
- Recirculated air: In homes with centralized HVAC systems, the constant recirculation of air can increase the spread of germs and allergens. This may lead to a higher risk of catching colds, flu, or other respiratory infections.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to keep your AC properly maintained and cleaned regularly.
Who Is Most at Risk from AC-Related Health Issues?
Some people are more sensitive to the health effects of air conditioning. Let’s take a look at who might be at higher risk:
- People with asthma or allergies: AC systems that circulate mold, dust, or pollen can worsen respiratory issues and trigger asthma or allergy symptoms.
- People with weakened immune systems: Children, older folks, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections spread by recirculated air, especially in shared spaces.
Tips to Stay Healthy While Using Air Conditioning
To make sure your air conditioning system doesn’t negatively impact your health, here are some helpful tips:
- Schedule regular AC maintenance: Filter changes, duct cleaning, and coil cleaning help remove allergens and bacteria that can accumulate in your system.
- Set the AC to a comfortable temperature: Avoid setting the thermostat too low. A moderate temperature range of 72 to 78 degrees is ideal for comfort without overtaxing your system or drying out the air.
- Ventilate your home: Open windows periodically to allow fresh air into your home, especially if you’ve been running the AC for an extended period. This helps reduce the buildup of stale air and introduces healthier airflow.
When to See a Doctor About AC-Related Symptoms
If you notice persistent symptoms like chronic coughing, excessive fatigue, or worsening allergies, it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.
Keep track of when symptoms occur, especially in air-conditioned spaces, to help your doctor determine if your AC system is the cause. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice to identify the underlying issue.
Request AC Maintenance From Comfort First
Air conditioning is essential for staying cool in the North Carolina summers. While it provides much-needed relief from the heat, it’s important to keep your system clean and properly maintained to avoid potential health issues.
Professional HVAC maintenance and air quality solutions like whole-home air purifiers can help reduce allergens, bacteria, and mold buildup that can worsen respiratory symptoms.
By staying on top of regular maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of AC without compromising your health.
Contact Comfort First to schedule professional AC maintenance in the Triangle, Sandhills, Triad, Charlotte, Jacksonville, or the Outer Banks.
