Air conditioners make life bearable, especially during the peak of the summer. With the weather at its extreme, these cooling systems help us regulate temperatures so that we can feel comfortable. However, many feel an adverse effect when using their air conditioning system. Your air conditioner could be the cause of your frequent sicknesses.

Air Conditioning Sickness Symptoms That Homeowners Know About

Let’s be clear on one thing; air conditioners do not make people sick, pathogens do. It’s through exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and such microorganisms that we get sick. What air conditioners do is increase the likelihood of exposure. However, you can follow a few simple steps to avoid exposure. Let’s now look at some common air conditioning sicknesses and how to avoid them.

1. Headaches And Feeling Dizzy

Unaccounted headaches are common during summer, especially for those who stay indoors for long. You experience bouts of headaches, but your visit to the doctor produces a clean bill of health. Studies show a higher occurrence of these conditions among employees who work with their air conditioning units turned on. This circumstance is known as sick building syndrome.

Whenever an air conditioner kicks on, it increases cold conditions while lowering humidity. It is advisable to use a humidifier alongside your home conditioner if you experience any air conditioning sickness symptoms. Also, drink a lot of water during the day to reduce this effect.

2. Dry Skin From Low Humidity Levels

It is common to experience unusual dryness of the skin when you run air conditioner at low temperatures. Scientifically, arteries leading to the skin constrict at super-low temperatures as a defense mechanism. This helps the body from losing too much heat. Unfortunately, this constriction also lowers the flow of white blood cells to the skin, thus reducing its power to fight germs. The solution to this is to install a humidifier to create coolness while preventing dryness. Talk to your HVAC contractor about a whole-house humidifier.

3. Common Cold Or Other Respiratory Issues

Air conditioning does not cause common cold but initiates a number of phenomena that lead to the common cold. First, air conditioning hastens the spread of viruses that cause cold.

Studies also confirm that these viruses multiply faster in cold conditions like those created by air conditioners. The cold conditions further dehydrate the lining within the nose, making it more susceptible to infection.

As viruses thrive best in super-low temperatures, avoid running your conditioner when it is cold. Also, use a moisturizer to avoid becoming too dry.

4. Heat Intolerance & High Blood Pressure

Most people can hardly withstand high temperatures. While this is not a quality anyone can boast about, being tolerant to some heat can help reduce air conditioning sicknesses. Heat intolerance is common among people who spend most time indoors. These people feel uncomfortable whenever they are outdoors or in a room that is not air-conditioned. To avoid this situation, use natural ventilation for cooling when it is not too hot. Alternatively, turn up the thermostat on your air conditioner momentarily or walk outside to get some fresh air.

5. Sore Throat And Difficulty Breathing

Your HVAC unit regulates temperature primarily by circulating the air within your home or workplace. While air conditioners remove particulate matter, they cannot completely eliminate mold, bacteria, dander, fungi, and other microorganisms. These nasty pathogens will still thrive in your bathroom, walls, floor, and the environment if not removed professionally. Air conditioning only makes matters worse as it circulates these allergens faster, leading to sore throat and difficulties breathing.

Air conditioners can be a breeding zone for all sorts of pathogens if they are not maintained well. As air circulates within the system, it is cooled in the condenser. During this process, it forms moisture. Accumulated water is eliminated through a condensate drain usually installed outside the home. With time, the drainage pipe may be clogged, which may block the passage of water. This creates a perfect breeding zone for mold, mildew, and other disease-causing organisms. Be sure to schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioner to ensure a higher level of performance and indoor air quality. Furthermore, be sure to replace your HVAC air filters on a regular basis to help improve your indoor air quality.

Conclusion

Does it mean you should ditch your air conditioning unit to stay free of these infections? Definitely not. Have a professional tune-up your AC system yearly. Part of the tune-up includes checking leakage or clogging of the condensate drain line. Yearly service also includes cleaning evaporator coils.

As you can see, all air conditioner sickness symptoms have a solution. What is essential is to know is how to prevent them before they happen.

McAllister Energy is a highly respected air conditioning company. We assist both businesses and homeowners on heating and cooling installations, repairs, or maintenance work.

We also provide free consultations to answer any queries one may have on HVAC equipment. Our NATE-certified technicians will solve all your problems in a timely and affordable manner. Give McAllister Energy a call.

You can click here to contact us now or call us at (856) 665-4545 to find out more!