Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick? Uncover the Facts and Fixes | Air & Energy of NWFL

As the mercury rises and we seek refuge in our air-conditioned homes and offices, have you ever wondered if there could be a downside to the cool comfort provided by air-conditioning systems? The truth is air conditioning can have a significant impact on our health. 

In this blog post, we will explore the potential health implications of air conditioning, uncover the facts, and offer solutions to help you stay healthy while enjoying the benefits of a cool and comfortable living space. One question we’ll address is: can air conditioning make you sick?

We will delve into ways air conditioning can affect our health, including the spread of microorganisms, temperature and humidity effects, and aggravation of preexisting conditions. We will also discuss the importance of proper maintenance and advanced solutions for enhancing indoor air quality.

By the end of this blog post, you will be better equipped to avoid sickness related to air conditioning easily, understand the factors behind the question, " Can air conditioning make you sick?” and maintain a healthy indoor environment.

• If inappropriately managed, air conditioning systems can lead to poor indoor air quality and sickness.
• Exposure to inadequate air conditioning can aggravate pre-existing conditions. At the same time, regular cleaning and replacement of filters, inspection and cleaning of ducts, and professional servicing should be scheduled for proper maintenance.
• Advanced solutions such as HEPA filters and air purifiers effectively enhance indoor air quality by removing pollutants, allergens, bacteria, etc., reducing the risk of illness.
  

While air conditioning systems can comfort us during hot summer, they can also create a few factors contributing to poor indoor air quality, and conditioning makes you sick. 

These factors include the spread of microorganisms, the effects of temperature and humidity changes, and the aggravation of preexisting conditions, all of which can lead to air conditioning sickness or even sick building syndrome.

Knowledge about these factors can help maintain a healthy indoor environment and circumvent the possible health risks of air conditioning.

If not adequately maintained, air conditioning systems can propagate harmful microorganisms, such as mold and bacteria. Moldy air ducts in the AC system may be a potential cause of illnesses associated with air conditioning. 

The air conditioner circulates air that may contain mold, bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which are known to be harmful to human health.

Inhalation of mold spores circulated by air conditioning can make you sick, leading to various upper respiratory symptoms, especially for those with asthma and mold allergies. 

Appropriate maintenance and cleaning of your air conditioning unit can halt the spread of harmful microorganisms and enhance the general indoor air quality.

Air conditioning can cause alterations to temperature and humidity levels, which can result in:

• Respiratory difficulties
• Heightened risk of contracting a cold due to the sudden changes in body temperature
  
• Worsening of respiratory symptoms
  
• Affecting blood pressure in sensitive individuals
  

Breathing and respiratory problems are prevalent side effects of sleeping in cool, air-conditioned environments, especially when the air filter isn’t sufficiently cleaned or replaced when needed.

Setting the AC too low can generate an atmosphere where viruses that cause colds prosper, contributing to the propagation of common cold symptoms.

Exposure to substandard indoor air quality from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system may aggravate certain pre-existing ailments, such as allergies or asthma.

Inadequately maintained air conditioning units can exacerbate existing medical conditions, such as allergies and asthma.

These units can potentially disseminate allergens such as:

• bacteria and viruses
  
• pet dander
  
• dust
  
• pollen
  

A poorly maintained air conditioning unit may exacerbate asthma symptoms by harboring dust and allergens in dirty air conditioning filters, thus leading to increased exposure to triggers that can worsen asthma symptoms. 

Ensuring that your air conditioning unit is appropriately maintained and cleaned can decrease the risk of worsening preexisting conditions and enhance the overall quality of the indoor air.

Recognizing symptoms and implementing appropriate solutions are necessary steps to address air conditioning sickness.

Manifestations of air conditioning sickness may include:

• coughing
  
• sneezing
  
• wheezing
  
• throat irritation
  

Potential causes of air conditioning sickness may include clogged air filters and moldy air ducts.

Addressing these issues and executing proper maintenance can stave off the adverse effects of excessive air conditioning, which may include:

• Respiratory discomfort
  
• Skin irritation
  
• Dehydration
  
• Fatigue

Respiratory distress from air conditioning may be caused by:

• Unclean air filters
  
• Moldy air ducts
  
• Exposure to cold air
  
• Inadequate ventilation leading to the buildup of contaminants
  
• The growth of mold in aged and moldy air conditioners
  
• Inhalation of bacteria and allergens that can accumulate in inadequately maintained air conditioning systems
  

These are the typical causes of respiratory distress from air conditioning. Symptoms may include coughing and sneezing.

Mold in air conditioning ducts can contribute to respiratory discomfort by circulating mold spores in the air. These spores can trigger or worsen respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and respiratory infections.

Furthermore, exposure to mold in air conditioning can lead to skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and hives.

A dirty air filter in an AC unit can have a negative effect on respiratory health, potentially exacerbating allergies and asthma, causing respiratory infections, and increasing the incidence of sinus infections and colds.

Air conditioning can lead to dry, flaky, or itchy skin due to the moisture being removed from the air in the room. Air conditioning can dehydrate skin and worsen skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and senile xerosis. 

Skin issues, such as dryness and irritation, could be attributed to low humidity levels caused by air conditioning.

• Typical indications of dry skin resulting from air conditioning include:
  
• Redness and heightened sensitivity of the skin
  
• Dryness and dehydration of the skin
  
• Skin irritation and itching
  
• Exacerbation of existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
  

Maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity level in your air-conditioned space can mitigate these skin issues and increase your overall comfort.

Dehydration and fatigue attributed to air conditioning may be attributed to the dehumidifying effects of air conditioning.

The dehumidification process of air conditioning can result in low humidity levels indoors, thus leading to increased evaporation from the body and, ultimately, dehydration.

Typical signs of dehydration caused by air conditioning include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Thirst
  
• Dark-colored urine
  
• Headaches
  
• Fatigue
  
• Dry lips
  
• Dry skin
  
• Feeling faint
  
• Elevated pulse
  

Maintaining a suitable humidity level in your air-conditioned space and keeping yourself well-hydrated can help avoid dehydration and fatigue induced by air conditioning.

To ensure optimal functioning, regular cleaning and replacement of filters, inspection, and cleaning of ducts, and professional servicing should be scheduled.

Properly maintaining your air conditioning unit can hinder the spread of harmful microorganisms, promote better interior air quality, and reduce the chance of illness.

Routinely cleaning and replacing air filters can impede the propagation of detrimental microorganisms and enhance indoor air quality.

To properly clean and replace an air conditioner filter, follow these steps:

• Turn off your AC unit.
  
• Remove the filter.
  
• Vacuum the filter to remove dust and debris.
  
• Wash the filter with water and mild detergent if it’s reusable.
  
• Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.
  
• Turn on the AC unit to confirm that it’s properly installed.
  

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, and electrostatic filters are the most effective filters in air conditioning units for improving indoor air quality. Air filters should be cleaned every 250 hours of use and replaced every three months to avoid respiratory issues.

Inspecting and cleaning air ducts can help to avert the growth of mold and reduce the chance of respiratory issues arising.

Signs of unclean air ducts in an air conditioning unit may include:

• The presence of visible mold growth
  
• Evidence of vermin or pests
  
• Clogged ducts
  
• A musty odor
  
• An excessive amount of dust and dirt around the vents
  

It is recommended that air ducts in an AC unit be inspected approximately every three to five years.

Duct cleaning in an AC unit entails utilizing specialized equipment to extract dust, dirt, and debris from the ducts and vents, providing a comprehensive cleaning.

It’s advisable to schedule professional air conditioning servicing at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and prevent health issues.

The advantages of professional air conditioning servicing include:

• Preventing expensive repairs by detecting minor issues early
  
• Enhancing indoor air quality
  
• Augmenting energy efficiency
  
• Prolonging the lifespan of the HVAC system
  
• Diminishing the need for major repairs

A professional air conditioning service generally incorporates the following:

• Inspection of equipment
  
• Cleaning of system components
  
• Verification and tightening of electrical connections
  
• Lubrication of moving parts
  
• Cleaning of the evaporator coil
  
• Verification and clearing of the condensate drain
  
• Substitution of the air filter
  
• Verification of thermostat settings
  
• Verification of electrical wiring
  

Ensure that your air conditioning servicer possesses the necessary certifications and licensing.

Advancements like HEPA filters and air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality, providing a breath of fresh air.

These progressive solutions can work alongside your air conditioning unit to provide cleaner, healthier indoor air and lessen the risk of illness.

HEPA filters are exceptionally successful in eliminating airborne particles, capturing at least 99.97% of:

• dust
  
• pollen
  
• mold
  
• bacteria
  
• any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns
  

Employing air purifiers with HEPA filters can ameliorate symptoms and enhance indoor air quality, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.

To ensure optimal performance, HEPA filters in air conditioning units should be replaced at one to three months intervals.

Air purifiers and air conditioning units can enhance indoor air quality cooperatively. While air conditioners primarily cool the air and regulate humidity levels, air purifiers are intended to eliminate pollutants, allergens, and other impurities from the air.

Utilizing both devices concurrently can lead to a more holistic approach to achieving clean and comfortable indoor air.

In conclusion, air conditioning systems can significantly impact our health, particularly when not properly maintained. 

We can maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment by understanding the various factors contributing to air conditioning sickness and implementing proper maintenance and advanced solutions. 

Remember to clean and replace filters regularly, inspect and clean air ducts, and schedule professional servicing to ensure optimal performance and prevent health issues.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy the cool comfort of air conditioning without compromising your health and well-being.

When you need assistance with HVAC system maintenance, our team of experienced professionals is just a call away from anywhere in Pensacola, FL.

This article was written by:

Nathan Noa

Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist

Click here to connect with Nathan on LinkedIn