Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick: What You Need to Know

Many of us rely on air conditioning services to stay cool throughout the summer in Bergen County, NJ. However, some people notice that they begin to develop cold or flu symptoms after staying in an air-conditioned room.

These symptoms may lead you to wonder: can air conditioning make you sick? While air conditioners and cool air don’t usually make you sick directly, issues with the system or poor maintenance could cause you to experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

Fortunately, HVAC technicians in Ramsey, NJ from Gladiator Services can address these issues quickly, keeping you comfortable and healthy. Find out more by calling our team today at 201-571-1715.

Contaminants in Your Air Conditioner May Impact Your Health

Air conditioning systems circulate air in your house from room to room. These units generally pull air from the outside, but they also move around the air already within your home. Therefore, if the system picks up contaminants from any point, it could move them around and expose you to:

• Virus particles
• Bacteria
• Fungi
•  Mold spores

A dirty air conditioning unit or ventilation system could become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, including dangerous forms of black mold. The system then blows these particles down into the air for you to inhale, leading to respiratory issues.

Addressing Contaminants in Your AC System

Contaminants in air conditioning units can lead to issues with your health. Fortunately, you can address this issue proactively to protect your health. Regular AC maintenance allows crews to clean the system, getting rid of issues like mold growth or bacteria buildup.

You may also want to clean the ventilation system that moves through your home as well as the air filter that goes with your HVAC system. The filter collects debris out of the air but can eventually become clogged. We recommend changing the filter every few months to prevent issues.

Very Cold Temperatures and Your Health in Ramsey, NJ

Sometimes, you may develop health issues even if you keep your air conditioning units in excellent condition. Individuals who keep the temperatures in their house or business very low may begin to experience unpleasant side effects. The experts report that extreme cold may:

• Decrease your immune response when exposed to pathogens
•  Increase the spread of viruses that cause colds
•  Lead to dry skin

Frigid temperatures can also increase your blood pressure, impacting your overall health. You may end up increasing your blood pressure each time you lower the temperature by even a degree, as the arteries in your body constrict to maintain your body heat.

Can air conditioning make you sick? Staying in cold temperatures can cause tiredness as your body works to keep warm. Therefore, you may want to increase the temperature inside or venture outside, enjoying the warmth and getting some fresh air.

Steps to Mitigate Issues with Cold Air in Your Home

Bumping up the thermostat a few degrees may help you avoid these issues. You may also consider cracking open your windows or turning on a fan to help prevent adverse health effects associated with running the air conditioner.

Sometimes, raising the temperature only a few degrees can make you feel much better. Increasing the temperature a little can also reduce the overall energy expenses, as your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to cool your home.

Air Conditioning Units, Dry Air, and Your Health

Running your air conditioner constantly may feel necessary, especially in the hottest parts of the summer. However, constant use of the system often removes the moisture from your air, leaving you with low humidity levels inside your home.

Low levels of humidity may impact your health in several ways. For example, individuals who spend much time in environments with low moisture often experience:

• Itchy, flaky, or dry skin
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Dehydration
• Dizziness and headaches

These symptoms may vary in severity based on your overall health and how easily humidity levels affect you. Some people may display no symptoms, while it may cause severe results in other individuals in the same environment.

Addressing Concerns about Low Humidity Caused by Air Conditioning Units

You can take steps to handle the health issues associated with extended exposure to low humidity levels. One option involves increasing the temperature in your home so that the AC unit does not run as often, allowing more moisture to remain in the air.

You may also set up humidifiers in your home. Humidifiers put more moisture into the air, allowing you to increase your comfort without raising the temperature.

The experts also advise drinking plenty of water if you feel thirsty or dehydrated. Staying hydrated helps you avoid issues with dizziness and headaches, allowing you to feel better while at home. Furthermore, you may soothe dry or flaking skin with lotions.

Air Conditioning Units and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Sick building syndrome is a condition that causes people to experience symptoms like a stuffy nose, irritated skin, fatigue, and headaches when they spend time in a specific building. The symptoms ease once they leave.

Air conditioning units do not cause SBS, but people are more likely to report the condition in air-conditioned buildings. Because air conditioners circulate air through facilities, they may move contaminants and mold particles to new areas, increasing negative health symptoms.

Keeping the air conditioning system clean and in good repair can reduce the odds of individuals dealing with sick building syndrome in Ramsey, NJ.

Find Out More about Keeping Your AC in Good Condition

Can air conditioning make you sick? AC units do not directly make people ill, but they may spread contaminants if crews do not clean them properly. Learn more about indoor air quality and its impact on your health by reaching out to our team at Gladiator Services.

Call us at 201-571-1715 for help with AC maintenance in Ramsey, NJ.