Are you feeling sick but can’t figure out why? You may have overlooked one of the most common sources of illness in the home: air conditioning. So how can air conditioner make you sick? Malfunctioning or poorly maintained air conditioning units can cause a whole host of health issues, from headaches to asthma attacks. Keep reading to learn how your air conditioning could be making you sick.
Humidity Issues
When functioning properly, your air conditioning system helps regulate the humidity level in your home. Ideally, the humidity in your home should range from 30 to 60 percent. However, if your AC unit is malfunctioning, the moisture levels in the air can be thrown off balance. Higher humidity levels can lead to increased allergens, bacteria, and the growth of mold, which can cause illnesses. Allergens, such as pollen and dust, can become trapped in the air and circulated, causing sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Bacteria and mold can also survive in a moist, humid climate and can cause trouble for those with allergies and respiratory illnesses.
The best way to combat these moisture issues is to make sure the air conditioning unit and ductwork system are well-maintained. Regular maintenance from an HVAC technician will help ensure that your AC unit is functioning properly. Additionally, if the humidity levels get too high, a dehumidifier can be used to help reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can be a major factor in making people sick. Poor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors, including the accumulation of dust, mold spores, pet dander, other allergens, airborne chemicals and toxins, and even inadequate ventilation. When air conditioning is not properly maintained, these issues can be amplified, leading to an increase in health problems.
Related Post
The air conditioning system in your home is responsible for filtering out these contaminants from the air, and when it is not properly maintained and serviced, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. It’s imperative that you check and change the air filters regularly. If the air filter becomes dirty and clogged, it will be ineffective at catching airborne particles. Most HVAC professionals suggest that you change your air filters at least every 90 days for optimal performance.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system can have a serious impact on your health. HVAC refrigerant is a chemical used to cool air within an air conditioning system. The refrigerant is compressed in an air conditioning unit and then released, cooling the air in the process. If a leak occurs in the system, the refrigerant can be released into the air, potentially causing health problems for anybody who breathes it in. The symptoms of exposure to refrigerant include coughing, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation of the eyes and throat. Even low concentrations of refrigerant can have an effect on the health of the people in the area.
In addition to these symptoms, prolonged exposure to refrigerants can cause long-term health problems, including damage to the respiratory and neurological systems. Refrigerants are also known to cause damage to the ozone layer, so it is important to repair any leaks in an air conditioning system as soon as possible. The best way to ensure that your air conditioning system is not making you sick is to have it inspected regularly and to repair any leaks that may occur.
Altogether, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with air conditioning, as it can cause a variety of illnesses if not properly maintained. It is best to keep up with regular maintenance and check-ups to ensure safe, comfortable, and clean air is being circulated throughout your home.
