Side Effect of Aircon: A Guide to Staying Healthy in the Summer

Summer is here, and air conditioning is a lifesaver. It's hard to imagine surviving without it, especially during heatwaves.

Air conditioning can dry out the air, which can lead to dry skin and nosebleeds.

To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Some air conditioners also circulate air too quickly, which can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.

Air conditioning can have some nasty side effects on our health, so it's essential to be aware of them. The biggest risk is to our respiratory system, which can be irritated by the cold and dry air. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and throat discomfort, especially for people with allergies or asthma.

Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can worsen respiratory health, making it harder to breathe and increasing the risk of respiratory infections. In fact, a study found that 35% of people in air-conditioned spaces had nasal blockage, compared to 9% in naturally ventilated buildings.

Dry air can also cause eye problems, including dry eye syndrome, which can lead to burning, stinging, and blurred vision. This is especially true for people who already suffer from eye conditions like blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

Dehydration is another common side effect of air conditioning, which can lead to headaches and fatigue. This is because the cold air dries out the air, causing our bodies to lose moisture. In fact, a study found that people who spend more time in air-conditioned environments are more likely to suffer from symptoms affecting the nose and throat.

Here are some common side effects of using air conditioners:

Dry, itchy skin is a common side effect of air conditioning, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema. Proper hydration and using moisturizers can help mitigate these effects.

Running your air conditioner for too long can bring down humidity to extremely low levels, leading to dry, flaky, or itchy skin. Low humidity causes water vapors to evaporate from your skin, resulting in dryness.

You can prevent this by using a humidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity or adjusting your air conditioner to keep the vanes upwards so chilled air doesn't hit your skin directly.

Moisturizing your skin adequately and drinking plenty of water can also help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

Air conditioning is a breeding ground for allergens and fungi, making it a nightmare for people with asthma. Unsurprisingly, air conditioning systems are perfect for spreading allergens and fungi.

People with asthma struggle more in air conditioning environments, especially during hay fever season. Pollens and air pollutants are passed through the system, worsening symptoms.

Visible mold on walls, vents, or around the HVAC unit is a clear sign of a problem. Mold particles can become airborne and circulate with the conditioned air indoors.

If you notice any signs of mold growth, it's essential to take action. Call a professional to deal with the problem and stop further infestation.

Clogged air filters can also be a culprit behind air conditioner allergy symptoms. These symptoms include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and throat irritation.

Keeping your air conditioning system clean and well-maintained is key to preventing side effects. Regular maintenance checkups can help identify leakages and early signs of mold development.

Professional AC installation and maintenance may be a cost, but it's essential for ensuring systems work properly and efficiently. It's worth investing in a professional to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Staying on top of HVAC maintenance is crucial to avoiding air conditioning sickness. Scheduling regular checkups will let you know of any issues before they become major problems.

To maintain a comfortable temperature, use a smart thermostat or mini-split thermostat. These devices allow you to set intelligent triggers and weekly schedules to avoid running your HVAC unit at all times.

Keeping humidity at an average of 60-70% and temperatures between 21 and 25 oC (69-77 °F) can greatly reduce side effects. This is especially important during the warmer months when drastic changes in environment can be detrimental to our health.

Avoiding drastic changes in temperature and humidity can help your body adjust naturally. This means not blasting the air conditioning on the coolest setting possible when you get into your car from the heat outside.

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Dehydration is a common side effect of air conditioning.

You can develop headaches due to dehydration, and it can also trigger migraines.

Poor air quality from the air conditioning unit can make you more susceptible to headaches.

In an ideal world, natural and green alternatives are always better for both our health and the environment.