Do you ever feel cold, stuffy and weak from being stuck indoors with the AC constantly running? You might be suffering from air conditioning sickness. This feeling is quite common, so is the air conditioning system in your home doing more harm than good? While the air conditioning doesn’t make you sick, it can interact with the environment in ways that can make you sick.

Causes of Air Conditioning Sickness

Again, the cold air that your air conditioner produces is not harmful but the bacteria, fungi, mildew and mold that it comes into contact with can be. Your home can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria and allergens that are present can circulate throughout it. These airborne particulates will lead to stuffy noses, sore throats and breathing problems. An air conditioner can help keep your home dry, but it can’t address the root cause of moldy or messy walls and floors. If your air conditioner isn’t properly cared for, it becomes a place for bacteria to multiply. The condensation that occurs when air is pulled over the coils creates the ideal environment for growth. You can also suffer from air conditioning sickness when your air conditioner runs too cold. Doing so can allow cold-causing viruses to spread because these viruses do best in an environment that is cold and low in humidity. Temperatures that are too cold can also cause arteries in the skin to constrict to conserve heat. This can decrease blood flow, blood flow that includes the white blood cells that provide our bodies with protection from viruses. This of course makes it easier for us to get sick. An environment that is too dry also evaporates the moisture in the lining of our nose and makes us more prone to infection. Living in an ultra-cold environment can also cause long-term shivering that can lead to headaches, tiredness and sore joints and muscles.

How to Prevent Air Conditioning Sickness

The best way to avoid air conditioning sickness is to make sure your home is free of any mold, mildew or other allergens that may be present. The next step is to prevent any future growth of mold and mildew by making sure there aren’t any moisture issues in the home. Cleaning your air conditioner is an important part of preventing air conditioning sickness. Change the filter every few months and schedule regular maintenance. If you are still having symptoms of air conditioning sickness you should start drinking more water to stay hydrated and to keep your throat and nasal passages moist. If you continue to experience headaches, tiredness and joint and muscle soreness turn the air conditioning down. You probably have it set colder than you need it. The temperature in your home only needs to be set to normal room temperature to be comfortable. You’ll also save money by turning it down.

Central Air Conditioning Services in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam Massachusetts

Air conditioning sickness can be a drag, but there are steps you can take to avoid dealing with it. Stay healthy and contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a cleaning of your air conditioner today!