Health Risks from Overuse of Air Conditioning

It is nice, even necessary, to have an air conditioner to combat the heat and humidity during the dog days of summer. Whether you are in your car, at work, at a shopping center, or at home—the cold air is a most welcome relief. That said, it is a proven fact that the overuse of an air conditioner has the potential to make you ill. This is why regular tune-ups and air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA is so important. It is the best way to keep your air conditioner and your health in check. Here are just a few health risks to watch out for:

1. Fatigue

Have you ever been stuck shivering in the office in mid-July because your workmate keeps toggling down the temperature on the thermostat? That could be one of the reasons you feel so tired throughout the day. And fatigue can lead to a whole other list of symptoms including eyestrain and headaches.

2. Dry Skin

The air conditioning system works by zapping heat and humidity from the air. The moisture is drawn out of the air, condensing on a line, and then the cool air is cycled back through the home. This is why long hours exposed to the cold blast of the air conditioner can really dry and irritate the skin. You can try changing to a more active moisturizing routine. Or you could try using the air conditioner a bit less.

3. Nasal Issues and Asthma

Dry air can also dry out and irritate the nasal passages. It might be a good idea to invest in a humidifier if you are noticing a lot of bloody noses. Also, indoor air quality can often become more polluted than outdoor air. This would be dramatically detrimental to your health. If the indoor air becomes polluted with allergens then the occupants might suffer from itching eyes, difficulty breathing, or even asthma attacks.

4. Colds and Respiratory Illness

The mucous membranes help protect your body from external agents that can harm your body. But again, too much dry air can dry out the mucus. Without it, your body becomes more receptive to respiratory infections.

5. Lung Disease

Overusing the air conditioner can shift the temperature in the room so abruptly that it becomes difficult to breathe and can damage the body’s respiratory system.

6. Heat Intolerance

Staying inside in the air conditioning for too long makes the body so accustomed to the comfort it can create heat intolerance. Then, when you do eventually go outside, you sweat easily and might experience dizziness, headaches, and even symptoms of heatstroke. The solution would be to slowly increase outdoor activities so the body can benefit from fresh air and become acclimated.

This doesn’t mean there are no health benefits to using an air conditioner. In fact, air conditioning can be critical for some people. But it is important to be mindful of the risks. You also want to make sure you keep your HVAC system in good shape with routine air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA.