6 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Could Be Making You Sick

As summer approaches, it’s essential to ensure your air conditioner works properly to keep your home cool and comfortable. If you fail to maintain your AC unit, it may come as a surprise to you that your air conditioner could possibly make you sick. Here are six signs that it’s time to call a professional for AC repair in Chester or Mt. Olive:

1. Breathing or Respiratory Difficulties

One of the most common signs that your air conditioner could be making you sick is if you’re experiencing breathing or respiratory problems. When your air conditioner is dirty and the filters aren’t changed frequently, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This can lead to mold growth if moisture builds up in the coils and ducts. When these microorganisms become airborne, they can cause various breathing problems, including potentially fatal infectious pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria.

Solution: You can prevent these issues by ensuring your air conditioning systems are cleaned regularly, and the filter is changed every few months. These simple steps can protect you and your family from respiratory problems caused by your air conditioner. Contact us today to schedule AC repair in Mt. Olive. Our technicians will get your AC back in perfect condition, or if it is beyond repair, we will suggest the best course of action.

2. Mold Growth

Mold can be a severe health hazard, especially when it grows in your air conditioner. If you’re experiencing symptoms like throat irritation, wheezing, or congestion, it’s essential to check your surroundings for mold. You should inspect the vents of your air conditioning unit and pull out the filter for inspection. If you notice small mold spots or the filter is visibly moldy, it’s time to take action.

Solution: The best way to destroy mold is with 1 quart of water and 1/2 cup bleach. Wear protective gloves and scrub down the affected areas with a sponge. If the filter is heavily contaminated with mold, it should be replaced with a new one. By taking these steps, you can eliminate mold from your air conditioner and improve the air quality in your home or office.

3. Fatigue and Headaches

If you’re feeling more tired than usual or experiencing headaches after spending time in a building with an air conditioner, it could signal that something is wrong with the air quality. A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that people who work in office buildings with central air conditioning were more likely to experience symptoms of illness than those who work in buildings without central air conditioning. This phenomenon, known as “sick building syndrome,” can cause fatigue and headaches, among other symptoms.

Solution: To avoid the fatigue and headaches associated with sick building syndrome, try raising the temperature slightly, so you’re not shivering. It would help if you took regular breaks to step outside and get some fresh air. By following these simple steps, you can improve the air quality in your building and avoid the adverse effects of “sick building syndrome.”

4. Contamination and Germs

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we may be exposed to more pollutants inside our homes and buildings than outside. One possible cause of this is central air conditioning, which can circulate old, stagnant air rather than fresh air from the outside. It means that if there are contaminants in the air like mold, dust, animal dander, viruses, or airborne infections, you and your family are more likely to get sick.

Solution: Some central air conditioning systems are designed to allow a “leak” of fresh air from the outside. If your system doesn’t have this feature, you can create a leak by cracking open a window. This will allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the risk of contamination and illness caused by your air conditioner.

5. Dehydrated Skin

If you spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned environment, you may notice that your skin becomes dry and flaky. This is because the cold, dry air can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. The same can be true for your hair and scalp, which may also suffer from the effects of dry air.

Solution: You can combat dry skin and hair. It’s important to moisturize regularly and drink plenty of water. This will help keep your skin and hair hydrated and healthy, even in an air-conditioned environment. You can use a moisturizing cream, a lotion, or a humidifier to add moisture to the air. By taking these simple steps, you can protect your skin and hair from the drying effects of air conditioning.

6. Frequent Hospital Visits

If you’re visiting the doctor more often than usual, it could mean that your air conditioner is making you sick. Studies have shown that people who spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned environment are more likely to use health care services. This may be due to an increase in ear, nose, throat, respiratory, and dermatological problems.

Solution: Reduce the frequency of your doctor visits by following the other steps outlined in this article. Make sure your air conditioner is clean and well-maintained, and take the time to ensure that the facility is clean and free of contaminants. By accepting these precautions, you can protect your health and reduce the risk of illness caused by your air conditioner.