Is My Air Conditioner Making Me Sick? HVAC Experts Explain

Imagine this: It’s a sweltering summer day, and you seek relief from the heat by retreating indoors. You turn on the air conditioner, and within minutes, your home transforms into a cool, comfortable oasis. But instead of feeling refreshed, you start to experience symptoms like headaches, sneezing, and a stuffy nose.

You can’t help but wonder, “Is my air conditioner making me sick?” Explore the answer to this question and how to avoid unpleasant symptoms while staying cool this summer.

Can Air Conditioning Make Me Sick?

Air conditioning doesn’t directly cause illness. However, it can contribute to a phenomenon called sick building syndrome. This occurs when occupants experience acute symptoms while inside a building, with no specific illness or readily identifiable cause. Symptoms then dissipate when they leave the building. While air conditioning alone doesn’t cause SBS, poorly maintained or improperly functioning systems can exacerbate the issue. Here’s how:

• Poor indoor air quality: Air conditioners can circulate allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold spores throughout the interior. These particles degrade indoor air quality, causing or exacerbating allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
• Spread of bacteria and viruses: If you fail to maintain your air conditioner properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. These pathogens can then circulate through the air, increasing the risk of illness.
• High humidity: Air conditioners remove moisture from the air to create a comfortably dry environment despite the high humidity outside. However, if your air conditioner is not functioning correctly, excess moisture may remain, encouraging mold and mildew growth.

Importance of Regular AC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is essential to ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently and doesn’t contribute to SBS. Here’s why:

• Improved air quality: Each AC maintenance visit involves cleaning system components and changing the air filter. These steps help prevent allergens and germs from circulating throughout the house.
• Prevent mold and mildew growth: Regularly checking and cleaning the drain pan, evaporator coil, and other air conditioning components helps prevent mold and mildew, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
• Optimal humidity: Routine inspections ensure your air conditioner effectively removes excess moisture from the air, preventing damp conditions that promote mold growth.

How To Avoid Getting Sick With the AC On

By taking a few simple precautions, you can stay cool and healthy while running your air conditioner this summer. Here’s how:

• Schedule regular maintenance: An air conditioner tune-up every spring is the key to avoiding performance and health issues.
• Ventilate your home: Open windows and doors when it cools off at night to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the concentration of indoor pollutants.
• Run a dehumidifier: If your home is too humid, use a whole-house dehumidifier alongside the air conditioner to improve comfort.

Why Choose Classic Aire Care?

The team at Classic Aire Care understands the importance of maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Our highly trained, NATE-certified technicians provide exceptional air conditioning services in St. Louis, MO. To ensure your AC system operates at peak efficiency all summer long, consider signing up for a Planned Maintenance Agreement. We’ll tailor your plan to your specific needs for cost-effective results. Then, if an AC problem crops up, get in touch any time of day or night to request 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency service. We’ll get your cooling system back up and running in no time!

Don’t let concerns about AC-related illness keep you from enjoying a cool, comfortable home. Contact Classic Aire Care today at 314-329-1943 to schedule air conditioning service in St. Louis or the surrounding area.