Is my air conditioner making me sick? If you’ve ever asked this question, you might be surprised by how many ways your AC can affect your health.
How can I tell if my air conditioner making me sick?
1. Trouble Breathing
If you ever notice that you have trouble breathing in your home, your AC could be to blame. In addition to circulating comfortable air through every room in your house, your central air conditioner also filters out all the bad stuff from the air—dirt, dust, bacteria, fungus, you name it!
If you change your filter and clean your system regularly, all that stuff might come back and pollute the air you breathe, which can trigger reactions for serious conditions like asthma.
2. Cold Symptoms
In addition to breathing problems, other signs that your air conditioner is making you sick include cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sneezing. If you develop cold symptoms often, take that as a sign that you need to have your AC system cleaned professionally.
All the time you save with sick days and trips to the doctor will make hiring a professional worth it.
3. Signs of Mold
One of the most common (and most dangerous) causes of sickness that is linked to air conditioning involves that nasty thing called mold. Living in a home with a mold infestation can have serious consequences for your health. If you’re asking, “Is my air conditioner making me sick?” the answer could be a resounding yes if you see signs of mold in your AC system.
Depending on your home’s humidity, your vents could be a breeding ground, which could mean that your system could be spreading spores to every room in your home.
4. High Blood Pressure
Coming down with a case of the sniffles isn’t the only way your AC can affect your health. Did you know your air conditioner could be responsible for your elevated blood pressure?
According to the Mayo Clinic, cold temperatures during the winter months can cause blood vessel constriction, which can cause high blood pressure. Similarly, a study conducted at University College London connected cold thermostat settings to an increased risk of hypertension.
Has your doctor told you that your blood pressure is too high? Try going easy on the AC at home.
5. Headaches
Do you experience frequent headaches at home? Blame your low thermostat setting.
Try turning up the temperature to a more comfortable temperature and be sure to step outside regularly to find relief. The fresh air could help you beat your symptoms and help you get back to normal.
What can I do if my air conditioner is making me sick?
If you think your air conditioner is making you sick, there are steps you can take to start feeling better. You may need to clean your system, change the filter, or completely replace your air conditioner.
Get help from a professional today. Contact NESI Comfort to schedule a home visit.
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