Can Aircon Make You Sick? Nothing beats walking into a cool, air-conditioned room after a long day in the heat. We often associate air conditioners with relief and comfort, but many still question whether AC could cause a cold.
Generally, a well-maintained aircon unit will not cause you to come down with a cold. However, if the aircon is not well-maintained or has been running for too long without a break, it can become a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.
This is because air conditioners tend to trap dust, dirt, allergens, and other contaminants, creating an environment where germs can quickly spread.
Yes, it could contribute to the cold, but it is doubtful that an aircon unit will be the sole cause. What is more likely to happen is for the air conditioner to make already existing cold symptoms worse, as the cool temperatures can give you chills and aggravate your sore throat.
When molds, viruses, and bacteria grow and spread in the aircon, it can directly affect your health and cause a cold or even upper respiratory infection because they lower your resistance against the common cold. Read on – Can Aircon Make You Sick?
Can Aircon Give You a Sore Throat?
Since the aircon takes moisture out of the air, it can cause dryness in your throat and sinuses. The aircon can worsen a sore throat for those sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
A significant concern for many, especially during this pandemic season, is that airborne viruses and bacteria can cause a sore throat. However, no evidence suggests that using air conditioning will reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 or any other virus.
How Can You Tell If Your Aircon Is Giving You A Cold?
Although it is rare for aircon to be the leading cause of a cold, it can still worsen existing symptoms. If your throat becomes dry or irritated after being in the air-conditioned room, your aircon is likely causing you discomfort. You should also be on alert if you have other cold symptoms, such as:
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or body aches:
You may have noticed that you feel worse after being exposed to aircon for a long time and start to feel dizzy or develop headaches.
Stuffy or runny nose:
If you have a runny nose or sinus pressure, your air conditioning system is likely not filtering out allergens and pollutants.
Respiratory issues:
You may also be experiencing respiratory difficulties such as coughing and sneezing. This could be due to bacteria or viruses being spread by the aircon.
Itchy eyes, skin, and throat:
If your eyes, skin, or throat become itchy after being in the air-conditioned room, this could indicate that the air is too dry or full of allergens.
Increased blood pressure:
The cold air produced by air conditioners may cause some people’s blood pressure to rise. This can be especially true for those with existing cardiovascular problems such as hypertension.
Molds:
Poorly maintained air conditioners tend to have molds growing in them. Molds are one of the leading causes of allergies and asthma attacks and can worsen existing cold symptoms.
Other signs you should look out for are uneven temperature in different parts of the room, musty smells coming from the aircon unit, and condensation forming on the windows or walls. These indicators indicate that your aircon is not functioning correctly and needs serviced. If you are suffering from these symptoms, some of the things you can do to improve or reduce your discomfort are:
- Open windows to let fresh air in
- Switch off the aircon and use a fan instead
- Clean or replace the air filters regularly to prevent dust accumulation
- Go outside for some fresh air to help improve your health
- Contact a professional for a thorough aircon servicing and cleaning.
How Can You Prevent Aircon Causing A Cold?
The best way to prevent a cold caused by aircon is to ensure that your air conditioning unit is regularly serviced and cleaned. This means you need to have a professional service for your aircon at least once a year or even twice a year if it is heavily used.
It is also essential to keep the air filters of your air conditioner clean and change them regularly, as they can accumulate dirt and dust that can cause respiratory problems. Here are some aircon cleaning tips to help you keep your unit in tip-top shape:
- Vacuum and remove dust from the aircon regularly.
- Clean the filter, fan blades, and other parts exposed to the air.
- Has a professional service your air conditioner at least twice per year?
- Check the ductwork for mold and mildew.
- Change the air filters regularly.
- Please check the temperature gauge regularly to ensure it is not too low.
- Ensure the aircon is only running continuously for a short period when not in use.
Apart from getting your Aircon serviced, take other precautions, such as using a humidifier, washing your bedding regularly, and avoiding touching your face too much. When cold symptoms surface, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Why Are Regular Aircon Servicing and Cleaning Important?
Regular air conditioning servicing and cleaning are essential to ensure that your unit is functioning at its peak performance and that it does not become a source of airborne illnesses.
During servicing, a professional will check for any issues with the unit, such as broken or blocked components, and inspect it for dirt and mold. The air filters will also be cleaned or replaced, ensuring better air quality in your home. So, your aircon must be serviced and cleaned regularly to prevent health issues.
Can Aircon Make You Sick? – Conclusion
In conclusion, although air conditioners are not the leading cause of colds, they can still worsen existing symptoms. If your aircon is well-maintained and cleaned regularly, there should be no problem.
Make sure to practice good hygiene and always seek medical advice if your cold symptoms persist or worsen. With proper maintenance, you can be sure that your aircon will not give you an out.