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5 Health Risks of Overusing Your AC

health risks of overusing your AC

 

A cool, air-conditioned home is the perfect retreat from the relentless summer sun. But, did you know that overusing your AC has serious health consequences? The Action Air team is here to make you aware of the risks of overdependence on AC this summer.

1. Indoor Air Pollution

When the perfect storm of improper ventilation and inadequate filtration occur in your AC unit, biological contaminants will accumulate in your house. Without proper ventilation, indoor bacteria, viruses, mites, animal dander, and pollen will collect.  The health impacts from these pollutants range from watery eyes to pneumonia.

To improve your home’s air quality, check out this article.

2. Dry Skin

Unlike outside air, inside air has no humidity. The lack of moisture in air-conditioned spaces leads to dry skin. Furthermore, if anyone in your family has a skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, spending extended time in air conditioning will likely exacerbate their symptoms.

In addition, studies have shown that synthetic fibers found in air filters cause skin irritation. You and your family can stay healthy and hydrated by moisturizing your skin regularly and drinking plenty of water.

3. Heat Intolerance

Ever notice that the summer heat seems unbearable in June, but by August you hardly notice it? That’s because your body adjusts to temperature over time.

When you spend long hours in air-conditioning, your body doesn’t have the chance to adjust to heat. So, when you step outside, you could experience headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even heat stroke. You can increase your heat tolerance by exercising and spending time outside.

4. Respiratory Illnesses, Intensified Chronic Illnesses

Mucus membranes are our first line of defense against respiratory infections. Air conditioning dries out these membranes, making the body vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections.

Air conditioning also intensifies the symptoms of chronic illnesses. Those with low blood pressure, arthritis, and neuritis are particularly at risk. To avoid these adverse effects, it is recommended that you keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent.

5. Ear Irritation, Intensified Allergies

Most of us don’t think of our ears when we consider the health of our sinuses. But like the nose and throat, ears can be adversely affected by air conditioning. Mold that collects in air filters could accumulate in the folds of the ear, leading to dryness and potentially bleeding.

AC filters should be cleaned or changed every one-to-three months. If the filter isn’t clean, dust, dander, and mold spores will enter, with cooled air, into your home.  These allergens, combined with dry mucus membranes, will cause runny noses, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, hives, and rashes.

Avoid the health risks of overusing your AC – let us tune up your HVAC system!

Hiring a professional to tune up your AC, making it as efficient and effective as possible, will help you avoid the health risks of overuse.  Action Air technicians are the heating and cooling experts of the Indianapolis area. Call us at 317-451-4371 or schedule an appointment online.