Some people claim that they get allergic reactions, the common flu, a sore throat, dry skin, or unexplainable fatigue from their air conditioning system. Is an unmaintained AC unit really the cause of these symptoms?
How is that possible, and how can you avoid them?
Here are some facts.
Dirty Machine and Microbial Contamination
The actual cause of sneezing, coughing, skin rash, or any kind of allergic reaction is microbial contamination such as a virus, bacteria, fungi, or mold. These contaminants come from the open air, get stuck in the filter, and then gradually accumulate. This is why regular filter replacement is crucial. Unfortunately, many people fail to regularly change their AC filters. Therefore, sometimes this buildup gets pushed out of the filter and released back into the room.
Dust and moisture create a fertile breeding ground for mold and other bacteria. The filters aren’t the only part of the AC unit that can accumulate dust and moisture. Moisture from the air can gather on the evaporator coils and collect dirt, dust, and bacteria. This same moisture that amasses on the coils ends up in the drip pan and then the condensate drain. A leaky or clogged drain can create a water backup, which could lead to mold and mildew.
However, there are some steps you can take to prevent these problems from affecting you or your family. If you have any water damage, or if you already have any mold or mildew, hire an AC professional to clean it up. To prevent future issues, remember to get an AC tune-up every year. This includes inspection and cleaning of the evaporator coils, drip pan, and condensate drain.
Freezing Temperature and Dizziness
Some people believe that refrigerant within the AC unit or ozone is the culprit for their unexplainable headache in a room with central AC. But surprisingly, such problems are still common, even though newer AC units no longer use R-22 refrigerant or ozone technology. According to some research by the International Journal of Epidemiology, the dizziness comes from the temperature, not the machine. Some people can’t stand cold temperatures for a long time, so their brains create the headache as a sign of unwellness.
Solving this problem is easy. You just need to increase the AC temperature on the thermostat. It is also a good idea to leave the air-conditioned room to allow your body to warm itself up for a while.
Constant AC Exposure and Heat Intolerance
Are you overly sensitive to heat when you are outside? Do you feel like you do not want to go anywhere that has no air conditioning? If your answer is yes, there is a chance that you have spent too much time in an air-conditioned environment. If your body is exposed to a certain level of temperature for too long, it gradually loses its ability to withstand hotter temperatures. Using AC is nice, but make sure to expose your skin to natural heat every day too, so your body can learn to adapt.
Dry Air and Dry Skin
Dry skin is the most common problem people experience in a room with central AC. It actually makes sense because the AC works by removing heat and moisture from the air, making it colder yet dryer. Thus, your skin also loses its natural moisturizer.
But no worries, this problem is very easy to resolve. You just need to apply some moisturizer cream or oil to your skin to rehydrate it. Also, do not forget to drink more water to rehydrate your body from the inside.
While your AC unit benefits you by creating comfortable temperatures and cleaner air, it may also cause some minor health issues if you aren’t attentive. Maintaining your AC well and taking good care of your health may help you to avoid those problems. But if the problems keep occurring despite your efforts, please see your doctor for further examination.
For more information, see: 5 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Should Be Replaced
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides AC maintenance services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re having issues with your HVAC system, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of AC maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule AC maintenance! Our Air Conditioning maintenance experts will help you maintain your HVAC system and inform you of any issues that may be discovered, in advance, to help prevent costly unexpected breakdowns. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our AC maintenance team online by clicking here.
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