During the hot summer months, air conditioners are a common appliance to cool down homes and offices. It provides relief from harsh temperatures, but according to some experts, too much exposure to an artificially chilled environment can affect your health. So it is important to be aware of the potential health issues due to prolonged use of AC.
In this article, we will discuss some benefits of AC and its effects on your health.
Benefits of Air Conditioning for Health
Here are some benefits of proper air conditioning for your health:
Comfortable Living Environment
To regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels, provide optimal comfort, and decrease the threat of heat stroke, air conditioning is essential. Air conditioners provide a comfortable living environment by providing efficient cooling and improving the air quality.
Improved Air Quality
Another important benefit of proper air conditioning is that it improves your health by providing good air quality in your living space. Proper AC maintenance improves air quality by reducing allergens, pollutants, and dust mites, removing humidity from the air, and regulating temperature.
The benefits of improved air quality are:
- Improved respiratory health (less coughing or sneezing)
- Decrease the risk of infections (like colds) caused by bacteria and viruses that thrive in humid environments.
- Fewer allergies for those prone to them.
Better Sleep Quality
During hot summer nights, air conditioners provide a cool and comfortable environment that helps to improve sleep quality.
Side Effects of Air Conditioning
Like every other appliance, air conditioning also has some side effects that are listed below:
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects of air conditioning. The air conditioner reduces the humidity level in the room, which causes the moisture in your room to evaporate quickly, leading to itching, dryness, and discomfort.
Lethargy
We can feel lethargic and drained of energy by spending too much time in an air-conditioned environment. It is due to the cool temperature that decreases our metabolic rate and slows down the natural processes of our body. In addition, the feeling of drowsiness and fatigue increases due to the lack of fresh air.
Dehydration
Another side effect of an air conditioner is dehydration. Due to air conditioning, the moisture level in the air depletes, which affects our hydration level. Our body loses moisture more quickly through respiration when the air is dry, which causes dehydration. If we don’t intake enough fluid by drinking, it will prolong the dehydration, leading to several health issues like headaches, dizziness, and dry skin.
Dry or Itchy Skin
Dry or itchy skin is another common side effect of air conditioning. Our skin began to lose moisture and become dry, flaky, and irritated due to the lack of humidity in the air.
Using moisturizers and proper hydration can help to lessen these effects.
Headaches
In some individuals, air conditioning can cause headaches. Due to the sudden change in temperature between a hot outdoor environment and a cool indoor environment, the blood vessels in our heads start to expand and constrict rapidly, which causes headaches.
Respiratory Issues
Our respiratory system can be adversely affected by air conditioning, especially for people with respiratory conditions. symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and throat discomfort can be caused by cool and dry air, which can irritate the airways. in air-conditioned environments, people with allergies or asthma could experience worsened symptoms.
Noise Pollution
Air conditioning contributes to noise pollution while providing comfort. Particularly during the night when the constant humming of the air conditioner can disrupt sleep patterns and cause annoyance.
Infectious Diseases
Another side effect of air conditioning is that it can potentially spread infectious diseases when not properly cleaned and maintained, as it starts storing viruses, fungi, and bacteria. These microorganisms increase the risk of respiratory infections and illnesses among residents by circulating in the air. To minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases, regular AC maintenance and cleaning of the air conditioning units are essential.
Tips for Healthy Use of AC Systems
Following are some tips to prevent air conditioning disease and ensure the healthy use of air conditioning systems:
- Regular maintenance and cleaning: To keep it functioning efficiently, clean your air conditioner’s filter regularly.
- Optimal temperature settings: Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, preferable between 20°C and 22°C.
- Consider the cost and environmental impact: When using your AC system, be aware of energy costs and the environment.
- Invest in high-quality air conditioners: Consider investing in air conditioners that prioritize health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to know whether AC is bad or best for you. Along with the several benefits that air conditioning offers, it is important to be aware of its side effects on our health. Follow the tips mentioned in the article to ensure the healthy use of the AC system and avoid all the air conditioning health issues. Hire a professional AC repair in Dubai to keep your AC well maintained.
