Is air conditioning bad for you? For some people, air conditioning can be aggravating to their skin and other cold-sensitive conditions as it tends to cause a loss of moisture and can trigger headaches and fatigue.
However, as long as the temperature isn’t set too low, air conditioning actually has a wide range of health benefits for many people. Discover how a cooler home can make you more comfortable and encourage better health below.
Protection from Heat Illness and Heat Stress
Air conditioners reduce the heat in your home, of course, and that protects you from heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps. In fact, according to the CDC[1] in extreme heat, a fan won’t help you reduce your temperature, but your air conditioner will.
It’s important for the elderly and young children to have access to air-conditioned spaces, especially after they have exercised. Older and younger people have more trouble regulating their heat on their own.
You may also benefit from air conditioning if you have a condition that makes you more likely to suffer heat illness, including[2]:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Sunburn
- Poor circulation
- Alcohol use
- Fever
It’s also harder for your body to regulate its heat in high humidity. That’s because our sweat is less effective when the air is already full of moisture. As air conditioners dehumidify your home’s air, they also make it easier for your body to cool itself.
Reduced Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
The effects of air conditioning on lungs can be very positive if you have a breathing condition, like asthma, allergies, COPD, and more. [3]
Air conditioning reduces the stress on your lungs by reducing the number of airborne allergens in your home, such as grass and tree pollen. It also reduces dust mites which can irritate your lungs.
Better Sleep with Air Conditioning
More scientific research is proving that we actually sleep better in colder conditions. As our body temperature regulates throughout the day, it starts to lose heat around bed time (causing that feeling of tiredness) and reaches its lowest temperature around 5:00 AM. By helping our bodies to cool off quicker at bedtime, it encourages deeper and more restorative sleep and decreases the risk of other diseases in the process.
Maximizing Air Conditioner Benefits
In order to get the full benefit of air conditioning, you need to have your air conditioner filter cleaned regularly. Otherwise your air conditioner may actually spread allergens, mold, and other airway irritants. You can reduce your asthma and allergy symptoms further by investing in a dehumidifier or a HEPA air purifier.
Avoid Over-Air Conditioning
When temperatures are too cool in your home, you may experience discomfort, especially if you have chronic headaches, chronic pain or arthritis.[4] Keeping your air conditioner at a reasonable temperature will not only help manage these conditions, but also help save you money.
Speak with one of our professionals at Link ClimateCare to make sure your air conditioner is properly sized for your home and for assistance setting your system to an ideal temperature if you’re not sure.
More Health Benefits from Link ClimateCare
Your air quality is deeply tied to your health. Be sure you have the best air quality to keep everyone in your family happy, healthy and cool through the summer. Reach out to us at Link ClimateCare for tips with your air conditioner, dehumidifier, and more.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.html
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660
[4] https://globalnews.ca/news/258330/top-5-health-problems-associated-with-air-conditioning/
