Conclusion. While air conditioning systems offer several health benefits, such as improved air quality, comfortable living environments, and better sleep quality, they can also lead to respiratory issues, skin dryness, and air-conditioning disease.
Unless systems are cleaned regularly, air conditioners can be a source of health issues. Air contamination can become a severe problem that contributes to respiratory ailments in people. Additionally, air conditioning at work and home can lead to problems, such as colds, fevers, headaches and fatigue.
The cold air produced by the AC can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Additionally, AC units can circulate allergens and airborne pollutants if not properly maintained, exacerbating respiratory symptoms for susceptible individuals.
Prolonged air conditioner use can affect health, causing dry skin, dehydration, and respiratory problems. Spending significant time in AC rooms may spread allergens, leading to colds and coughs. Regular maintenance of AC systems and hydration are crucial to avoid these issues and enhance overall well-being.
Take heat seriously, it can kill
The elderly and people who don't have access to air conditioning are especially vulnerable, but everyone is at risk, experts warn. "The stresses on your organs to keep you alive when it's really hot are intense.
Research shows sleep can be disrupted by temperatures anywhere below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But for most people, heat interferes with sleep more than cold does. Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Exposure to the elements can also damage an AC unit over time; if yours gets rained on regularly or sits outside exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time (like during summertime), then this could cause damage over time--and shorten its lifespan significantly!
Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases, and indoor pollutants are among the common health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning.
On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.
Air conditioning can also make your skin age prematurely. Your skin begins shriveling as it loses its moisture. Consequently, its elastic properties reduce. Failure to replace the water that's constantly being drawn out of your skin tissues results in dry skin that's prone to wrinkling and creasing.
Here are some pointers to strike the perfect balance: Recommended range: Aim for a thermostat setting between 24°C (75°F) and 26°C (78°F). Each degree lower can increase energy consumption by 8%.
People who live in air-conditioned surroundings report greater rates of respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research. The results of the study were ascribed to greater exposure to pollutants and allergens indoors.
Dry skin: Spending too much time in air-conditioned environments can reduce moisture in the air, leading to dry skin. Your skin feels flaky and itchy. 2. Dry eyes: If you already have dry eyes, staying in AC for too long can worsen the symptoms, leading to itching and irritation in the eyes.
Cooler temperatures at night can cause our immune system to slow down. This can make you more susceptible to conditions like common cold or a dry cough. Or else, you might wake up with a sore throat. If the AC unit is not clean, it will circulate germs and other airborne contaminants like dust mites, pet dander, etc.
This difference was statistically significant. Similarly, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was higher with AC, 69.4 +/- 8.9 mmHg, than without AC, 66.5 +/- 9.1 mmHg, while mean blood pressure was also higher in AC, 84.9 +/- 9.1 mmHg, than without, 79.9 +/- 7.7 mmHg. There was no significant change in pulse rate.
Another major side effect of air conditioners is that they can make you dehydrated. ACs operate by drawing in the moisture from the room to reduce the level of humidity and deliver cooler air. Although this may give you comfort at first, air conditioners can quickly soak water from your skin, leaving you dehydrated.
Running the “auto” function of your air conditioner all day and night isn't the best idea for any home. There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break.
Allowing your air conditioner to rest is an excellent way to extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently throughout the years. Air conditioners, like homeowners, require rest in order to recover and perform optimally.
Experts tell us that it is safe to have your window air conditioner running 24/7. No part inside the air conditioner will get too hot and melt if you keep it running all day. The performance of the air conditioner, too, won't suffer if you forget to turn it off.
Cold – Cranking the AC reduces indoor humidity levels, leaving your eyes, nose, and throat dried out and itchy. Dry air may negatively impact your immune system.
The potential consequences are different for everyone and also depend on the duration of exposure to an environment that is too cold, on the indoor air quality and the temperature reached. The most common symptoms include muscle and joint pain, poor sleep, dehydration and in more severe cases even cramp.
In more severe cases, avoidance may not be enough. Then, treatment may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medication to reduce inflammation and prevent your immune system from reacting to the allergens you inhale.
Conclusion. While air conditioning systems offer several health benefits, such as improved air quality, comfortable living environments, and better sleep quality, they can also lead to respiratory issues, skin dryness, and air-conditioning disease.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
The window AC is the most efficient in saving energy, while the split AC has the highest electricity consumption. A special technology called an inverter for split devices has also been developed, which can save 40% of energy consumption.