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Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
September 6th, 2024
Last updated: September 6th, 2024
Air conditioning units really show their value in the hot months of the year, but there may also be some rumours spreading about whether or not they’re good for us. In recent years, there’s been some buzz around whether these cooling machines might actually be making us unwell. Could they be the culprit behind those sneezes, headaches, or general feelings of being under the weather? Can air conditioning make you sick?
The short answer is no.
There is nothing in a full-functioning and clean air conditioner that would make somebody sick. However, it needs to be looked after, and some maintenance is required to keep people safe and avoid spreading of bacteria and diseases through the air con.
The Science Behind Air Conditioning and Health
Air conditioning units work by cooling down the air, dehumidifying it, and circulating it throughout a space. In doing so, they create a controlled indoor climate that feels like a huge relief during those muggy British summers.
This same process can sometimes lead to potential health concerns if not managed correctly.
When air conditioning is used properly, it can actually contribute to a healthier environment by reducing the growth of mould and limiting dust mites, both of which thrive in warm, humid conditions. But when these units are neglected or improperly maintained, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mould, and other allergens, which are then circulated around your living or working space. This is where the concerns start and why air conditioner maintenance is so important, and if anything goes wrong the repair should also be prioritised.
Filters inside air conditioning units are supposed to trap dust, pollen, and other particles. However, if these filters aren’t cleaned or replaced regularly, they can get clogged and end up redistributing those very particles back into the air, potentially triggering allergies or asthma symptoms. You can see why maintenance is so important, with people regularly changing filters and getting their air conditioning unit cleaned. This needs to be met with an overall cleaning regime. For example, in a commercial kitchen it is important that the ducts are cleaned too.
Avoiding Legionnaires Disease
While rare, it’s worth mentioning that air conditioning systems, particularly large ones used in commercial buildings, can harbour the bacteria Legionella if they’re not maintained correctly.
Legionella bacteria thrive in stagnant water, and when this water gets into the system’s ducts, it can be dispersed in tiny droplets through the air. This bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia. It’s not something most people need to worry about in their home or business, but it highlights the importance of regular maintenance, especially in workplaces and larger facilities. Legionella testing is crucial to ensure that this potentially dangerous disease doesn’t become a problem.
How to Mitigate any Risks
So, what can be done to ensure that air conditioning units don’t make you feel under the weather? Regular maintenance is key. Simple steps like changing filters and cleaning vents can make a big difference. Filters should be replaced every three to six months, depending on usage.
It’s also crucial to ensure that the entire unit is serviced at least once a year. This involves more than just a quick clean and it includes checking the system for any mould or bacteria build-up, ensuring the ductwork is clear, and confirming that the system is operating efficiently.
Proper ventilation is another essential factor. It’s important to occasionally open windows to let fresh air circulate and to avoid setting the temperature too low. Many people set their air conditioning to Arctic-like levels, but a milder setting will not only be kinder to health but also to the electricity bill. Gradual cooling is more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation or discomfort.
Conclusion – Air Conditioning Isn’t the Villain
While air conditioning units have been wrongly blamed for a range of minor to severe health problems, they are not inherently harmful. The risks come from poor maintenance, improper use, and neglect of basic care procedures.
Like any equipment in the workplace, if it is not looked after and maintained properly it can potentially provide a risk, but looked after there is no problem using air conditioning units.
For a professional commercial air conditioning service Yorkshire, contact Robinsons Facilities Services. We cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time to all breakdowns and repairs.
Our range of services includes planned, reactive maintenance and emergency callouts 24/7/365.
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