Do health and air conditioning go hand in hand?

Health and air conditioning, here are a couple that has trouble living together in the long term. Air conditioning is very popular during periods of extreme heat because of the comfort it offers but is also the subject of many accusations. Indeed, it would be the cause of some health concerns: allergies and other respiratory diseases, runny nose, headaches, fungus, etc. 

Using your air conditioner thoroughly would, it seems, present many health risks. It is therefore essential to know if it is still possible to enjoy the freshness provided by our air conditioners without fear of effects on our health.

AIR CONDITIONING IS THE CAUSE OF MANY DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

Air conditioning is the source of many infections, from less serious like a runny nose, to more worrying like legionellosis.

The harmful consequences of excessive cold

Among the most visible risks that air conditioning can have on health, thermal shock is in pole position. If between your interior and your exterior, there is a temperature difference of between 5 and 6°C, you will be subject to many discomforts with various effects (some more serious than others).

Excess cold can produce shivers, dizziness, headaches... It is even possible to be the victim of great discomfort since the temperature variation between the outside and the inside is of the order of 10°C.

In addition, muscle contractures are often the result of the excess cold generated by the cool air produced by the air conditioner. You risk getting torticollis if you are permanently exposed to the flow of air in the back or in the neck.

Note: whether you are in an office, in a public place, or anywhere else, it is essential for your health to always carry a vest or a scarf with you, in order to anticipate the temperature variations which are sometimes inevitable. Similarly, it is not very advisable to sit with your back to or under an air conditioner, if this is the case in particular in your office, it is your right to request a rearrangement.

Air conditioning is responsible for drying out

Air conditioning is responsible for diseases of the ENT sphere, in particular, colds or angina. The most visible symptom is usually a runny nose.

If it was already known that the cold seriously weaken the muscular defenses, it should be specified that even the dry air of the air conditioner promotes the drying of the mucous membranes. Weakened mucous membranes are a breeding ground for all kinds of microbes.

Dry air does not spare people with visual sensitivity, it will cause discomfort including irritation. These genes will be more noticeable in people who are forced to wear corrective lenses.

Note: if you put in contact lenses, it is recommended that you always have an air humidifier in your possession and, if necessary, have eye drops prescribed.

Air conditioners: the refuge of microbes

In the event that the maintenance of air conditioners is not properly carried out on a regular basis, they can become a real nightmare for health and constitute a refuge for microbes. Keep in mind that some models have stagnant water in which many pathogenic organisms proliferate. Once mature, these agents will be dispersed into the air through air conditioning.

These harmful effects of air conditioning on health in no way detract from the essential role that this device can play in our daily lives. Instead of doing without it, it is better to maintain it well to avoid any health risks.

FOR PERFECT HEALTH, MAINTAIN YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS

For health and air conditioning to stop being polar opposites, you should maintain your air conditioner.

Clean your filters regularly

The number of cleanings is relative to the area in which the air conditioner is located. For some models with average use, maintenance every 2 months may be sufficient.

More sophisticated models will need a clogging of the air conditioner filter using a warning light that they have. A quick glance at the maintenance manual will be necessary.

Cleaning the filter is done in one click, after removing the filter from the indoor unit, it must be rinsed with soapy water, dried, and put back in place.

Subscribe to a maintenance contract

A maintenance contract by a professional guarantee the optimal operation of your device and allows you to benefit from good air quality. This professional does not only ensure the proper functioning of the device and the extension of its life, he checks the absence of leaks, prevents water from stagnating and disinfects the battery of the indoor unit through which the air circulates.