Now that the summer heat is really getting going, nothing feels better than taking comfort inside your cool home. Despite the relief that it brings from these long hot days, overusing your AC has come under greater scrutiny for how it affects you. An overdependence on AC this summer may not only result in higher electric bills but can also cause indoor discomfort and health concerns.
How Overusing AC Affects your Health
Air conditioning has become crucial for our quality of life. It is pretty hard to imagine life without it. But excessive use of air conditioning can cause health problems due to inadequate ventilation and circulation of air. Some of the common health issues are:
- Respiratory Illnesses & Colds- ACs work by removing humidity from the air. The lack of humidity dries out your mucus membranes, leaving you vulnerable to upper respiratory illnesses. Having a humidifier helps balance humidity in the air.
- Dry Skin– Being exposed to dry, indoor air for long periods of time will also cause your skin to dry out. This is especially true for people who suffer from existing skin conditions. Be proactive and moisturize your skin. Most importantly, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
- Aggravated Allergies- The more you run your AC, the more you need to maintain your air filters. Dirty filters allow allergens and mold to build up and enter your home, worsening your symptoms and making your cooling system less efficient.
- Heat Intolerance- Our bodies have evolved to adjust to a wide range of climates & temperatures. Spending lots of time in air conditioning affects your body’s ability to adjust to the heat. Exposure to hot temperatures will leave you at risk of feeling light-headed, suffering from headaches, or even heat stroke.
Some Advice On Proper AC Usage
- Clean Filters- Clean or replace filters on air conditioners once a month or more depending on usage.
- Keep your temperature stable. Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer, and raise the setpoint when you’re sleeping or away from home.
- Keep your AC in the best working condition. Ensure that the AC system is well maintained through a yearly maintenance check performed by a licensed HVAC service technician.
- Choose an energy-efficient AC system. Select energy-efficient products, such as those labeled with ENERGY STAR, when you are buying new cooling equipment.
The most important step to keep your family protected from poor air quality is to be informed. Keeping air filters clean and hiring a professional to tune up your AC will help make your AC runs as efficient and effective as possible while helping you avoid the health risks of overuse.