Signs Your Air Conditioning May Be Making You Sick
Feeling sick after work? You may be sensitive to the air conditioner.
Air conditioners are blissful during those hot, Southern California summers that are becoming longer and longer every year. They cool us down, re-energize us and leave us feeling refreshed and ready to take on the heat. But have you ever felt congested, like you may have a head cold, despite it being 90 degrees out?
Because most air conditioners circulate old air as opposed to new air from the outdoors, our indoor environment is two to five times more toxic than our outdoor environment.
If you start to feel better when you leave your house or office, and symptoms of a cold start to go away, then you may be sensitive to your air conditioner.
Headaches And Drowsiness
It is perfectly normal to feel worn out after a long day of work, whether you work at home or at an office. But if you find yourself feeling consistently exhausted with headaches and a sore throat at the end of the day, but then feeling better once you spend some time outdoors, the air conditioner may be affecting you. To combat this, at home raise your temperature by a few degrees so you don’t shiver too much, which can leave you feeling sore and could be the root of your headache. If you are at work, take your breaks outside and go for a walk to breathe fresh air.
Coughing And Labored Breathing
If you find yourself having a dry cough on particular hot days where the air conditioner is on high, your unit may need to have the filter cleaned. Running it constantly can cause bacteria and fungi to pile up in the vents and your unit has to work harder to pump out cool air. Particles could then be circulating indoors causing you to feel sick. You may need to get your unit cleaned and change your filter every few months.
Dry Skin
During the hot months our skin can become increasingly prone to drying out and cracking. Because air conditioners take moisture out of the air, our face and hands can feel stiff and our skin sore. You hair and scalp may become dry as well if you are spending a lot of time indoors working. Keep extra strength moisturizer nearby and drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and your skin glowing.
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