Air conditioning has become a summer necessity, protecting millions from dangerous heat waves and reducing exposure to outdoor pollutants. However, if not used or maintained properly, your AC system could compromise your health without you even realizing it.
Modern air conditioning does more than cool the air—it filters out dust, pollen, and hazardous particles like PM2.5 from wildfire smoke and car exhaust. It also reduces humidity, curbing mold, dust mites, and bacterial growth. These features make AC essential, especially in areas with extreme heat or poor outdoor air quality.
However, overuse or poor maintenance can backfire. Excessively dry air from constant AC use can irritate your airways, leading to coughing, sore throats, and what’s known as “sick building syndrome.” In drier conditions, your body loses moisture with every breath, weakening its natural defenses and increasing the risk of respiratory infections, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Experts recommend keeping indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Below that range, your airways dry out. Above it, mold and allergens thrive. A simple hygrometer can help monitor your home’s humidity and adjust your air conditioning use accordingly.
Equally important: maintain your unit. Change filters every 1–2 months during peak usage and choose ones with a MERV rating of 11–13. Schedule annual HVAC inspections, especially after leaks, to prevent buildup of mold and bacteria. For added protection, consider installing a certified UV light system to keep internal AC components clean.
AC systems don’t remove harmful indoor chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from cleaning products and furniture. Open windows occasionally or invest in a HEPA air purifier with carbon filters to reduce VOCs and boost indoor air quality.
With smart use and regular upkeep, your AC can help keep you cool without making you sick.
