Air Conditioning Sickness: Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), also known as air conditioning sickness, Sick Home, or Tight Building Syndrome, refers to a person or people getting sick from a direct correlation of spending time inside a specific building. This sickness happens because buildings and homes are built with tighter construction, trapping things like pet dander, dust, pollen, bacteria, cleaning supply chemicals, and odors inside.

Some studies have shown that 80% of homes and buildings built after 1980 show signs of SBS.

Common Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness:

Air conditioner sickness is a collection of symptoms that people experience when they are in an enclosed space with poor air quality. The symptoms of SBS can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Headaches: Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of AC sickness. They are usually caused by the decreased humidity in the air, which can dry out the airways and irritate the brain.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of AC sickness. It is thought to be caused by the chemicals released by the air conditioner, which can irritate the respiratory system and make it difficult to breathe.
• Dizziness: Dizziness is a less common symptom of air conditioner sickness, but it can occur if the air in the enclosed space is too cold or if there are too many pollutants in the air.
• Respiratory problems: Respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, can also occur if the air in the enclosed space is too cold or if there are too many pollutants in the air.
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation: Air conditioner sickness can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. This is usually caused by the chemicals released by the air conditioner or by the dry air.
• Skin problems: In some cases, air conditioner sickness can also cause skin problems, such as eczema or dermatitis. This is thought to be caused by the chemicals released by the air conditioner or by the dry air.

If you experience any of these symptoms after being in an enclosed space with air conditioners, leaving the space and getting some fresh air is important. You should also see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days.

You can do many things to help keep your family safe in the home and lower SBS effects. Watch the video below as our expert Cameron discusses the results of and the solutions to Sick Building Syndrome

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Sickness:

Multiple factors contribute to AC sickness. Chief among these are poor indoor air quality, sudden temperature fluctuations, and low humidity levels. Common causes of AC sickness include:

• Poor ventilation: If the air in an enclosed space is not circulated properly, it can become stale and stagnant. This can lead to the buildup of pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and mold, irritating the respiratory system.
• Low humidity: When the humidity in an enclosed space is too low, it can dry out the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Chemical pollutants: Air conditioners can release chemicals into the air, such as refrigerants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches and fatigue.
• Allergens: If there are allergens in the air, such as pollen or dust mites, they can be circulated by the air conditioner and cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
• Dirty air filters: Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and allow pollutants to build up in the air. This can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems.
• Leaks: Leaks in air conditioners can allow water to enter the unit and create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. These mold and bacteria can then be circulated through the air, causing symptoms such as respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin rashes.
• Improper maintenance: Air conditioners that are not properly maintained can become dirty and clogged with dust and debris. This can also lead to the buildup of pollutants in the air, which can cause symptoms of air conditioner sickness.
• Poor ventilation: If the air in an enclosed space is not circulated properly, it can become stale and stagnant. This can lead to the buildup of pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and mold, irritating the respiratory system.

Tips for Preventing AC Sickness:

Furnace Filter Replacement

Your furnace filter is an essential part of your HVAC system to help protect your furnace and keep your indoor air clean. Changing your standard furnace filter on a monthly basis will keep the air clean.

Electronic Furnace Filters (PAP)

Perfect Air Plus (PAP) filters are air purification devices that come exclusively from Logan Services, which use electronics to clean your indoor air. The PAP furnace filter is 97% effective; it cleans dust, pet dander, and pollen out of the air. The PAP filter catches smaller particles to help eliminate pollution in the air inside the home. This advanced filter needs to be changed out every three months to keep your furnace and indoor air in the best condition.

UV Air Treatment System

UV lights are another tool that will help keep the air coming into the home, cleaning it as it passes through the airstream. Where filters will help more dust, pet dander, and pollen that irritates our sinuses, UV light air treatment systems will help with the invisible enemies inside the home like bacteria, mold spores, and cleaning supply chemicals.

HVAC Duct Cleaning

Getting your HVAC ducts cleaned can be a huge help in getting things out of the air that you could be breathing in on a daily basis. Not only will it clean out things like pet dander or smoke, but it will help with better ventilation and air circulation through the home. We recommend having a duct cleaning performed every five years or when you move into a new-to-you home.

High-Efficiency, Staged Equipment

High-efficiency, staged HVAC equipment is made to run longer and at different intensities, depending on the demand needed. The elements of your heating and cooling system work together; this means staged equipment and the filter will work together for cleaner indoor air. The air that is continuously circulating through the filter will help the filter work better to catch those impurities. Staged equipment also helps with humidity. In the summer, if your home has too much humidity in it, it will become more hospitable to dust mites and mold. If the system is running at all times, it conditions the air, removes more humidity, and makes the home less hospitable to mold and bacteria.

If you are looking for clean air products in your home or want a free estimate for high-efficiency, staged equipment, contact the Logan Services team in Dayton, Columbus or Cincinnati.

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