Air conditioning isn’t just used in warm climates, it’s also become a standard feature in office buildings, hospitals, shopping centers, and industrial facilities where opening windows or doors for proper ventilation isn’t always possible.
Air conditioning has become so common that we often don’t even notice it’s there and rarely give it a second thought. However, its use isn’t entirely harmless, and it can have several negative effects on our health that are worth understanding and, where possible, counteracting.
While a consistently cool, comfortable temperature at home or in the office can feel like a real benefit, being in a microclimate where fresh air doesn’t circulate and the same air is constantly recycled can actually harm our health. While the effects aren’t immediate, people who spend a lot of time in air-conditioned environments tend to get sick more often.
To start, because air conditioning keeps the temperature stable, our bodies don’t need to use their natural mechanisms to regulate temperature, which can disrupt our thermal and humidity balance and lead to real health consequences.
One of the most obvious harmful effects is the dehydration caused by air conditioning, which absorbs much of the moisture in the air. This can be risky if we don’t stay properly hydrated, since it can dry out our skin, respiratory tract, and eyes, leading to itching and irritation.
This combination of environmental and bodily dehydration, along with lower-quality recycled air, can lead to migraines and chronic headaches in people exposed to air conditioning for long periods.
Cold air and low temperatures can also cause respiratory issues, such as sore or irritated throats, nasal congestion, and chronic rhinitis.
Air conditioning units can also harbor bacteria, mold, and viruses, which can grow within the filters and potentially lead to infections, allergies, and various forms of contamination, as well as worsening asthma symptoms.
Contrary to what you might expect, staying artificially cool in warm climates has actually been shown to increase feelings of sluggishness, low energy, and fatigue.
Similarly, moving from a cool environment to a warm one can trigger vagal responses in the nervous system, often showing up as excessive sweating and persistent dizziness.
Likewise, the constant, unchanging cool temperature, and the fact that our bodies don’t have to work to regulate it, can lead to mild or even significant muscle tension.
How Can You Offset the Negative Effects of Air Conditioning?
First and foremost, regularly maintain and clean air conditioning units, change filters routinely, and install devices that help purify and disinfect the air.
Whenever possible, it’s also important to combine natural ventilation with air conditioning, although this isn’t always feasible in industrial facilities or certain office buildings.
Plants can help purify the air, so it’s a good idea to have several potted plants around to improve air quality.
It’s also recommended to avoid having too many people breathing the same air in small rooms.
Install a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, since if humidity drops below 30%, you may start to experience dehydration.
Set air conditioning units to no lower than 20°C (68°F) and no higher than 24°C (75°F), since going beyond either limit increases the risk of health problems.
Make sure air vents aren’t blowing directly onto anyone, as this could make them sick.
Keep in mind that the difference between outdoor and indoor temperature shouldn’t exceed 10°C (18°F), since a bigger gap can create an imbalance that affects your health due to sudden temperature changes.
If possible, adapt your space to include windows or some form of natural air intake so you can rely less on air conditioning and access cleaner, fresher air.
