Ventilation can increase the risk of “sick building syndrome” if you work in a building with poor ventilation. Symptoms include headache, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and sensitivity to smells. Forced indoor air may slightly increase your risk of getting COVID-19. But the CDC says the risk is low. It gets worse with regular filter changes, opening windows, and coughing and sneezing.
Dehydrate you
Air conditioners suck moisture from the room to lower the humidity and cool it. This can dehydrate your skin and dry it out – and you.
Dry eyes
Lack of humidity in air-conditioned areas can dry out your eyes. This can make them angry, irritated, and even blur your vision.
Increase metabolism
Research shows that spending more time in cold weather can help you lose weight. As your body deals with colder weather, it can develop a large amount of healthy, energy-burning “brown fat”. Air conditioning can help keep you cool in hot weather, but you need to reduce the indoor air temperature in winter to see any real benefits.
It irritates the airways
Research shows that people who work in air-conditioned buildings have more respiratory problems (nasal passages, difficulty breathing) than people who work in naturally ventilated buildings.
Can give a headache
If you spend time indoors with a dirty or poorly maintained HVAC system, you are more likely to develop headaches or migraines. In one study, 8% of people working in indoor environments had headaches 1-3 days per month, and 8% had headaches every day.
Heat lowers your stamina
Scientists coined the term “adaptive comfort model” to explain how spending more time in air conditioning makes it harder to deal with hot weather. The ideal temperature depends on all recent temperatures. The longer you stay at full pump from the A/C, the more comfortable the heat and humidity will be.
It pollutes the air outside
Old A/C units can emit CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). This is a refrigerant that can damage the ozone layer and the Earth’s heat. The US Clean Air Act banned this refrigerant in the 1990s, but it is still widely used around the world.
It aggravates allergies
Keeping your air conditioner clean can help relieve allergies. But an HVAC system can quickly become home to microbial allergens. Check and maintain your system regularly to avoid adding to your allergy problem.
It helps you sleep
Experts say sleeping in a room between 60 and 67 degrees is ideal for optimal rest. Since your body cools down as part of its natural sleep cycle, a cool room helps this happen. Sometimes A/C is the tool you need to sleep at the right temperature.
