by Ann Harrison
Did you know that your air conditioner can be causing you some serious health problems?
Summer is upon us, and in some areas of the United States, the temperatures are soaring into the 90 degree mark and above. During the late Spring and Summer months, the sun beats down on us, and the heat can be stifling. In most cases, we crank up our air conditioners to stay cool. However, studies show that our cooling systems that we’ve come to rely on, are also harmful to our health. Here is a brief list of the health problems associated with air-conditioning units, and what you can do to stay healthy while staying cool at the same time.
If you find that you are experiencing headaches, tiredness, or are even suffering from cold and flu symptoms in the summer, it may be caused by your home or office being over air-conditioned. Research shows that people who work in offices that are constantly being pumped with cool air may experience chronic headaches and breathing problems, which may leave them vulnerable to the common cold, the flue and other seasonal illnesses.
If you or a loved one already suffers from long-term health conditions such as arthritis or low blood pressure, living or working in a building with central air conditioning can worsen your symptoms. You may suffer from dry or irritated skin if your home or office is consistently over air conditioned, especially if you don’t use a moisturizing lotion or skin cream before entering an over air-conditioned building. One of the biggest problems that people face when living or working in homes or offices with central air conditioning units, is the inability to tolerate the intense heat, upon leaving a cooler environment.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind, when you use your air condition during the hottest part of the year.
First of all, make sure that your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned, and be sure to change your air filters on a regular basis. Air filters and duct work that hasn’t been cleaned regularly can cause smoke, dust particles, and other harmful germs to enter into your house along with the cool air, so in order to keep the germs away, you must keep the dirt out. Make sure to have your system serviced and professionally maintenance by your local heating and cooling company, for optimum performance. Turning off the Air conditioning unit and opening the windows occasionally will air out your house and get rid of any germs that may have been carried by the compressed air. You may want to raise the temperature, or turn your air conditioning unit down to a lower setting at night, to save on your utility bill. You may also want to consider doing this while you’re away from home.
Can you think of other tips to keep your air conditioner cleaned your family healthy?
About the Author
Ann Harrison is a totally blind author, who grew up in the small town of Rochelle, Georgia, and has moved back to her family home after living in North Georgia for several years. Ann has written many articles of general interest for a number of clients since June of 2010, including the Cordele Dispatch. She has also published a short story entitled “The Big Climb” in Awethology Light. Ann also published a story entitled “The Woods” in December Awethology Light Volume by The #Awethors. She is currently working on several novels, and a self-help book. To read more of Ms. Harrison’s inspirational writings, visit her blog at www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com.
