Your air conditioner delivers fresh, cool air throughout your home. However, it can occasionally cause some physical discomfort. While your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is designed to make your space more comfortable, it might also be the culprit of your sore throat.
For anyone, a sore throat can be a nuisance that makes it challenging to get anything done. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these air conditioner-related sore throats. Let’s explore how your A/C system filters particles and why it might be causing your sore throat.
While you might not directly have a sore throat from your air conditioning, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can give you a sore throat. Contaminants like mold, dust and allergens can all cause irritation and health issues.
Mold especially causes respiratory issues — people with respiratory conditions should watch for mold growth, as it can risk their health. Additionally, an air conditioner producing dry air can irritate your throat and nose. Dry air inflames the pathways in your nose and throat, making breathing uncomfortable.
While your air conditioning helps you stay comfortable during the summer, it might be causing your sore throat. If you’re frequently fighting off respiratory issues, your IAQ and air conditioner could be to blame. Track your symptoms, and if they aren’t improving, it’s time to examine your A/C. Here are some common sore throat air conditioning causes:
Improper A/C system installation can lead to several air conditioning issues. When installed incorrectly, your unit might ineffectively filter and distribute air through your home. You might end up with uneven cooling, stagnant air and pollutant accumulation.
Airflow is a concern with poor installations — your A/C helps filter and control dust, mold spores and allergens. If your system and filter are not trapping pollutants, these contaminants can circulate through your indoor space, irritating your throat.
Additionally, installing A/C systems with restricted airflow or poor drainage can cause issues. Good airflow and drainage prevent moisture buildup in ducts and basements. Excess moisture buildup leads to dampness, mold and fungi — these issues can release particles that travel into your home, causing respiratory irritation.
A quality air conditioner will cool and dehumidify your home. However, it can sometimes take excess moisture from the air. Low humidity can translate to dried-out throat and nasal passages, causing respiratory discomfort and irritation. Your throat and nose mucous membranes need moisture to create a regular mucus flow.
When the air is too dry, it pulls the moisture from your nose and throat. This dryness creates thicker mucus and prevents your body from clearing out germs effectively. While a humidifier can help with this, your A/C system should dehumidify properly. If you find your air is dry during the cooling months, it might be best to contact a professional for assistance.
Regular maintenance is essential for proper A/C function and good IAQ. Neglecting air conditioner maintenance tasks, like filter replacement and coil cleaning, can lead to excess debris, dust and mold in your system.
With this buildup present, your air conditioning may be causing your sore throat. Keep your filter and ducts clean to prevent pollutant circulation in your home. The longer you go between maintenance sessions, the worse the problem can become.
An incorrectly sized A/C system might also lead to throat irritation. A system that’s too small or large will run inefficiently, causing issues.
An oversized unit might cool the air too quickly, leading to dry indoor air. An undersized unit will ineffectively cool your space, overworking itself and resulting in poor air circulation. Both dry air and poor circulation can cause the irritation you’re dealing with.
Avoid an A/C sore throat with the right system care. Good maintenance measures can minimize your risk of throat irritation and maximize your air conditioner’s life span. To stay comfortable indoors year-round, follow these tips:
Are you dealing with a mysterious sore throat? It could be your air conditioning system. If you’re in Central Pennsylvania, contact Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for expert services and solutions. With over 40 years of experience, we’re ready to handle all your HVAC repair, installation and maintenance needs. We can provide air filtration and duct cleaning services, keeping your IAQ healthy.
We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers. If you need comprehensive A/C service, we’re here to help. Our commitment to our customers ensures your peace of mind and satisfaction with every service.
Experience the difference a professional HVAC team can make. Contact us online to schedule your A/C service or request an estimate today!
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