Nearly everyone has heard stories about someone getting sick from their air conditioner, namely from poor air quality. But that is not the only way your air conditioner can sometimes make you sick. Consider these ill effects from air conditioning that may be affecting your health.

Temperature Intolerance

If you find yourself having a difficult time adjusting to the weather, the culprit may be your HVAC system. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your AC, but it might mean you have the thermostat set a bit too low or that you are running the AC when you really don't need to. If you find it difficult to go out in the heat after spending time in your cool home, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees higher when you can. Otherwise, if you know you will be outside, gradually increase the temperatures inside to allow your body to adjust to the changing temperatures. Heat intolerance can also be caused by some medications or other health issues.  Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after making adjustments.

High Blood Pressure

For some people, air conditioning can cause their blood pressure to rise. This happens because your blood vessels contract to help maintain your body temperature when the air around you is cool. If you have issues with high blood pressure that cannot be explained by other factors, talk to your doctor about the effects of your AC on your blood pressure.

Breathing and Respiratory Issues

If you notice that you have difficulty breathing or develop cold-like or allergy symptoms, but they go away when you leave the house, your air conditioner may be to blame. If your air conditioner is not properly maintained it can spew mold, dust and allergens into the air causing you to suffer. If you suspect your AC is causing your problems with breathing or is acting up your allergies, contact a professional to assess and clean your system.

Dry Skin and Nasal Passage

If you find yourself battling dry skin and nasal passages, you AC may be the culprit — but it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your HVAC unit. It is a natural effect from cool air. Cool air whisks away moisture. To combat the drying effect of your air conditioner, drink plenty of fluids and use extra moisturizer if necessary.

If you are worried that your air conditioner may be making you sick, contact Guaranteed Heating & Cooling today. Our professionals can assess your system and let you know if you have anything to worry about. If you are bothered by the symptoms listed above, or experience other symptoms you cannot account for, talk to your health care professional to rule out other causes.