Sick? Is Your AC To Blame? Find Out.

Air Conditioners, Health & Safety

Air conditioning is essential for staying cool during hot summer months, but can it also affect your health? Some people worry that cold air from the...

Posted by Ryan | July 22, 2025

Air conditioning is essential for staying cool during hot summer months, but can it also affect your health? Some people worry that cold air from the AC can cause a cold, while others wonder if a broken or dirty unit might be behind unexplained symptoms like headaches or dry eyes.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “does AC make you sick?”—the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. In many cases, your air conditioner can actually help improve indoor air quality and comfort. But without proper care, it may also become a source of irritation or illness.

Let’s explore how air conditioning affects your health—both positively and negatively—and what you can do to stay safe and comfortable.

Air Conditioning Can Affect You in More Ways Than You Thought

When most people think of air conditioning, they think of comfort. And while cooling your home is the AC’s main job, its effects go beyond just temperature.

A properly functioning air conditioning unit can:

Protect vulnerable people during extreme heat, including seniors, infants, and pets.
Filter out pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and even ozone, reducing indoor allergen exposure.
Help with allergies by allowing you to keep windows closed during allergy season, avoiding pollen and outdoor irritants.
Reduce humidity, making your home feel cooler while also slowing the growth of mold and mildew.

Clearly, air conditioning can play an important role in keeping you healthy. But what happens when your AC system isn’t properly maintained?

Does AC Make You Sick?

If your AC system isn’t properly maintained, it may create health risks for you and your family. Here’s how:

Spreading Mold & Bacteria

Air conditioners that aren't cleaned regularly can become breeding grounds for microbes. Stagnant water in drain pans or clogged filters can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria—especially in high-humidity environments.

Once present, these microbes can spread throughout your home via your air ducts, potentially causing symptoms such as:

Dry or irritated eyes
Scratchy throat or dry nasal passages
Persistent coughing or sneezing
Skin irritation or rashes
Headaches or fatigue

People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems are especially at risk. Children and older adults may also be more sensitive to airborne irritants.

Encouraging the Spread of Viruses

While cold air itself doesn’t cause colds, your air conditioning can indirectly contribute to illness. Cold, dry environments with low humidity are ideal for the survival of airborne viruses such as the common cold or flu.

Running your AC too cold may:

Dry out your mucous membranes, making it easier for viruses to enter your system
Contribute to symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, or runny nose
Increase your risk of respiratory infections, especially if viruses are being circulated indoors

Contribute to Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is the name of a condition that professionals believe is caused by being inside a building or enclosed space. It typically occurs because of poor air quality, possibly caused by an air conditioning unit.

SBS is used as a term to describe symptoms that aren't immediately understood. Some of these symptoms include:

Breathing difficulties
Chest tightness
Runny nose
Sneezing
Headaches
Dry, itchy skin
Dizziness
Fatigue
Fever
Chills

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms when at home, your AC may need an inspection. Moisture in your unit may lead to irritants circulating throughout your home. Is there any way you can avoid these issues developing in your air conditioning unit?

How Can You Avoid Issues Relating to Your Air Conditioning?

The good news is that preventing AC-related health issues is entirely possible. It all comes down to regular maintenance and smart usage.

Schedule Annual Tune-Ups

Have a certified HVAC technician inspect and service your AC unit at least once per year.

When you choose Action Furnace, our highly trained and qualified air conditioner technicians ensure optimal performance from your home cooling system.

During your AC tune-up, we conduct a comprehensive service that includes:

A complete multi-point inspection
Refrigerant level check
Compressor fan check and calibration
Part lubrication

Additionally, we measure your air conditioner's output to establish a benchmark for future visits.

Replace Your Filters Frequently

Dirty or clogged air filters are one of the biggest culprits behind poor indoor air quality. Check your filters monthly during heavy-use seasons and replace them every 1–3 months depending on usage, household size, and whether you have pets.

Control Indoor Humidity

Excess humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Use a dehumidifier if necessary and keep your home’s humidity between 30–50% for ideal comfort and air quality.

Keep Vents and Ducts Clean

Dust, pollen, and mold can build up in your ductwork over time. Professional duct cleaning every few years can help maintain clean air circulation, especially if you notice dust buildup, musty odours, or allergy symptoms.

Don’t Set the Temperature Too Low

Extreme cooling may feel nice on a hot day, but it can dry out your sinuses and encourage viral activity. Try setting your thermostat to a comfortable, energy-efficient range—typically between 22–24°C (72–75°F).

Air Conditioning Replacement FAQ

Should I repair or replace my cooling system?

The decision to replace or repair cooling equipment should always be made with the advice of our experts at Action Furnace. We can evaluate the age and health of your system and give you a realistic forecast for future repairs.

Every home’s cooling is unique. But generally, an air conditioner 10 years or older should be considered for an upgrade. As HVAC systems age and the repair frequency increases, there comes a time when a new cooling system will save you money in the long run.

How long will a new air conditioner last?

Your new air conditioner will always benefit from proper care and routine maintenance. You can expect well-maintained units to last up to 15 years. Action Furnace offers a 12-Year Parts & Labour Warranty on our cooling equipment installs.

Our AC installations are completed with the utmost attention to detail and designed to maximize each model’s lifespan. Dealing with AC repairs swiftly, as your unit reaches the decade mark, is another way to help your cooling system last longer.