- By Bornika Das
- Sat, 12 Jul 2025 01:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
AC Health Risks: Whether dry summer or humid weather, AC has become a non-negotiable thing in any household these days. It is no longer a luxury but has turned into a necessity. Even though ACs bring relief from the heat, prolonged exposure to this artificially cold air can cause health concerns. Excessive AC exposure can lead to dry skin and irritated eyes, frequent colds, as well as respiratory issues. If you’re spending too much time indoors in the AC, it can cause long-term health effects. However, with safe air conditioning practices, you can protect yourself from AC’s health risks.
You don’t have to sacrifice for the comfort of AC cooling for wellness. With a few simple lifestyle tweaks and smart usage habits, people can enjoy the chill of the air conditioner without falling prey to its side effects. Here are some of the practical ways to protect your health from the side effects of the AC while staying cool.
How To Prevent Illness From Air Conditioning?
Keep The Temperature Moderate
Keep the temperature of the room between 24°C to 26°C; anything lower than this is capable of shocking your system. This happens more if you’re moving between extreme temperatures, as it increases the risk of colds, sore throat and even heat exhaustion.
ALSO READ: 4 Warning Signs Your AC Might Be About To Fail Or Catch Fire: Don’t Ignore Them This Monsoon
Stay Hydrated
Air conditioning cuts out the humidity from the air. This leaves the skin, throat and eyes feeling very dry. Always keep a bottle of water by your side and keep sipping regularly. Consider investing in a humidifier or placing a water bowl near the vent to balance out the moisture in the air.
Take Regular Breaks
AC breaks are important. If spending a lot of time in an AC room, especially when you are at work, make it a point to step outside the room into a naturally ventilated place for a couple of hours. This allows the body to recalibrate and also helps in reducing the dependency on artificially cooled air.
AC Health Side Effects (Image Credits: Canva)
Dress Smartly
Always wear light layers indoors that can help to regulate body temperature better and also avoid any type of sudden chills. Always keep a scarf or light jacket nearby for times when you feel extra chilly in the room.
Clean The AC Regularly
One of the most common mistakes that people make is not cleaning the AC. An unclean AC unit ends up accumulating dust, bacteria and even mold spores. This leads to allergies and even respiratory issues. So, ensure that you are getting the AC filters cleaned or changed regularly.
ALSO READ: Can You Use Your AC In The Heavy Rain Or Storms?
Don’t Sleep With AC On All Night
Use a timer to turn it off after a few hours or set it to an energy-saving mode. Prolonged nighttime exposure to cold air can lead to headaches, body aches, stiffness and congestion in the morning.