Misuse of Air Conditioning
As experts in air conditioning in Pujol Climate We can say with great responsibility that air conditioning does not cause illnesses in and of itself; illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria circulating in the environment, but extreme cold or sudden changes in temperature can cause these to affect the body.
This risk can be increased by a lack of ventilation in closed spaces or by a lack of filter cleaning and preventive maintenance on these devices, which accumulate allergenic particles such as pollen, house dust, and mites. Lack of ventilation is especially common in homes with central air conditioning and in offices where the windows don't open, as is the case on long-distance public transportation. If there are people with respiratory infections inside, the possibility of infection increases because the air itself is recirculating. That's why it's important to turn off the air conditioning periodically or switch to the ventilation mode so you can open the windows and let in fresh, humid air.
Air conditioning systems cool the air, remove moisture, and tend to accumulate dust in the filters; the exact opposite of what the respiratory tract does, because the nose warms, humidifies, and filters the air, which then travels through the respiratory tract, delivering it to our alveoli as pure and clean as possible.
What do doctors say about the misuse of air conditioning equipment?
According to medical experts, the body needs time to adapt to the air treated by air conditioning equipment, which is why we insist on avoiding sudden changes in temperature. Regarding the effects of improper use of air conditioning, they explain that in people with preexisting conditions, such as rhinitis or obstructive airway diseases (asthma or chronic lung disease), cold air tends to worsen their symptoms and can thus precipitate symptoms and bronchospasms in asthmatics. In healthy people, cold air tends to irritate the respiratory tract; the body defends itself, and these symptoms of illnesses such as colds, pharyngitis, or laryngitis appear. People with weaker immune systems, such as very young children and the elderly, are also more at risk.
Our recommendations
For proper use of the air conditioning, Pujol Climate recommends:
- Condition the rooms with temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees.
- Maintain ambient humidity using the ventilation function
- Perform preventive maintenance.
Regarding daily practices regarding the use of these devices, avoid sudden and frequent temperature changes to allow the body to gradually adapt, stay well hydrated and nourished, and continue treatment and care for chronic respiratory illnesses.
In Pujol Climate We always remind our customers that air conditioning is not an enemy of health, on the contrary, thanks to air conditioning one can rest when it is very hot, but it should not be abused for it to be truly healthy and give us a feeling of comfort, performing proper preventive maintenance on your air conditioning equipment can not only avoid discomfort, it will also optimize its useful life.
