Can using an air conditioning system lead to breathing problems? Not really – a well-maintained air-con system won’t normally be the cause of any respiratory conditions. However, why do some business owners report that their employees take more sick leave when the air conditioning system is on? Let’s find out.
Air Quality
The air conditioning system circulates the air in your facility. If the air is filled with mould spores, pollen, aerosols and other allergens, the air conditioning system picks these particles up and disperses them around the facility. This can exacerbate problems such as asthma and seasonal hay fever. So the system is the means, not the cause. By taking proper care of the building, you can eliminate breathing problems or keep them to a minimum. Some facility owners invest in air purifiers or additional filters to improve overall air quality.
Servicing
Air conditioning systems require regular maintenance. The majority of commercial air conditioners should be serviced twice a year. Even if the system seems to be working impeccably, it may need such basic maintenance as filter cleaning or replacement. If the system isn’t cleaned regularly, it collects mould and bacteria and spreads them into the air. These are the worst issues for contaminating the air:
- Old filters – lets contaminants flow through the air instead of trapping them.
- Dirty coils – collects moisture and creates an excellent environment for bacterial growth.
- Broken or clogged drain line – creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew.
These problems can be easily identified and resolved during regular servicing.
Summer Chill and Summer Colds!
If you set the air conditioning system to extremely low temperatures while maintaining a low humidity environment, you create an excellent breeding ground for cold-causing viruses, even during the summer! Meanwhile, low temperatures force the human body to protect itself by constricting skin arteries and decreasing blood flow, reducing immunity. As a result, viruses have an easier time taking hold. At the same time, a cold and dry environment dries the lining of the nose, eliminating the protective layer that keeps many viruses out. Employees who have to work in permanently chilled facilities may therefore be more susceptible to breathing problems.
Find Out More
Overall, air conditioning systems don’t cause breathing problems, and in fact play an important role in improving air quality. However, inadequate maintenance can negatively affect air quality, especially during the summer when the number of atmospheric allergens is high. At ACE Services, we recommend regular servicing over the summer to maintain good air quality in your facility. Give us a call to book a service today.
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