If you often suffer from congestion, a runny nose or a sore throat (at any time of year), chances are, it might be down to your AC and indoor air quality. Like most systems around the home, even the best air conditioners need regular care and maintenance to ensure it ventilates air properly, and always blows cold air.
But, could an air conditioner potentially make you sick? Before you buy a new AC system, we asked the experts to answer our questions and explain the things we need to look for.
Could your AC make you sick?
According to experts, the answer is no. In fact, it’s not your actual AC unit that is making you feel sick — but the way you use or maintain it.
“It’s not your AC making you feel sick,” states Keith Wortsmith, President of DASH Heating & Cooling. “It’s you forgetting changing filters, never cleaning coils and drain line, shutting doors with no return vents tightly, and having a vent blasting right at you."
There are a few causes, but dirty filters are still the number one. When a filter is dirty, everything, including dust, viruses, and allergens slip through, collect on the coil, and get blown back into the room.
"Closing doors with no return paths when the air conditioner is running can really make you feel bad but almost nobody even knows about it," Wortsmith adds. "When you close the door, air comes in but can’t get out, and this creates a pressure imbalance that sucks dusty musty air from the attic through tiny cracks. This is how you get stuffy nose, scratchy throat, dry eyes, headaches, and lousy sleep.”
Additionally, a clogged filter can not only become a hotbed for bacteria, but can spread it around the home. “AC systems pull in particles, moisture and debris which creates a breeding ground for bacteria mold and other pathogens so every time your AC runs it is circulating contaminants throughout your home,” adds Jason Spurk, the owner of Spurk HVAC.
“A properly working air conditioner can improve indoor air quality, but if it is neglected, it can become the root of your air problems,” he says.
If you do want to quickly filter airborne pollutants however, or suffer from allergens, it’s always good to invest in one of the best air purifiers.
How often should you clean the filter?
So now we know symptoms are down to a dirty AC filter, how can this we fix this?
"In most homes, AC filters should be cleaned or replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on the usage, the type of filter and the environment,” says David Miloshev, HVAC expert at Fantastic Services.
“For example, households with pets, smokers or people with allergies will often need more frequent cleaning. If the filters aren’t maintained, dust and debris will gradually clog them, restricting airflow and forcing the system to work harder. This not only reduces its cooling efficiency but also drives up the energy costs and increases the wear on components such as the blower motor.”
Tips to avoid feeling unwell when using your AC
Luckily, there are some things you can do to prevent feeling unwell. The key thing is to allow proper ventilation and overall care.
“Neither you nor your system feels good with dirty filters, dirty indoor coil and drain, and bedroom doors are tightly shut — so fix that first,” agrees Wortsmith.
“And remember about these three tricks that are actually just the basics that people neglect: set the fan to “auto” (not “on”), direct vents away from beds and sofas, and set the thermostat to 2°F higher so it runs longer and pulls in excess moisture. People feel best when indoor humidity hovers around 35–60% range.”
If you do suffer from high humidity in your home, particularly in bathrooms with no windows, you can invest in one of the best dehumidifiers to help draw in moisture.
Top tips to use your AC during fall/winter seasons
Although our AC unit works harder during summertime, it can still be used during fall months, with the following tips.
"Run the fans or occasional AC cycles even when heating, just to keep air moving and filters working," suggests Spurk.
"Keep filters fresh, and flush the system before summer. A final pre-winter cleaning staves off spring surprises. Also, consider switching to heating system air handlers, but keep the same cleaning habits. Dirty air doesn’t take the season off."
In addition, don't forget about maintaining the outdoor AC unit to protect it from the elements. “For the outdoor AC unit, cover it with a breathable cover to protect it from leaves, snow and ice, but avoid sealing it completely, because any trapped moisture can cause corrosion,” adds Miloshev.
“Running the system occasionally on fan-only mode during milder days can help keep the air circulating and reduce indoor stuffiness. Maintaining proper humidity is especially important in winter, since dry air can cause respiratory discomfort and static buildup, so consider using a humidifier in combination with your HVAC system.
Lastly, don’t forget your thermostat. Switch it to a heating schedule and if you have a programmable or smart model, adjust the settings to save energy when you’re asleep or away from home.”
More from Tom’s Guide
- Mold could be hiding in your AC — an expert shares how to protect your health
- Air conditioner vs. heat pump: Which is best for your home?
- Why is my upstairs always hot even with AC on?
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