When temperatures spike, having access to air conditioning may have some unintended consequences, but there is no denying the fact that it can be a lifesaver. If your core temperature rises above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, you put yourself at risk for heat exhaustion, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramping, dizziness and a sense of faintness. When you keep heating up, you run the danger of developing heat stroke.
But are you aware that spending a significant amount of time in an air-conditioned space for an extended length of period can have some substantial negative impacts that you might not be aware of. In spite of the fact that ducted air conditioner makes us feel more comfortable and relaxed when the weather is hot, it is nonetheless associated with a number of unintended negative effects on our bodies. In this article, we are going to discuss the potential negative consequences of spending an excessive amount of time in air conditioning.
A dry complexion:
When exposed to air conditioning for extended periods of time, some persons develop a common skin condition characterized by dryness and itching. When combined with sun exposure, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. After being exposed to the elements for a few hours, your skin might go back to its regular state, but the dryness might linger for a longer period of time than typical.
Lack of water intake:
When compared to other types of rooms, those with air conditioning tend to have higher dehydration rates. In the event that the air conditioner removes an excessive amount of humidity out the room, you may find that you become dehydrated. Consider a situation in which the air conditioner is set to a low temperature, you are uncomfortable as a result of the low temperature, and you feel the urge to drink some water.
Disorders of the respiratory system:
Being exposed to air conditioning for an extended amount of time can create respiratory difficulties that manifest in the eyes, nose, and throat. It’s possible that you will have a sore throat, rhinitis and blocked nasal passages. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the membrane of mucous that lines the nose and is caused by an underlying disease. Either an infection with a virus or an allergic reaction might bring on this condition.
Allergic reactions and asthma:
Those who suffer from asthma or allergies may find that using an air conditioner makes their condition worse. Staying inside and away from other sources of pollution, can be beneficial for people who are sensitive to environmental stimuli. However, some people may find themselves in the reverse situation. Inadequate cleaning and maintenance of your air conditioner might increase the likelihood that it will release triggers, which can make asthma and allergies more severe.
Diseases spread by infectious agents:
Being exposed to air conditioning for an extended period of time might cause dryness in the nasal passages. It is also possible for the mucous membranes to get irritated and the mucous to dry out. A lack of protective mucous can make a person more susceptible to getting sick from a virus.
Having a constant feeling of exhaustion:
If you are sitting in an environment that is too cold for your body, your body will use energy trying to warm itself up, which will cause your body temperature to drop. The continual consumption of energy leads to feelings of exhaustion. The chilly air can also cause your muscles to become tight, which can contribute to an ongoing feeling of exhaustion.
If you find that you are always fatigued, even after getting a sufficient amount of sleep and rest, it is possible that you spend excessive time in environments with air conditioning. If you want to feel better, you should give going for a stroll in the open air a shot.
Eyes get irritated or dry:
The interior humidity levels drop when air conditioning is used, which increases the risk of being sick. The decreased humidity frequently causes your tears to evaporate before they can fall from your face. Your eyes may become inflamed and dry as a result of this. People who already have the condition dry eye syndrome ought to prevent sitting in air-conditioned environments for an extended period of time.
Dry eyes are a common side effect of being in an environment with low humidity, such as an air-conditioned room. This can irritate them, causing them to become itchy, and may even cause your eyesight to become blurry.
The metabolic process:
It’s possible that spending more time in the air conditioning will help you shed some pounds. As your body adapts to the colder air, it may produce a bigger quantity of “brown fat,” which is beneficial and burns off excess calories.
In warm weather, air conditioning can assist in keeping you cool, but in order to feel its full benefits, you will also need to reduce the temperature inside your home during the colder months.
Reduces your capacity to deal with heat:
The phrase “adaptive comfort model” was developed by researchers in order to explain why being exposed to air conditioning for longer periods of time makes it more difficult to endure hot conditions. The temperature that feels most comfortable to you is somewhat determined by the temperatures to which you have most recently been exposed. The more you spend time in areas that are blasted with air conditioning, the less pleasant the heat and humidity will feel to you.
Increases the risk of allergies:
Allergic reactions can be mitigated to some degree by maintaining a clean air conditioning system. However, an HVAC system has the potential to swiftly become a breeding ground for microbial allergies. In order to avoid aggravating your allergy symptoms further, you should ensure that your system is adequately maintained and that it undergoes routine inspections.