Can You Get Sick By Using An Air Conditioning System ?
The relentless growth of the internet has made researching topics incredibly easy.
Type in any phrase—like “air conditioning system”—and you’ll find over 200,000 results instantly.
This abundance of information offers clear advantages, but it also brings confusion and mixed messages.
One day, you’ll read that microwaves are safe; the next, they’re harmful.
Air conditioning systems have also become part of this ongoing debate.
Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
Among all the discussions online, a popular question often surfaces:
“Can exposure to cold air from air conditioning make you sick?”
As children, we heard our parents tell us to bundle up to avoid getting sick in cold weather.
Now, as adults, we say the same to our children—though our reasoning has shifted more toward comfort than health.
Thanks to growing knowledge and better access to science, we now know:
Cold air alone does not make you sick.
The Real Issue Isn’t Cold Air—It’s Maintenance
The controversy surrounding air conditioners and illness stems from misunderstanding.
What causes sickness is not the temperature, but poor air quality due to lack of maintenance.
If your air conditioning system circulates dust, mold, or bacteria, that’s when your health can be at risk.
Knowledge Is Power
With so much content online, it’s easy to get confused—but credible information helps us make smarter, healthier choices.
The takeaway is clear:
Don’t blame the cold air—blame the lack of regular system upkeep.
The relentless growth of the internet has made researching topics incredibly easy.
Type in any phrase—like “air conditioning system”—and you’ll find over 200,000 results instantly.
This abundance of information offers clear advantages, but it also brings confusion and mixed messages.
One day, you’ll read that microwaves are safe; the next, they’re harmful.
Air conditioning systems have also become part of this ongoing debate.
Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
Among all the discussions online, a popular question often surfaces:
“Can exposure to cold air from air conditioning make you sick?”
As children, we heard our parents tell us to bundle up to avoid getting sick in cold weather.
Now, as adults, we say the same to our children—though our reasoning has shifted more toward comfort than health.
Thanks to growing knowledge and better access to science, we now know:
Cold air alone does not make you sick.
The Real Issue Isn’t Cold Air—It’s Maintenance
The controversy surrounding air conditioners and illness stems from misunderstanding.
What causes sickness is not the temperature, but poor air quality due to lack of maintenance.
If your air conditioning system circulates dust, mold, or bacteria, that’s when your health can be at risk.
Knowledge Is Power
With so much content online, it’s easy to get confused—but credible information helps us make smarter, healthier choices.
The takeaway is clear:
Don’t blame the cold air—blame the lack of regular system upkeep.
How Can An Air Conditioning System Make You Sick?
If you think your cold symptoms come from spending time in an air-conditioned space, you’re not alone in that belief.
But let’s be clear: air conditioning itself doesn’t make you sick.
What actually causes illness is poorly maintained systems that circulate dust, mold, bacteria, and allergens throughout your home.
These contaminants build up and spread when you constantly keep doors and windows closed, giving them nowhere to escape.
Poor Maintenance Spreads Illness—Not Cool Air
When you neglect your air conditioning system, you expose your household to serious health risks.
Instead of cooling with clean, fresh air, your AC could push irritants and harmful bacteria into every room.
Poor maintenance leads to:
❌ Allergy flare-ups
❌ Respiratory irritation
❌ Bacterial infections from mold and stagnant moisture
❌ Exacerbated conditions for sensitive individuals
Those with weakened immune systems, including young children and the elderly, face even greater risks from airborne pollutants.
Getting A Professional Maintenance To Reduce Your Risk
You can reduce this risk to your family by having your air conditioning system professionally maintained on a regular basis. We always advocate a periodic check for your air conditioners because we want all home occupants to stay healthy at all times. If you call us for your air conditioning maintenance, one of our highly experienced service technicians will be able to identify if there are any issues with your air conditioner that may be causing mold or bacteria to breed in your unit. If the equipment is not properly draining and has become clogged, mold could be accumulating and spores can be introduced into your living environment. Early detection of this clogging is very important to your health and your family’s.
The same holds true for bacteria. If you have stagnant water sitting in the bottom of your condenser, it makes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitos, which can be extremely dangerous. This can come from bird feces that may have dropped into the unit or other debris that may be rotting inside.
If these conditions are present, our technicians are very well trained and able to identify the source of the problem and make the needed repairs. In cases like this, your air conditioning unit will need to be cleaned to remove the contaminants. Regular removal of debris that has accumulated within the unit is also essential to efficient operation of your air conditioning system. If not removed, it will impede proper air circulation, which can also lead to mold accumulation from areas that are not drying properly.
How Can I Protect My Family from Air Quality Related illness?
The best cure for any illness is prevention. That’s why we urge every homeowner not to delay action when it comes to air quality.
Addressing potential air-related health issues early can help you avoid costly medical bills and protect your family’s wellbeing.
Start with Your Air Filters
The most effective way to reduce allergy symptoms at home is by upgrading your air filters.
High-quality or electrostatic filters trap airborne irritants like dust, pollen, and allergens, preventing them from circulating through your system.
A clean air filter ensures healthy airflow. A clogged filter blocks airflow, reducing system efficiency and increasing your energy bills.
To keep your system running efficiently:
✅ Check your filter monthly
✅ Replace or clean it as needed
✅ Ensure airflow remains unobstructed
Clean filters not only improve air quality but also help your air conditioner work less—saving energy and money.
Watch Out for Moisture and Hidden Hazards
If your home has had moisture issues—or if your HVAC system was poorly maintained in the past—you could have hidden mold.
Mold and mildew thrive in humid environments, often forming under carpets or inside walls.
Also beware of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)—harmful gases like formaldehyde, often released from carpets and adhesives over time.
These pollutants can linger in your air and negatively impact indoor air quality without you realizing it.
Consider Adding Air Cleaners and Dehumidifiers
If you know your home has an air quality issue, consider installing an air cleaner or dehumidifier for added protection.
These devices can be integrated into your existing HVAC system and greatly enhance indoor air quality.
Benefits of Air Cleaners:
Use ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate bacteria and viruses
Trap microscopic particles not caught by standard filters
Purify air before it circulates through your home
Benefits of Dehumidifiers:
Extract excess moisture from the air
Help prevent mold and mildew growth
Work alongside your AC for enhanced humidity control
While air conditioners provide some dehumidification, it may not be enough—especially in high-moisture environments.
Protect What Matters Most—Your Family
Now that you know how critical air quality is, we encourage you to act in the best interest of your family.
Health is wealth. Taking proactive steps to improve indoor air means fewer allergies, better sleep, and long-term comfort.
Talk to the Experts at Rite Price
For expert help, call Rite Price Heating and Cooling today.
We offer professional repair, maintenance, and indoor air quality solutions tailored to your home.
Our technicians are the best in the business, and we’re committed to helping you breathe easier all year round.
Don’t wait—contact us now and schedule your full air conditioning service for cleaner, healthier indoor air.
