Think your air conditioning Gold Coast is just for comfort? While the weather can be tricky, from chilly 15°C mornings to sudden 7 AM warmth, your air conditioner might actually be affecting your breath. We’ll uncover how AC can cause “air conditioner lung” and other unexpected health.
What is an air conditioner lung?
Air conditioner lung is the common term for a real medical issue called “hypersensitivity pneumonitis”. It’s when your lungs get inflamed after you breathe in tiny bits of stuff floating in the air, usually from a dirty or moldy AC unit.
These particles can include mold spores or bacteria that grow in damp places inside the machine. When your body reacts to those particles, your lungs get irritated trying to fight them off, like they’re under attack by something they shouldn’t have to deal with.
What causes air conditioner lung?
Here’s what can be hiding in your AC and causing air conditioner lung:
- Mold and fungi: AC units collect moisture from condensation, especially around the coils or in the drip pan. That damp spot becomes the perfect place for mold to grow. When the AC runs, it blows those tiny mold spores into the air and you breathe them in.
- Dirty filters and ducts: Dust, mold and bacteria can build up inside the system. If filters aren’t cleaned or changed often, the AC just keeps blowing that stuff around.
- Stagnant water: Leftover water in the unit can grow bacteria. When that gets into the air, it can irritate your lungs.
- Stale, recirculated air: Some AC systems only move old indoor air around. That means you’re breathing in the same trapped dust, mold and allergens over and over again.
What are the symptoms of air conditioner lung?
If your AC is blowing more than just cool air, your body might let you know. Symptoms of air conditioner lung usually show up 4 to 6 hours after breathing in moldy or dirty air and can stick around for hours or even days. Here’s some health impacts of air conditioning:
- A dry cough that just won’t quit
- Feeling out of breath, especially when moving around
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Fever and chills, like catching the flu out of nowhere
- Feeling tired, weak or generally unwell
- Headaches
- In some cases, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat or itchy eyes
If exposure keeps happening over time, things can get more serious like ongoing shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, weight loss or even changes in your fingers. The symptoms can look a lot like asthma, COVID, or the flu so if you’re unsure, it’s best to check in with a doctor early.
How do I keep my air conditioner from getting me sick?
1. Prioritize regular cleaning and maintenance
- Change or clean air filters regularly (every 1–3 months) to prevent the buildup of mold, dust and bacteria.
- Clean coils, drip pans, and drain line regularly to prevent mold and clogs from damp buildup.
- Be alert to musty smells from your unit, they often have mold inside.
2. Keep the unit dry to stop mold before it starts
- Regularly emptying your AC’s water reservoir (for portable units).
- Checking for leaks caused by issues like frozen coils, low refrigerant or rusty pans.
- Running your unit’s fan mode after cooling to help dry out internal moisture.
3. Control indoor humidity
- Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity between 30–50%. Above 60% encourages mold growth.
- Ventilate moisture-heavy areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Ensure good airflow and ventilation
- Open windows occasionally, especially if your AC doesn’t pull in outside air to replace old, indoor air with fresh air from outside.
- Seal leaky ducts to reduce moisture and dust buildup inside your ventilation system.
5. Consider air quality upgrades
- Add UV lights to kill germs in your AC system.
- Put an air purifier in stuffy rooms or if someone has asthma or low immunity.
6. Talk to your doctor if you have lung issues
If you have a lung condition like asthma, cold air or mold from the AC can make symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this.
Ensuring your AC is clean and functioning correctly is crucial to avoid having an air conditioner lung. For reliable air conditioning Gold Coast solutions, DEEPCHILL can help diagnose issues, fix problems and make sure your system supports your well-being. Contact us today for expert advice and breathable comfort all year round!
