Allergic symptoms that worsen with air conditioning for relief in the summer heat? Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes: the conclusion is quickly reached: „air conditioning causes allergies”. But the reality is much more nuanced than that. Air conditioning is not an allergen in itself, and in fact, when used properly, it can actually help people with allergies to breathe cleaner, more comfortable air in their homes. In this article, we'll go through how to use your air conditioner safely if you're an allergy sufferer, what to look out for in the settings, and why a well-chosen air purifier can be a real game changer.
Why is climate not the real problem?
Allergic symptoms usually occur after the air conditioner has been switched on, if there are already pollutants in the unit or in the indoor air that trigger or aggravate the allergic symptoms. These may include pollen, dust, mould spores or certain bacteria.
A wrong maintained by air conditioner cannot filter them out properly. If this is compounded by incorrect use, such as poorly controlled airflow, the situation can quickly become uncomfortable for allergy sufferers. However, this can be avoided by conscious use.
What allergic complaints can be aggravated by a badly used air conditioner?
In people with allergies, the mucous membranes of the airways are inherently more sensitive, so indoor air quality is particularly important. If the air conditioning is not working properly or there is no regularly cleaned, the following symptoms may occur more often:
- constant or recurrent sneezing
- nasal congestion or runny nose
- itching eyes, tearing
- throat scratching, dry cough
- worsening of asthma symptoms
Ideal temperature and humidity for allergy sufferers
What temperature is healthy?
One of the most common mistakes is to set the air conditioning to an extremely low temperature because you want a quick refresh. For people with allergies this can be particularly stressful for the body. Too great a temperature difference irritates the respiratory tract and can easily be confused with cold symptoms.
As a general rule, indoor temperatures should not be more than 6-8°C lower than outside - except in extreme high outdoor temperatures. This is comfortable without shocking the body and reduces the risk of allergic complaints.
The role of humidity in allergies
Humidity is as important as temperature. Too dry air dries out the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to allergens, while too high humidity encourages mould growth.
For allergy sufferers, the ideal indoor humidity is usually between 40-50%. Many modern air conditioners can control humidity, but this alone is no substitute for regular ventilation and conscious use.
Airflow direction: a small but key issue
In some cases, the allergy complaint is simply caused by the air conditioning blowing cold air directly at the occupants, towards the ground. This both constantly irritates the airways and stirs up dust on the floor.
It is worth paying attention to:
- the airflow should be directed towards the ceiling
- do not touch the bed, sofa or desk directly
- choose particularly gentle settings in the bedroom
Filters and cleanliness - it's all about filters
The filters in air conditioners work continuously: they catch dust, pollen and other pollutants in the air. Over time, however, these filters become saturated, and if they are not cleaned regularly, their effectiveness is drastically reduced.
It can accumulate in the indoor unit:
- fine dust and pollen
- mould spores
- bacteria and biofilm
- deposits that cause unpleasant odours
Why is occasional cleaning not enough?
Many people think that it is enough to „look” at the climate once a year. For people with allergies, this is rarely enough. Regular, professional cleaning is a prerequisite for healthy indoor air, and it also extends the life of the appliance.
What you should never do if you are allergic
There are typical mistakes that will almost certainly make allergy symptoms worse. It is worth consciously avoiding these:
- Do not use your air conditioner without maintenance, especially during the pollen season.
- Do not set the appliance to an extremely low temperature.
- Don't let the cold air blow directly at you or towards the ground.
- Don't think that air conditioning alone will clean the air.
The latter is particularly important because many people confuse the role of air conditioning with that of air purification.
Air conditioning + air purifier: one of the best combinations for allergy sufferers
The primary function of an air conditioner is to cool or heat, while an air purifier is specifically designed to remove airborne contaminants. For people with allergies, the two together provide a really effective solution.
A good air purifier can significantly reduce:
- the amount of pollen
- fine dust and other allergens
- unpleasant smells
- the presence of certain micro-organisms
Why is a Daikin air purifier a particularly good choice?
Daikin air purifiers offer solutions specifically tailored to the needs of allergy sufferers. Their multi-stage filtration system effectively filters out airborne allergens while operating quietly, making them ideal for use in bedrooms. When used in conjunction with air conditioning, they provide consistently cleaner indoor air, which for many allergy sufferers means a real quality of life improvement.
Conclusion - it's not the air conditioning that causes allergies, it's the lack of maintenance
As an allergy sufferer, you don't have to give up the comfort of air conditioning. Most of the unpleasant symptoms are not caused by the air conditioner, but by improper use, lack of maintenance or poor indoor air quality. With the right settings, regular cleaning and a well-chosen air purifier, your air conditioner can become an ally for allergy sufferers.
SMARTAIR's experience has shown that conscious use of air conditioning and clean indoor air makes the home environment more comfortable and healthy. If you have allergies, it's worth paying special attention - your body will thank you for it.