Life in modern climatic conditions is unthinkable without air conditioners; they are installed in apartments and public buildings. However, there is an opinion that split systems pose a danger to humans. If you are thinking about installing commercial HVAC in Sacramento, this article is for you. You will learn about how air conditioning can really have a negative impact on human health.
Common Myths
The purpose of installing an air conditioner is to maintain a comfortable temperature of a given level in the room, with passing air filtration.
Myth 1.
Pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in the filters of split systems, the most dangerous of which is the gram-positive Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. Legionellosis is a dangerous infectious disease that resembles pneumonia.
The first models of air conditioners could indeed be a source of danger. There were cases when hundreds of people who were simultaneously in a municipal institution were exposed to infection. Modern split systems are equipped with ultraviolet filters that kill pathogenic microbes.
Myth 2.
A person can be poisoned by a freon inside the air conditioner. Indeed, refrigerant vapors are harmful to humans. But they get into the air only when the system is depressurized. When using serviceable devices that undergo regular maintenance, this does not happen. Household refrigerators and freezers contain much more freon, but no one is afraid to use them.
Myth 3.
The harm of the air conditioner is that it dries the air a lot. This leads to drying of the skin, irritates the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, and causes dry eyes. People who use air conditioning often get sick.
Yes, the operation of a split system is accompanied by a decrease in the level of humidity in the room. For an hour of operation, about 2 liters of moisture are taken from the surrounding air. But this is felt only in small rooms (in a car, in an apartment).
Correcting this shortcoming is very easy: it is enough to periodically ventilate the room where the air conditioner is installed. People with hypersensitivity to the mucous membranes are advised to use humidifiers.
Myth 4.
Air conditioning is harmful: people often catch colds, being under a cold stream of air. Using the device provides the correct setting of the temperature regime. The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors should not exceed 8-10˚С. In summer, the temperature should not be set too low; in winter, hot air should not come out of the system. The device is installed in such a way that the air stream is not directed at the workplace of a person, on the bed, or places of rest.
Myth 5.
The air coming out of the air conditioner is bad. It is devoid of negatively charged particles – anions. This issue is greatly exaggerated. To improve air quality, you can purchase an ionizer or buy an air conditioner model with a built-in ionizing device.
Myth 6.
Dust, mold, and wool accumulate in air conditioner filters. When using the device, a person may develop an allergy. Modern systems have two or more filter elements:
- Coarse filter – it collects animal hair, fluff, street dirt, and small debris;
- Fine filter – it traps mold spores, dust mites, microbes, pollen, and smoke.
Air conditioners that work with clean filters do not pollute, but purify the air. For proper operation of the device, it is necessary to clean the filters every 2 weeks and replace them periodically. After a long period of inactivity, split systems are capable of releasing harmful substances. In the internal parts of the device, mold fungi can start, and harmful microorganisms multiply.
Truth and Myths – Where Is the Truth?
The health risks of air conditioning are greatly exaggerated. Most of the shortcomings were inherent in outdated models. Modern industry produces advanced air conditioning systems equipped with multi-stage filtration, ionization, and humidification systems. So if you are in search for a trusted company, consider commercial HVAC in Sacramento—Alpha Mechanicals.
Improper use of the appliance, lack of cleaning, and replacement of filters can be harmful to health, especially in small rooms. For example, air conditioners in cars, which are quickly contaminated by road dust from the air intake. The direction of the air stream is in close proximity to the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx.
Risk Minimization
To reduce the risk of harm to human health to the air conditioner, it is recommended to purchase modern models and carry out timely and proper maintenance of equipment.
Modern split systems have filters:
- Photocatalytic filters create ultraviolet radiation, catalyzing the process with titanium oxide. They decompose harmful organic compounds and odors into carbon dioxide and water.
- Bactericidal filters contain a natural antiseptic fortified with the antioxidant polyphenol. They are guaranteed to destroy pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
- Plasma filters generate a voltage of about 4800 V, excluding the exit from the air conditioner infected with pathogens.
- Anti-allergic filters contain enzymes that destroy the membrane of pathogens.
Air ionizers, which are part of modern air conditioning systems, significantly improve the composition of indoor air. Anions, colliding with bacteria and fungal spores, destroy their shells and lead to death. Unpleasant odors are broken down into harmless substances. Colliding with dust particles, anions give them a negative charge, they settle on the surface. The ionizer reduces the electrostatic voltage that household appliances accumulate.
Modern air conditioners are equipped with temperature and humidity sensors. Maintain comfortable humidity parameters (40-60%) in the room. There are models with a steam generator, an ultrasonic humidifier, and a humidifying element built into the outdoor unit.
Basic rules for operating the air conditioner for safe use:
- Proper installation of the device, avoiding a direct hit of a jet of air on a person, and regular AC repair services are necessary to ensure optimal performance and convenience;
- Timely cleaning and replacement of filters;
- Exclusion of large temperature differences at the entrance to the premises from the street;
- Systematic ventilation;
- Regular wet cleaning in the apartment;
- Turning off the air conditioner at night.
Conclusion
An air conditioner is a necessary electrical appliance for home and business. It is no more harmful to health than any other household appliance. When purchasing a modern model, you should follow the rules of operation and maintenance.
This ensures comfortable and safe use of the air conditioner. If you have problems with the operation of the air conditioner, or you want to purchase new high-quality equipment, we recommend that you turn to Alpha Mechanicals, a commercial HVAC in Sacramento.
