It may seem unlikely but there is strong evidence that your car’s air conditioning can make you ill. The air that is stuck into your car’s cabin may seem cool and fresh but there can be a lot of things gone with it and often that problem is mould. This is the reason you should do air conditioning service Milton Keynes at regular intervals.
Mould can develop on the air conditioning’s evaporator deep inside the system, where it is wet and dark. The evaporator starts to cool the air and comes out of the air vents inside the cabin of your car. The evaporator gets wet during the process and gives a surface on which mould can develop.
How Your Air Conditioning Can Make You Ill?
The air that goes through the evaporator into the cabin will pass any mould that has developed. The bacteria there can definitely make you ill. In some extreme cases, the mould can result in pneumonia. However, this can happen in an extremely severe case.
If you do have mould growing in your air conditioning you are more likely to experience minor respiratory problems, such as a slight tightening of the chest, other people may sneeze or cough.
How Can I Check If There Is Mould In My Air Conditioning?
If there is a weird smell coming out of your air conditioning vents, then it is most likely because of a build-up of mould. There are other reasons, such as a build-up of residue from cigarettes. However, in most cases, this is because of mould. If this is the case, the best course of action is to get your air conditioning cleaned by professional technicians, as this will help to kill all the bacteria.
The best way you can protect yourself from mould build-up is to keep your car air conditioner regularly serviced. Ensuring that your AC filters are renewed regularly will help ensure that dangerous levels of mould don’t build up in your air conditioner.
Can Car Air Conditioning Cause A Sore Throat?
Your car air conditioner can cause a sore throat in some people, especially those with allergies or pre-existing conditions. Due to air conditioning removes moisture from the air, it can cause irritation and dryness in the throat.
In modern cars, the air is often recycled, which can contribute to poor air quality and the circulation of airborne particles that can irritate throats, such as allergens and dust.
What Are The Symptoms Of Air Conditioning Sickness?
We have mentioned some common symptoms reported due to exposure to car air conditioning for an extended period including:
-
Irritation of the throat, nose, or eyes: Exposure to car air conditioning can irritate the throat, eyes or noise, resulting in symptoms such as a sore throat.
-
Dry skin and eyes: Your car air conditioning can remove moisture from the air, resulting in dry skin and eyes. This can be uncomfortable and can contribute to other symptoms such as headaches.
-
Fatigue: People who spend long periods of time in a car with the air conditioning on may experience exhaustion or a general feeling of tiredness. This can be because of a lack of fresh air or exposure to low temperatures.
-
Respiratory problems: Some people may experience respiratory issues, such as coughing or even shortness of breath when spending time longer time in a car with the air conditioning. This can be because of poor air quality or exposure to allergens or dust particles.
What Can I Do To Stop Getting Sick With Air Conditioning?
Although it is not completely avoidable, here are some things you can do to alleviate sickness when travelling in an air-conditioned car for a long time:
-
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your throat moist and avoid dryness and irritation.
-
Clean the air vents and filters: Regularly clean the air vents and replace the air filters to stop the circulation of dust and allergens. Do this more often if you are prone to allergies.
-
Use the air conditioning sparingly: If you are prone to getting sick, avoid using the air conditioning for extended periods. Instead, open the windows to let fresh air in and circulate every few minutes if you start to feel uncomfortable.
-
Clean the interiors regularly: Ensure you clean the insides of the car regularly and vacuum any crumbs of food immediately after you have spilt it. Wash your floor mats at least once a month to avoid any dirt collection.
How To Tell If Mould Is In Your Air Conditioner?
If there is a collected mould then you will usually start noticing a weird smell coming from the air vents. There are other reasons as well, for example, there could be a build of cigarette residue formed but more often than not it will be due to mould. The best thing to do in this situation is to get your air conditioning system cleaned by a professional.
This helps to prevent any bacteria and keep the system clean and dust-free. The most efficient way to protect your car’s air conditioning from mould build-up is to regularly have your air conditioner serviced.
This will ensure your filters are renewed and stop harmful levels of mould and bacteria from building up. Just like your tyres Milton Keynes needs a checkup same goes for your air conditioner needs regular maintenance.