How to Avoid Headaches Related to Air Conditioning

Headaches are more than inconvenient. They can keep you from being social, performing in the workplace, and enjoying your favorite hobbies in Rock Hill. And if you suffer from regular headaches, you probably want to do something about it. In some cases, headaches are caused by air conditioning issues. Learn how you can avoid headaches with HVAC maintenance tips and AC repair near me.

Do ACs Actually Cause Headaches?

First, you probably are wondering how your AC can cause headaches. When most people consider the cause of their headaches, they think about medical issues, dehydration, or allergies. But the true culprit could be your air conditioner. 

There are a few ways in which your AC can contribute to or directly cause your allergies. All of the following could be how your air conditioner triggers headaches:

Dehydration

As you may already know, dehydration has the potential to cause headaches. But what you might not realize is that your air conditioner could contribute to your dehydration. When your AC runs, it does more than cool the air in your home – it also pulls the moisture from the air. If an air conditioner pulls out too much moisture, it could leave you dehydrated and fighting a pounding headache.

Of course, this alone won’t give you headaches. It will only affect you if you don’t drink enough water to make up for the lack of moisture in the air.

Blood Vessel Contraction

If your AC is set to a very low temperature or the thermostat doesn’t work properly, your home may be cold enough to cause headaches. As you get too cold, the blood vessels in your brain contract. This leaves you with a throbbing sensation in your head. 

Loud Noises

Certain frequencies and levels of noise cause headaches. Just as your screaming toddler can trigger headaches, so can your air conditioner. An AC that works well shouldn’t be overly noisy, but a broken one could have you reaching for the ear plugs. 

Allergen Circulation 

Your HVAC system controls the indoor air quality of your home. If you don’t have clean vents or appropriate filters, your AC may be sending allergens throughout your home. Pet hair, dust, and mold could result in frequent headaches. 

While there’s a good chance your headaches are from the AC, you should consult with a doctor. Speaking with a medical professional as well as an expert in HVAC near me will give you the best results. In the end, you can live a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Ways to Prevent Headaches from Your AC

Before your air conditioner starts giving you headaches, take action. Doing the following things keep your AC running well and take away the risk of headaches. 

Use a Humidifier

If the air in your home is too dry, you can install a humidifier. The appliance puts moisture back into the air and limits the risk of dehydration. However, only use a humidifier if you’re certain that your home is dry. Excess humidity is also a major issue, so you need to find the right balance. You can talk to your HVAC technician about finding the right humidifier for your home.

Don’t Keep it too Cold

As much as you might love the cold, don’t keep your AC set to 63 degrees. In addition to causing you headaches, the low setting makes your AC work harder than it should. Over time, the excess use will lead to frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan.

Schedule a Repair

If your AC is too noisy and triggering headaches, you should call a professional. A noisy AC is a sign of trouble and is not something to ignore. When you notice screeching, clanking, or banging in your AC, call a professional out. Your system needs a repair, or the noise will persist, and so will your headaches. Even worse, the problem is likely to worsen. What would have been a cheap repair could now be a complete HVAC replacement. 

Use Filters and Change Them Regularly 

To keep allergens out of the air in your home, install filters in your vents. Otherwise, pollen and dander will travel through your system and into your air. Over time, the filters accumulate dirt and need to be changed. At least once every few months, change out all the filters with new filters of an appropriate size. 

Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning

Your air ducts get dirty, and this means your air will also be dirty. For fewer allergens in the air, you should schedule an air duct cleaning every three to five years. This isn’t something you can do on your own – you need an experienced professional to clean your ducts. 

Use an Indoor Air Purifier

Despite your efforts for better air quality, you could still have allergens in your home. If you’re particularly sensitive to allergens, you should have an indoor air Purifier. The product removes most particles from the air and leaves you with fresh air to breathe. You can find small units or large, whole home air purifiers. Before you make a purchase, consider your needs and the size of your household.

Who to Call for AC Repair Near Me

Is there a chance that your AC isn’t responsible for your headaches? Sure, but why not cover all the options? Following the tips above doesn’t only reduce your chance of headaches. It also makes sure your system works at optimal efficiency. 

For instance, a clogged filter makes your AC work harder to push the air through the system. The same is true of dirty air ducts. By giving your AC some attention, you improve its performance and reduce the need for repairs. 

Before you start taking action, it’s essential to know who to call for help. If you’re looking for AC repair near me, you can count on us at Panther Heating and Cooling. We’ll do our best to address the issues that can cause headaches in Rock Hill. Additionally, we can advise you on other ways in which you can make the most of your HVAC system. To find out more, call us today.