>When you think of the hazards of summer, the heat probably tops the list. But what about the safety risks of cooling the air? In hot, dry climates where the air is already very dry, indoor air conditioning can actually increase indoor humidity to levels that are unhealthy. This can be especially problematic for people with allergies or asthma who rely on dry indoor air to prevent their symptoms from worsening. Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize the risks and still enjoy the benefits of cooling your home with an air conditioner during the hot months. Here are some things you should know about the dangers of air conditioning and how to minimize them during your next cooling session:

What are the safety issues with air conditioning?

The two main safety issues with air conditioning are indoor air quality and the potential for carbon monoxide build-up.Indoor Air Quality – Air conditioning can dry out the air indoors, which is bad for your health. This can make it harder for you to breathe, especially if you have allergies or asthma.Air conditioning also releases tiny particles from the cooling coils, which can be a health hazard for people with allergies or asthma. If you have pets, these particles can be very bad for them as well. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve indoor air quality during cooling sessions. First, change your filters regularly to help prevent dust and other particles from building up. Second, consider using an air purifier to improve the quality of your indoor air. Although purifiers can be pricey, they can be a good investment if you have pets or have allergies.

The risk of carbon monoxide build-up

Air conditioning units are notorious for producing high levels of carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas. Although this is less of a concern in modern-day units, it’s important to know about it if you live in a home that was built before the 1980s. You should also be aware of this risk if you use a portable air conditioner, as these are often less efficient and can produce higher levels of CO. The best way to avoid CO poisoning is to install CO alarms in your home. These small, battery-operated devices can alert you if CO levels get too high. CO alarms are one of the best ways to avoid CO poisoning, but they can’t prevent you from being exposed to CO if you’re inside your home when it’s released. You should also be careful to avoid CO-producing activities like grilling or running a motor vehicle indoors.

How to make air conditioning safer for you and your family

There are a few things you can do to minimize the risks of indoor air conditioning and improve the quality of your indoor air. First, make sure your air conditioner is properly sized to your home. An inappropriately sized unit can end up running longer than necessary, lowering its efficiency. It’s also important to make sure your unit is clean and doesn’t have any leaks. This can be especially important to prevent CO build-up, which can be caused by a dirty cooling coil or a small hole in your unit’s ductwork. You can clean your unit more frequently if you live in a very dry climate or if you have pets. Finally, make sure you have the right filters in your unit. Air filters can help improve indoor air quality and help keep harmful particles from getting into your home. It’s also a good idea to use a humidifier during hot months to help keep the air dry.

How to make cooling safer for your pets

Air conditioning can be dangerous for pets, especially if they’re left inside during cooling sessions. Pets don’t sweat like we do and are more sensitive to high temperatures and humidity. If you have pets, it’s important to keep them out of the house during cooling sessions. If you leave them inside, you should keep them in a cool room or out of the way of the cooling air. If you have outdoor cats, you can provide them with a cool, shady place to rest. This can help keep them safe from the heat and reduce their risk of injury from falling.

Bottom line

Air conditioning can be a great way to stay cool during hot months, but it can also have some serious safety risks. To keep yourself and your family safe, make sure you use the right size unit, clean your unit regularly, and use the right filters. You should also keep your pets out of the house during cooling sessions to reduce their risk of injury.