by Joe Brooks

Created on: August 22, 2009

Air conditioning can be comfortable, that's for sure. But can it improve your health? Yes indeed, if used properly and maintained well, air conditioning can even be a life-saver.

For the elderly, especially for those living alone and possibly with limited mobility, a cooling system can help to survive the heat of summer. Heat can kill. Every year we hear of it, in the heat waves of summer. It is especially true when there are unusual heat waves in areas where people normally get along without air conditioning. In the summer of 2009, Seattle, Washington experienced a record-breaking heat wave. Many people there do without air conditioning, as the climate is normally mild and comfortable most of the year. But this heat wave took a toll, even resulting in at least one fatality. A friend living in Seattle had to leave work to go get her elderly mother out of the sweltering house and into some air conditioning. In cases like that, air conditioning saves lives.

For those with various debilitating health conditions, heat stress can be a critical factor. Air conditioning may not just keep them comfortable, but in fact can keep them alive. Those with heart conditions can be quite sensitive to heat related stress.

Living with allergies can be easier with air conditioning. The constant filtering of the air removes dust and other allergens, and improves air quality. You can get very good filters, which makes a big difference to those sensitive to air-born particles. Of course changing the filters regularly is important, both for the efficiency of the air conditioner and the well-being of the inhabitants of the house.

Air conditioning can help avoid the mold problem. Normally an air conditioned home has cooler, drier air than one lacking air conditioning. That is a plus in the campaign against mold. Mold, of course, can be a serious and dangerous health problem. Good, well-maintained air conditioning is important in keeping mold down.

For those suffering from asthma, air conditioning can have significant benefits. All the factors affecting allergies can be bad for asthma too, like dust and pollen and other air-borne pollutants. And an air conditioner helps in the same ways, by removing particles and cleaning the air. Air conditioning also maintains a constant temperature, which can be helpful in avoiding asthma attacks.

Of course, as those who are opposed to air conditioning will tell you, bad air conditioning can be bad for you. Sudden temperature fluctuations can cause problems for those with sensitive health issues. An air conditioner that is dirty or not properly maintained can be bad for air quality as well. But the benefits far outweigh the hazards. Many deaths from heat occur every summer. Something as small as a window unit, that can make one room of a home comfortable, can be a life saver. Air conditioning keeps us comfortable. In extreme conditions, air conditioning can also save lives.

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