Can an Air Conditioner Cause a Sore Throat?

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Your air conditioner delivers fresh, cool air throughout your home. However, it can occasionally cause some physical discomfort. While your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is designed to make your space more comfortable, it might also be the culprit of your sore throat.

For anyone, a sore throat can be a nuisance that makes it challenging to get anything done. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these air conditioner-related sore throats. Let’s explore how your A/C system filters particles and why it might be causing your sore throat.

Can Your Air Conditioning Cause a Sore Throat? 

While you might not directly have a sore throat from your air conditioning, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can give you a sore throat. Contaminants like mold, dust and allergens can all cause irritation and health issues.

Mold especially causes respiratory issues — people with respiratory conditions should watch for mold growth, as it can risk their health. Additionally, an air conditioner producing dry air can irritate your throat and nose. Dry air inflames the pathways in your nose and throat, making breathing uncomfortable. 

Reasons Why Your A/C Can Cause a Sore Throat

While your air conditioning helps you stay comfortable during the summer, it might be causing your sore throat. If you’re frequently fighting off respiratory issues, your IAQ and air conditioner could be to blame. Track your symptoms, and if they aren’t improving, it’s time to examine your A/C. Here are some common sore throat air conditioning causes: 

1. Poor Installation 

Improper A/C system installation can lead to several air conditioning issues. When installed incorrectly, your unit might ineffectively filter and distribute air through your home. You might end up with uneven cooling, stagnant air and pollutant accumulation.

Airflow is a concern with poor installations — your A/C helps filter and control dust, mold spores and allergens. If your system and filter are not trapping pollutants, these contaminants can circulate through your indoor space, irritating your throat. 

Additionally, installing A/C systems with restricted airflow or poor drainage can cause issues. Good airflow and drainage prevent moisture buildup in ducts and basements. Excess moisture buildup leads to dampness, mold and fungi — these issues can release particles that travel into your home, causing respiratory irritation. 

2. Dry Air

A quality air conditioner will cool and dehumidify your home. However, it can sometimes take excess moisture from the air. Low humidity can translate to dried-out throat and nasal passages, causing respiratory discomfort and irritation. Your throat and nose mucous membranes need moisture to create a regular mucus flow.

When the air is too dry, it pulls the moisture from your nose and throat. This dryness creates thicker mucus and prevents your body from clearing out germs effectively. While a humidifier can help with this, your A/C system should dehumidify properly. If you find your air is dry during the cooling months, it might be best to contact a professional for assistance. 

3. Inadequate Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for proper A/C function and good IAQ. Neglecting air conditioner maintenance tasks, like filter replacement and coil cleaning, can lead to excess debris, dust and mold in your system.

With this buildup present, your air conditioning may be causing your sore throat. Keep your filter and ducts clean to prevent pollutant circulation in your home. The longer you go between maintenance sessions, the worse the problem can become. 

4. Incorrect Sizing

An incorrectly sized A/C system might also lead to throat irritation. A system that’s too small or large will run inefficiently, causing issues.

An oversized unit might cool the air too quickly, leading to dry indoor air. An undersized unit will ineffectively cool your space, overworking itself and resulting in poor air circulation. Both dry air and poor circulation can cause the irritation you’re dealing with. 

How to Prevent a Sore Throat From Your A/C

Avoid an A/C sore throat with the right system care. Good maintenance measures can minimize your risk of throat irritation and maximize your air conditioner’s life span. To stay comfortable indoors year-round, follow these tips: 

  1. Maintain good humidity levels: Dry air leads to a dry, sore throat. Maintain optimal humidity levels to prevent dry mucous membranes. If your nose and throat get too dry, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Humidity levels between 40% and 60% will help protect your throat from viruses and irritation. 
  2. Replace air filters regularly: Air filters catch dust, allergens, germs and other pollutants, protecting your IAQ. Clean filters will trap more particles and allow for better airflow, giving you a healthier indoor environment. 
  3. Keep air ducts clean: Your air ducts can also have mold, dust and pollutant buildup. Regularly inspecting your ducts for buildup lets you catch it early, preventing any accumulation and irritation. Duct cleaning will improve your IAQ and protect your health. 
  4. Schedule maintenance: Regular A/C maintenance is essential for better performance and air quality. Schedule regular inspections with your HVAC professional to look for any issues, clean components and ensure proper airflow. Keeping your system in top condition minimizes your risk of irritation and improves indoor comfort. 
  5. Install an air purification system: Unlike the air filter in your HVAC system, an active air purification system can be installed in the ducts to work with the system’s fan to actively neutralize mold, bacteria, and allergens throughout the home. If you’re sensitive to indoor pollutants or prone to respiratory issues, it’s wise to invest in an air purification system.
  6. Open the windows: When the weather permits, you can give your A/C a break by opening your windows. Bringing fresh air inside can improve IAQ. Natural ventilation circulates outside air throughout your home, helping boost your comfort. Avoid opening windows when outdoor air quality is poor. You’ll stay cool and breathe easier with a gentle breeze flowing through your home. 

Do You Need A/C Maintenance? Contact Zimmerman!

Are you dealing with a mysterious sore throat? It could be your air conditioning system. If you’re in Central Pennsylvania, contact Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for expert services and solutions. With over 40 years of experience, we’re ready to handle all your HVAC repair, installation and maintenance needs. We can provide air filtration and duct cleaning services, keeping your IAQ healthy. 

We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers. If you need comprehensive A/C service, we’re here to help. Our commitment to our customers ensures your peace of mind and satisfaction with every service.

Experience the difference a professional HVAC team can make. Contact us online to schedule your A/C service or request an estimate today!