RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
Yes, air conditioning can sometimes cause a sore throat. The cool air from air conditioning units often reduces indoor humidity levels. This dry environment can irritate the throat and nasal passages, leading to a scratchy or sore feeling. Poor air conditioning maintenance, clogged filters, and trapped allergens can also worsen the problem, affecting air quality and personal comfort. Understanding the link between air conditioning and sore throats helps you take practical steps to prevent these issues.
Air conditioning systems cool indoor spaces by removing heat and moisture from the air. The process involves refrigerant cycles, condensers, evaporators, and fans working together to extract warm air and recirculate cooled air back into the room. As a side effect, the system also lowers humidity levels, which can create a dry atmosphere inside homes and offices, impacting indoor air quality.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself frequently experiencing a sore throat around air conditioning, check the humidity levels indoors. Air that’s too dry can irritate your throat quickly. Using a humidifier alongside your air conditioning can help balance moisture levels, making the environment much more comfortable.
One of the most common reasons for a sore throat linked to air conditioning is dry air. When the moisture content in the room drops below 30 percent, the mucous membranes in your throat and nose can dry out. Research published in medical journals indicates that exposure to dry indoor environments increases the risk of respiratory tract infections and throat irritation, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
A poorly maintained air conditioning system can circulate dust, pollen, mould spores, and volatile organic compounds. These contaminants can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and sinus congestion. Regular air conditioning servicing helps reduce these risks and maintains cleaner indoor air quality.
Moist environments inside poorly maintained air conditioning units can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mould, and fungi. Inhaling airborne microbes can lead to respiratory infections or exacerbate existing conditions like allergies and asthma. The World Health Organization recommends that indoor air systems be kept free of microbial contamination to support healthy environments.
Moving between a hot outdoor environment and a cold air-conditioned indoor space can shock your body. These sudden temperature changes can stress the throat and respiratory system, increasing vulnerability to irritation and infection. Medical experts suggest that consistently maintaining a moderate indoor temperature reduces the risk of such health impacts.
Extended exposure to dry, cool air can result in:
Dry or itchy eyes
Nasal congestion
Sinus irritation
Dry or cracked skin
Increased asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals
Headaches due to stale or poorly ventilated air
Maintaining balanced indoor air quality is important to avoid these discomforts.
Pro Tip: Regularly changing or cleaning your air conditioner filters can make a big difference to your health. Dust, mould, and allergens trapped in dirty filters can circulate through the air and irritate your throat. Setting a reminder to maintain your system every few months can help you breathe easier and stay healthier.
Systems that are not cleaned or serviced regularly can accumulate dirt, mould, and bacteria. These pollutants can be blown into living spaces every time the unit operates, making air conditioning maintenance vital.
If the air conditioner is too large for the space, it may cool the area too quickly without properly dehumidifying the air. This can lead to higher levels of dryness and discomfort.
Modern buildings are often designed to be airtight for energy efficiency. While good for saving energy, this can limit fresh air intake and lead to the recirculation of stale, dry air that irritates the throat.
Building standards such as those from CIBSE recommend incorporating mechanical ventilation systems to ensure a steady supply of fresh, filtered air in sealed environments and maintain good indoor air quality.
Adding moisture to indoor air can counteract the dryness caused by air conditioning. Portable humidifiers are a simple and effective way to maintain a healthier humidity level, ideally between 40 and 60 percent as recommended by health authorities.
Changing filters regularly and scheduling professional air conditioning servicing at least once a year ensures that your system is clean and operating efficiently. Clean filters improve indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens before they spread.
High-efficiency particulate air filters are particularly effective for reducing airborne pollutants and allergens.
Opening windows periodically or using mechanical ventilation systems helps bring fresh air indoors, diluting contaminants and improving overall air quality.
Setting your air conditioner to a moderate temperature, such as 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, rather than the coldest setting, reduces temperature shocks and helps maintain natural humidity levels.
Ensure your new unit is installed safely and properly by certified engineers. We offer complete installation services across London, UK.
Maintaining your air conditioning system is about more than just performance. Clean systems prevent the spread of dust, allergens, and even bacteria. Regular servicing helps extend the lifespan of your unit and keeps your indoor air cleaner and healthier. Investing in regular air conditioning maintenance protects both your comfort and your health.
You can learn more about maintaining healthy indoor air on our air conditioning maintenance services page.
Modern air conditioning systems often include features like humidity control, HEPA filtration, and energy-efficient settings. When choosing a system, consider options that offer improved air filtration and adjustable humidity levels to create a more comfortable indoor environment.
At RightAir Solutions, we offer expert advice and air conditioning installation services to help you choose a system that meets both your comfort and health needs.
RightAir Solutions focuses on more than just cooling. We prioritise indoor air quality, system efficiency, and customer health. Our engineers recommend, install, and maintain air conditioning systems that reduce dryness, control humidity, and filter out allergens, providing a healthier environment for homes and workplaces across London.
Our London air conditioning specialists are trained to guide you through every step, from system selection to ongoing support.
Many of our clients report improved comfort and fewer respiratory symptoms after upgrading or maintaining their air conditioning systems with us. Read our customer testimonials to find out how we have helped families and businesses breathe easier.
Most sore throats related to air conditioning are mild and improve with basic adjustments. However, if your sore throat persists for more than a week, becomes severe, or is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or swollen glands, it is important to seek medical advice. Persistent symptoms may indicate an infection or underlying condition that needs attention.
Yes, overnight exposure to dry air can leave your throat feeling dry and sore in the morning. Using a humidifier and drinking water before bedtime can help.
Yes, it can also cause eye irritation, nasal congestion, headaches, and increased asthma symptoms, especially in people who are sensitive to allergens.
Regularly changing air filters improves indoor air quality and reduces the spread of allergens and pollutants, which can minimise throat irritation.
Portable units can be helpful in smaller spaces, but they also require regular maintenance to ensure good air quality and prevent dryness.
We recommend professional servicing at least once a year, combined with regular filter changes every three months or sooner if needed.
If you are concerned about the impact of your air conditioning system on your health, we are here to help. Contact RightAir Solutions today to schedule an indoor air quality assessment or maintenance service. Improve your indoor environment and breathe easier with expert advice and support from London air conditioning specialists.
Can Air Conditioning Give You a Sore Throat?
Find out how to choose the right air conditioning unit for your home in 2025. Compare energy efficiency, smart features, installation options, and top brands.
What is Evaporative Air Conditioning?
Find out how evaporative air conditioning works and why it is the energy efficient, eco friendly solution for homes and businesses with RightAir Solutions.
How To Clean A Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Learn how to clean a portable air conditioning unit properly. Boost cooling performance, improve energy efficiency, and keep your indoor air healthy with this easy guide by RightAir Solutions.
RightAir Solutions
