What Are the Side Effects of Air Conditioners

Air conditioning can improve indoor comfort and help reduce heat stress, but prolonged exposure or poor AC maintenance may contribute to several health concerns.

• Prolonged AC exposure can cause dry skin and dry mucous membranes, particularly when indoor air becomes too dry.
• Sudden changes between hot outdoor conditions and cool indoor temperatures may contribute to headaches and fatigue.
• Poorly maintained AC units can encourage mould and bacteria growth, which may worsen allergies and respiratory conditions.
• Regular AC servicing helps prevent mould and bacteria build-up, supports cleaner indoor air and can improve the unit's efficiency and lifespan.
• Keeping the AC between 24–26°C can provide comfortable cooling while helping avoid excessive cold exposure and reduce energy use.
• Using humidity control, maintaining ventilation and staying hydrated can help reduce dryness and respiratory discomfort.
• ACs can also filter pollutants and allergens, reduce heat stress, support better sleep and control indoor humidity when properly maintained.
• During heatwaves, air conditioning can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for vulnerable groups.

You can also buy a new AC on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales. 

Using an air conditioner can improve indoor comfort, particularly during hot weather, but prolonged use may also have some health effects. Spending long periods in very cool or dry air can contribute to dry skin, dry eyes, throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort. Poorly maintained AC units may allow dust, mould, and bacteria to accumulate, which can affect indoor air quality and worsen allergy-related or breathing symptoms. Setting the AC between 24–26°C can help avoid excessive cold exposure, while maintaining humidity at 40–60% can reduce dryness. Regular servicing every 3 months, cleaning filters, ensuring ventilation, and staying hydrated can further support a comfortable indoor environment. Proper AC use and maintenance can help reduce unwanted health effects.

If you want to replace your AC, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store. 
 

Setting your AC to 24–26°C is one of the most useful steps for comfortable cooling and reducing unwanted health effects.

• Set the AC to 24–26°C: Helps maintain comfortable cooling without excessive exposure to cold indoor air.
• Maintain the AC regularly: Reduces the build-up of dust, mould, and bacteria that can affect indoor air quality.
• Clean the filters regularly: Helps prevent accumulated dust and pollutants from circulating indoors.
• Ensure adequate ventilation: Supports better indoor air quality and reduces the build-up of indoor pollutants.
• Stay hydrated: Helps manage dryness that may occur during prolonged AC use.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes: Helps reduce discomfort when moving between very hot outdoor conditions and cool indoor spaces.

  
  

  Following these measures can help reduce unwanted health effects of air conditioning while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Air conditioning can support health by filtering indoor pollutants and allergens, reducing heat stress, and creating a cooler environment for better sleep.

• Improved air quality: AC systems filter out pollutants and allergens, providing cleaner air indoors. This is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies or asthma. Cleaner air can lead to better respiratory health and overall well-being.
• Heat stress reduction: Air conditioning helps prevent heat-related illnesses by maintaining a cool indoor environment. This is crucial during heat-waves when outdoor temperatures can be dangerously high. A cool indoor space can reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Enhanced sleep quality: Cooler temperatures promote better sleep by providing a comfortable sleeping environment. Good sleep is essential for health, productivity, and mood. Air conditioning can help regulate the ideal sleeping temperature, improving sleep patterns.
• Increased comfort and productivity: By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, air conditioning ensures a comfortable environment, enhancing productivity and concentration. This is particularly important in workplaces and home offices.
• Reduced humidity levels: Air conditioning units help control indoor humidity, reducing the risk of mould and mildew growth. Lower humidity levels can also prevent the development of dust mites and other allergens, contributing to a healthier living space.

• Comfort and productivity: Consistent indoor cooling can support concentration and productivity in homes and workplaces.

  
  

You can explore the available portable AC models and their pricing in our guide to portable AC prices.

Air conditioning can help protect health during heatwaves by providing a cool indoor environment and reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for vulnerable groups.

• Older adults aged 65+: Older people can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness and may benefit from staying in a cool indoor environment.
• Children under 5: Young children can be more sensitive to high temperatures and need a comfortable, cool environment during extreme heat.
• Temperatures above 35°C: Very high outdoor temperatures can increase heat-related health risks, making reliable indoor cooling important.
• People with health conditions: Individuals with existing health conditions may face greater difficulty coping with extreme heat.
• People without home AC: Libraries, malls and community centres with air conditioning can provide cooler spaces during heatwaves.
• Heat exhaustion: Air conditioning helps lower indoor temperatures, reducing prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
• Heat stroke: Maintaining a cool indoor environment can help reduce exposure to the extreme heat that contributes to heat-related illness.
• Indoor comfort: Consistent cooling can make it easier to rest and remain comfortable during prolonged periods of hot weather.

Using a well-maintained AC unit during extreme heat can provide important protection while helping maintain a safer and more comfortable indoor environment.

Air conditioner prices in India can vary by capacity, energy rating and features, with entry-level models generally costing less than higher-capacity options. Here are some of the top ACs in India and their prices.

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

Before you decide, explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.   

Yes, air conditioning can contribute to temporary discomfort for travellers, particularly through dry air, prolonged exposure and sudden temperature changes. The health effects of air conditioning on humans can vary depending on the environment, exposure time and maintenance of the AC system.

• Aircraft cabins: Conditioned cabin air can contribute to dryness of the skin, eyes, nose and throat during longer journeys.
• Hotel rooms: Spending many hours in a strongly cooled room may increase dryness and general discomfort.
• Sudden temperature changes: Moving between hot outdoor conditions and cool indoor spaces may contribute to headaches or fatigue.
• Long journeys: Extended exposure to conditioned environments can make dryness more noticeable.
• Poorly maintained AC: Dust, mould and bacteria can accumulate in an inadequately maintained system and affect indoor air quality.
• Allergy symptoms: Pollutants from poorly maintained AC units may aggravate symptoms in people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
• Hydration: Travellers spending long periods in cooled environments should maintain adequate fluid intake to help manage dryness.

• Temperature setting: Keeping indoor cooling around 24–26°C can provide comfortable cooling without excessive exposure to cold air.

  
  

Staying hydrated, avoiding extreme temperature changes and maintaining comfortable cooling can help minimise unwanted AC health effects while travelling.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction. 

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

• Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
• Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
• Check the AC in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
• Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero-down-payment offer.
• Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.
 

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over  1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
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3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.
4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

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