What is sick building syndrome? According to the EPA, this term is used to address and describe situations in which building occupants experience health-related concerns that get worse the more time they spend inside their homes. In fact, studies have shown that contaminated air conditioners may be partly to blame. That’s why to create a Healthy Home environment and reduce the threat of developing sick building syndrome, we must care about the quality of our air! 

Common Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms  

Think you’re suffering from sick building syndrome? These signs and symptoms could help you find out: 

• Allergies and Asthma 
• Congestion 
• Headaches 
• Fatigue 
• Skin Irritation 

If you find that these symptoms worsen as you spend more time in your building, it’s important to do your part to improve your environment and stop sick building syndrome.  

Sick Building Syndrome: Looking at Potential Sources 

Why does sick building syndrome occur? It’s not always clear. As mentioned above, contaminated air conditioners could be to blame. By turning warm air into cool air, moisture is created—creating a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and viruses that can threaten your home and health. Properly maintaining and regularly cleaning your unit is a simple way to reduce your risk of sick building syndrome.

“If you have a badly maintained or badly designed A/C system, whether it’s in your home or office or vehicle, it can become contaminated and potentially harmful,” remarks Dr. Mark Mendell. 

Another way to combat moisture in your home is by using an AprilAire Whole-House Dehumidifier to balance your humidity levels between 40% and 60%* so pollutants are less likely to thrive and contaminant your air. 

Healthy Home Dos & Don’ts 

Protect your family from the threat of sick building syndrome with these tips! 

DO: Regularly inspect your unit 

To ensure a Healthy Home environment, regular inspection is needed to help your unit run efficiently. 

DON’T: Use your A/C unit unnecessarily 

Yes—there is such a thing as being too cool. Your body is powerful and, according to Dr. Stan Cox, will adapt to indoor temperatures on its own! He shares: “When we’re a little cold or a little warm, our metabolism runs faster. People tend to eat more and gain more weight when the temperature is perfectly cozy.” Lowering your unit can not only help protect you from sick building syndrome, but it can also yield energy savings!   

DO: Use AprilAire Air Filters that fit your family’s needs 

Your home and family are unique—and your air filtration solutions should be, too. With AprilAire Air Filters (backed by standard MERV ratings), you can achieve a contaminant-free home while reducing dust, viruses, and more. By regularly replacing your filters, you can reduce the risk of developing symptoms like those of sick building syndrome. 

Final Thoughts 

Everyone deserves to live in a Healthy Home! To achieve that, you need Healthy Air. Together, we can put an end to the threat of sick building syndrome. 

Find an AprilAire Healthy Air Professional

Start your Healthy Air journey with one of the 4,500 pros nationwide so you can fill your home with fresh, clean air.

Find a pro

*While balanced humidity exists between 40 and 60%, it’s important to remember that outdoor temperature and other home factors will impact what relative humidity level is attainable and recommended for your house. Talk with your AprilAire Healthy Air Professional to learn more.