When an air conditioner is in good condition, it keeps you cool on hot days and warm on cold days. But if you notice that your air conditioner isn't working as well as it once did, don't put off repairs. A fully functioning air conditioner is good for your health in many ways.

1. Air contaminants

Air conditioners filter out the contaminants that come into your home. This means that you have protection from pollen and other unpleasant air contaminants while you use your air conditioner. If you put off repairs too long, your air conditioner may actually become so overloaded with air contaminants that instead of blocking them, it releases them into your home. This is bad news if you or someone else in your household suffers from asthma or rhinitis.

2. Indoor humidity

When an air conditioner functions well, it keeps humidity at bay. But a common sign that an air conditioner needs repair is that it no longer works to keep humidity out of your home. As a result, the air becomes moisture-laden, and you feel sticky and sweaty.

3. Mold and bacteria 

If your air conditioner no longer prevents humidity in your home, moisture problems will soon follow. If moisture builds up in and around your air conditioner, this creates the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to thrive. You may then begin to notice respiratory side effects such as difficulty breathing. Bacteria breeds in moisture-laden air conditioners, which can negatively affect your overall health.

4. Unpleasant smells 

Another common side effect of a faulty air conditioner is unpleasant smells. If the air in your home has begun to smell stale and unpleasant, and your air conditioner isn't working as it should, repairs are in order. Unpleasant smells are usually a sign that mold and mildew have taken hold, along with bacteria. You should consider repairing your air conditioner before your health begins to suffer.

5. Poor quality sleep

If your home is humid and filled with air contaminants because your air conditioner needs to be repaired, then your sleep cycle will suffer. Good quality sleep is crucial to your health and wellbeing. If you struggle to sleep at night because of unpleasant smells and humidity, your air conditioner probably needs urgent repairs.

If your air conditioner isn't functioning as it should, consider hiring a professional to fix it as soon as possible. Contact air conditioning repair services to learn more.