When comfort comes with consequences: what your air conditioner isn’t telling you
At AirGreen, we’re often called in to troubleshoot residential or commercial air conditioning problems across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore. While today’s wall-mounted air conditioners and heat pumps are designed to optimize indoor comfort and improve quality of life, they can sometimes become unexpected sources of discomfort—or even health issues.
In this article, we highlight 7 often overlooked signs that your air conditioner may be harming your health. Most importantly, we’ll share concrete solutions based on our hands-on experience and deep HVAC expertise.
1. Unexplained headaches or fatigue
Feeling worn out, even after a comfortable night’s sleep in an air-conditioned room? The culprit could be poor indoor air quality caused by your AC. Poorly maintained or improperly calibrated systems can circulate pollutants, allergens, or mold, leading to fatigue, headaches, and reduced focus.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
A complete HVAC tune-up eliminates contaminants built up in filters, coils, or ducts. We recommend professional cleanings twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.
2. Dry skin, irritated eyes, or respiratory dryness
An AC system can drastically lower a room’s relative humidity, leading to eye irritation, dry throats, or skin problems. This is especially true when the system runs constantly without a humidity regulator.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
We recommend units with built-in humidity control (such as some Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or Bosch BIVA IDS models), or the complementary installation of a central humidifier to restore proper indoor balance.
3. Worsening allergy or asthma symptoms
Ineffective filtration, clogged filters, or systems that recirculate stale air can trigger or worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. Many of our clients on the South Shore reach out after noticing frequent sneezing, red eyes, or sudden nighttime coughing.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
On recent installations in Boucherville and Saint-Eustache, we recommended AC units equipped with HEPA filters or air ionizers, combined with a controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) system. The result: significantly improved air quality and reduced symptoms.
4. Frequent respiratory infections
Cold, dry air combined with dirty filters creates a perfect storm for bacterial growth. In fact, some AC units can become breeding grounds for mold if excess moisture isn’t properly drained.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
We’ve implemented strict cleaning protocols for popular units like the Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted units in Laval, and optimized the angle of their condensate drain lines to prevent standing water.
5. Skin irritation or allergic rashes
Sometimes, air blown from AC units carries chemical residue (from cleaning products), dust mites, or trapped pollen in the coils. These particles can cause eczema, redness, or itchiness, especially in children.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
Our teams always make sure, during installation or maintenance, to disinfect internal components with certified eco-friendly, hypoallergenic products, and ensure that the airflow is directed away from rest areas.
6. Musty odors or stagnant air
If you notice a musty smell, moldy scent, or burning plastic odor every time your AC starts, it could be a sign of mold, dust buildup, or even internal electrical issues.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
On a recent project in Longueuil, we replaced an old unit with a Sharp ZU1 24,000 BTU heat pump, after detecting advanced mold growth. The installation included a full cleaning of the rear wall and an antifungal treatment, ensuring fresh, clean air from the first start-up.
7. Sleep disturbances
An improperly set or noisy AC can disrupt your sleep cycle. Loud compressors, misdirected airflow, or temperatures set too low at night often lead to frequent awakenings and non-restorative sleep.
✅ AirGreen’s Solution
We install ultra-quiet air conditioning units (like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32, which stays below 20 dB in night mode) with automatic temperature scheduling. Many clients in Terrebonne and Verdun reported significant improvements in sleep quality.
How can you tell if your air conditioner is the problem?
Look out for these clues:
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You feel better when you’re away from home.
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Your health improves in fall or winter.
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Multiple household members show the same symptoms.
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The system hasn’t been serviced in over a year.
Our tips for cleaner, healthier air at home
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Have your system inspected twice a year by a certified HVAC professional.
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Choose a high-efficiency Energy Star-certified unit.
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Request an indoor air quality analysis.
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Pick filters tailored to your allergy sensitivities.
Why trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell machines — we provide complete HVAC solutions. Every installation, whether in Montreal, Brossard, or Blainville, is carried out with a strong focus on our clients’ health and wellbeing. Our goal is to combine thermal comfort with clean, breathable air, through carefully selected products, rigorous maintenance, and unmatched local expertise.
Experiencing some of these symptoms?
It’s time to act. A simple inspection could completely change your day-to-day comfort. Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your air conditioning system, or to explore the best energy-efficient wall-mounted heat pumps eligible for available grants.