For many office workers, the air conditioner stays on from the moment the workday begins until it is time to leave. After spending hours in a cool indoor environment, some people may notice dry eyes, a scratchy throat, nasal discomfort or dry skin. But these effects are not necessarily caused by the cold temperature itself.
The more important factors can be indoor humidity, air circulation, ventilation, air quality and the length of time spent inside the conditioned space. Simply being in an air conditioned room does not mean a person will automatically develop a cold.
How AC Affects Your Eyes, Nose, Throat
Air conditioning can reduce moisture in indoor air. When people remain in such an environment for several hours, the reduced humidity may contribute to dryness around the eyes, nose and throat.
Long periods of computer use can add to the problem. People working continuously in front of screens tend to blink less frequently, which can affect the natural tear layer covering the surface of the eye. A clinical study titled The Influence of Work Environment Factors followed 150 people for a year and observed reduced stability of the tear film among those who spent more than four hours a day working on computers.
The study also associated low building humidity and prolonged work in air conditioned rooms with effects on the surface of the eye. This suggests that screen exposure may not be the only factor contributing to eye discomfort.
Low humidity can also affect the natural protective system of the respiratory tract. A review titled Indoor Air Humidity Revisited noted that insufficient humidity in office environments may increase discomfort in the eyes and airways and may interfere with the normal cleaning mechanism of the respiratory system.
The nose, throat and airways contain a thin moist layer that helps trap dust and other particles. Tiny hair like structures then help move these particles out of the respiratory tract. When the surrounding air becomes excessively dry, this protective process can be affected.
As a result, some people may experience a dry throat, a blocked or uncomfortable nose, a mild cough or a sensation of irritation after spending many hours in an air conditioned environment.
AC Maintenance and Ventilation Matter Too:
The quality of air inside an air conditioned office depends on more than temperature. If fresh outdoor air does not enter the building adequately, indoor pollutants, dust and substances that trigger allergies can accumulate.
Poorly maintained air conditioning systems can also create conditions in which mould and microorganisms become a concern. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning of filters therefore remain important for maintaining better indoor air quality.
The skin can also respond to dry indoor conditions. When humidity is low, water loss from the skin may increase, leaving it feeling dry or tight. People who already have dry skin may notice this discomfort more clearly.
This does not mean air conditioning should be avoided altogether. During periods of extreme heat, keeping the body cool can itself be important for health and comfort. The concern is more likely to arise when people remain for very long periods in the same highly cooled environment, sit directly in the path of cold air, stay in rooms with very low humidity or work in spaces with poor ventilation.
Keeping air conditioning systems properly maintained, ensuring adequate ventilation and avoiding direct airflow onto the face can help make long hours indoors more comfortable. Taking occasional breaks from the conditioned environment can also reduce prolonged exposure to the same dry indoor air.