Is your air conditioner germ free?

New Delhi: Everyday we travel in air-conditioned cars to air conditioned offices, shop in air-conditioned malls and live in air-conditioned homes. The AC has changed our life and made it comfortably sweat free.

But if runny noses, red eyes and sneezes are making you miserable, then you might have your AC to blame. The culprits are the mould and fungi growing in your AC's water tray.

"People with asthma or allergies can have exacerbations when they are exposed to air from air conditioners, especially if the filters have not been cleaned well or if there is fungus or mould within the filters. When this air gets circulated within the room and people with allergies get exposed to these mould or fungi, then they can get cough or wheezing, breathlessness or broncho-spasm, and even attacks of asthma," says Chest Specialist, Max Healthcare, Dr Nevin Kishore.

Central air-conditioning in offices increases the chances of infectious respiratory diseases spreading because the same air is re-circulated and no fresh air ventilation is provided.

Any foul smell coming from the AC vents could be a sign of fungal growth, so it's advisable to immediately inform maintenance.

Although there isn't much you can do to avoid inhaling germs at office or in the malls, there are a few things which you can do to make sure your AC at home is not harming you.

For starters, don't chill your room as it's not good for your blood circulation and bones. Let in sunlight and fresh air every morning in your room.

Clean the AC filters at least once a month to get rid of dust and contaminants and get your AC serviced at least twice a year.

Taking care of your AC and keeping it germ free will go a long way in ensuring that you have a comfortable and healthy summer.

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