A/C effects have made indoor life comfortable in climates where it wasn’t previously possible. Imagine life without air conditioning during the heat and humidity of an Indiana summer. In addition to cool comfort, however, A/C effects include a few potential downsides, particularly when it comes to skin condition.
Skin Conditions and Humidity
One of the primary functions of a central air conditioner is humidity extraction. Dry air feels cooler and enhances indoor living conditions. However, it’s your skin that frequently pays the price for comfortable climate control.
- A central A/C is generally sized to maintain indoor relative humidity in the range of 30% to 45%. Evaporation in this environment can dry out skin, particularly when humidity is at the lower end of that range. Dry skin is itchy and flaky, feels irritated, and may appear red and chapped.
- Perspiration is healthy for skin by flushing out toxins. A cool, air conditioned environment, however, inhibits the natural sweat function so most areas of the body remain unnaturally dry. This, in turn, reduces skin oil production which also contributes to irritation.
- Elasticity of skin also decreases in a dry environment. Wrinkling and creases are more prominent. This can give the appearance of premature aging.
Limiting Effects
To counteract the effects of a dry air conditioned environment, here are some suggestions:
- Monitor indoor humidity. Digital humidity monitors are available at low cost and can alert you when levels drop excessively low.
- Use skin creams to reduce moisture loss and add oil to the skin.
- Certain types of common bath soap dry skin excessively. Consider using glycerin-based soap that is more gentle and preserves skin moisture and oil.
- If low indoor humidity is an ongoing issue during the cooling season, talk to a qualified HVAC professional about options. A whole-house humidifier installed in your ductwork continuously senses humidity levels in the house and automatically adds water vapor to the air to keep relative humidity at the precise desired setting.
Homeowners of the Wabash Valley have relied on Paitson Bros. since 1922. Ask us about solutions to control A/C effects like dry skin while still maintaining maximum indoor comfort.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922