Yes, running cooling systems indoors without proper humidity control can lead to throat discomfort. Especially here, where the air is already dry for much of the year, mechanical cooling only worsens the issue. It pulls even more moisture from the air – and from you. If you’ve noticed that dry, scratchy feeling after sitting near a vent for too long, you’re not imagining it.
Systems that aren’t cleaned regularly or that circulate dust and allergens can make the problem worse. It’s not just the cold air – it’s also what comes with it. Filters clogged with particles, or ducts full of debris, end up blowing irritants into the rooms we breathe in every day. Even something as minor as a delay in filter replacement can have a noticeable impact, especially during long cooling periods in spring and summer.
I once skipped a seasonal tune-up, thinking it could wait. Within weeks, everyone at home was waking up hoarse or coughing. It wasn’t until a tech from Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd. came by, checked the unit, and adjusted the humidity levels that things started improving. Sometimes it’s not about replacing the whole system – just tweaking how it’s used.
Humidity levels should sit somewhere between 30% and 50%. Any lower, and mucous membranes start drying out. You might not feel it at first, but over time it adds up. A small humidifier or a whole-home solution can make a difference, especially overnight. Bedrooms tend to be the first place people feel the effects.
There’s no single fix, and not every home will react the same. But if the air feels crisp and your throat feels raw, it’s worth considering how your system is running – not just how cool it gets the space.
How Calgary’s Dry Climate Amplifies Air Conditioning Side Effects on the Throat
Increase indoor humidity to at least 35% during the cooling season. In this part of Alberta, the outdoor moisture levels often drop below 25% – and then mechanical cooling dries the air even further. That kind of environment doesn’t just feel uncomfortable; it pulls moisture from your nasal passages and vocal cords faster than you might expect.
Long-term exposure to this kind of dryness leads to irritation that can feel like a cold coming on, even when you’re perfectly healthy. It’s more noticeable overnight. You might wake up coughing or with a dry mouth. Sometimes it feels like you didn’t drink water before bed, but really, it’s the environment draining you while you sleep.
The solution isn’t just drinking more water – though that helps. It’s about adjusting the indoor climate. Here’s what tends to work best:
- Use a hygrometer to track relative humidity in bedrooms and living spaces. Anything below 30% can trigger discomfort.
- Add portable humidifiers in rooms with vents nearby. It doesn’t have to be a large unit. Even a small model running at night can help offset the dryness.
- Try not to overcool the space. Keeping the thermostat just two degrees higher can reduce the amount of moisture pulled from the air.
- Keep vents clean. Dust build-up not only dries the air further – it also introduces particles that make your throat work harder to filter what you’re breathing.
I’ve noticed that when our place stays around 40% humidity, I stop waking up with that scratchy feeling in my neck. It took a while to figure out what worked best for our house, though. Trial and error, mostly. I probably adjusted the same humidifier five times before it stopped making things worse.
And while summers aren’t always scorching here, the drier days drag on. Pair that with continuous cooling indoors and you’ve got the perfect storm for upper respiratory irritation. It’s not just about cold air blowing – it’s how the environment interacts with your body over hours, maybe days, without a break.
What AC Maintenance Habits Can Prevent Throat Irritation in Calgary Homes
Replace the filter every 30 to 60 days during periods of frequent use. Skipping this step means dust, pollen, and even mold spores circulate through your space. And the more you breathe that in, the more likely your sinuses and throat feel dry or inflamed. A clogged filter doesn’t just reduce airflow – it lets the wrong stuff pass through.
Have the ductwork inspected and cleaned every two to three years. Some homes may need it more often, especially older ones or places with pets. I had mine done after moving into a 90s bungalow, and honestly, the difference was immediate. The air felt… lighter, somehow. Less gritty. Before that, I didn’t realize how much old debris was still lingering behind the walls.
Also: make sure the fan settings aren’t running 24/7 unless there’s a specific reason. Constant circulation might sound helpful, but it tends to over-dry the indoor environment if humidity levels are already low – which they usually are here. Switching to “auto” mode can give your system a chance to rest, and your respiratory system too.
Ask a technician to check the drainage system during annual tune-ups. Standing water or leaks can lead to microbial growth inside the unit. That ends up in the airflow, which ends up in your throat. I’ve heard of people feeling congested all summer, only to find mildew building up inside the coil area. No obvious smell – just symptoms.
Lastly, look into adding a humidity monitor in your most-used spaces. Something simple. It helps you know whether the system is drying the place out more than it should. And if it is, maybe it’s time to think about a humidity control add-on. They’re not always cheap, but neither are constant pharmacy trips and throat lozenges.
Choosing the Right Humidifier to Balance AC Use and Throat Comfort
Start with a unit that can handle your room size – otherwise it won’t do much. For a standard bedroom, look for something rated for at least 250 to 300 square feet. Living rooms might need closer to 500. If it’s too small, you’ll barely see a change in moisture levels, no matter how long it runs.
Look for models with built-in hygrometers. These shut off automatically once the target level is reached – ideally between 35% and 45%. Without that, it’s easy to overdo it and end up with condensation on the windows, which isn’t great either. Some people say 50% is okay, but in this climate, that usually feels too damp, especially at night.
I tried a warm mist model once thinking it’d be more comfortable in winter. It was fine – but too noisy, and it kept heating up the room, which wasn’t what I wanted. Now I stick with cool mist versions, especially ultrasonic ones. They’re quieter, less bulky, and you don’t feel like you’re in a sauna. Just be ready to clean them. Every week, minimum. Let it slide and you get a film of white dust or, worse, mold growth inside the tank.
For full-house coverage, consider a central unit that connects to your heating and cooling system. It’s more of an investment, but it works quietly in the background. No tanks to refill. Just occasional maintenance, which can be rolled into your annual tune-up. Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd. installs these – and they’ll usually help figure out if your ducts and vents can handle it properly.
I used to run two separate portable units – one in the bedroom, one near the main floor vents. It worked, kind of. But once we added a whole-home humidifier, the difference in comfort was noticeable. I didn’t wake up dry anymore, and I stopped needing lozenges every other day.
Don’t assume the most expensive model is the right one. Sometimes the simpler options, with just a manual dial and a clear tank, are easier to live with long term. And if it’s not easy to clean or refill, chances are it’ll sit unused after a while. Which kind of defeats the whole point.
Contact “Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd” For More Information:
Address
95 Beaconsfield Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1X3
Phone
+1 403 720-0003
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours 7 days a week