While air conditioning offers a cool escape from scorching heat, it may be affecting your health in hidden ways.

Spending long hours in poorly ventilated, air-conditioned spaces can lead to "sick building syndrome," with symptoms like fatigue, dry cough, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

AC systems reduce humidity, which can dehydrate your body, dry out your skin, and irritate your eyes - sometimes even blurring vision.

People working in air-conditioned buildings often report more respiratory problems due to dry air and poor filtration.

Dirty HVAC systems can even trigger frequent headaches and migraines. Despite these downsides, air conditioning also has a surprising benefit - cool environments may boost your metabolism by encouraging the body to develop brown fat, which helps burn calories.

Interestingly, a Harvard study found that students in air-conditioned rooms performed better on cognitive tests, proving that cool air supports clearer thinking. Like all things, moderation and maintenance are key.