Recently, many parts of the country have been sweltering under high temperatures, entering a "roasting" mode. Air conditioners have become a "life-saving device".
It is worth noting that many seemingly "conventional" air conditioning usage habits actually hide health risks. Here are 5 common misunderstandings. Lets see if you have fallen into any of them.
Myth 1: Is it better to set the AC temperature as low as possible for comfort?
A lot of people set their AC to 20°C or even lower, thinking this is the way to beat the heat. But actually, the most comfortable temperature for our bodies is between 24°C and 26°C. If the temperature difference between inside and outside is more than 8°C, the sudden change from hot to cold can mess up your blood vessels. This can cause dizziness and joint pain. Old people and those with high blood pressure are especially likely to have their blood pressure go haywire.
The right thing to do: Set the AC temperature based on feeling "not hot". Its best to keep it between 26°C and 28°C. At night when youre sleeping, you can raise it to 27°C or 28°C and use a thin blanket to stay warm. This way, youll have a nice sleep and avoid health problems from big temperature differences.
Myth 2: Closing the windows while running the AC saves electricity?
Is opening the window a waste?
During long stretches of hot weather, some people are worried that opening the window will make the cold air escape fast, so they keep the windows and doors shut all day. But staying in a closed room for too long can make the carbon dioxide level go up and mold start to grow. People with allergies are especially likely to get stuffy noses and itchy skin.
The right thing to do: Open the window for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Its good to do this either before 10 in the morning or in the evening when its cooler. When you open the window, turn off the AC for a bit to keep the hot air out. Even if your AC has a fresh air feature, you still need to clean the filter regularly.
Myth 3: Is it okay to blow directly on the AC after sweating to cool off quickly?
In hot weather, we start sweating a lot even with just a little movement. When we come back from exercising or being outside, many of us just stand right in front of the AC vent to cool down fast. But when its hot, our pores are open. Blowing cold air directly on us can make our body temperature drop too fast. Cold air can get into our bodies and cause colds, muscle cramps. If you do this a lot, it might even lead to facial paralysis.
The right thing to do: First, go to a shady place, dry your sweat, and change your wet clothes. Wait until your body cools down a bit before going into the AC room. Adjust the AC vent to blow upwards, so it doesnt hit your head, neck, or joints directly.
Myth 4: If the AC filter looks clean, the AC doesnt need cleaning?
A lot of people think, "The AC just blows cold air. If it looks clean, it doesnt need cleaning." Especially in hot, humid weather, the evaporator and condenser inside the AC can get covered in dust, mites, and mold. When you turn on the AC, these dirty things spread into the air with the cold air and can make your breathing feel funny.
The right thing to do: Before using the AC in summer, get a professional to give it a thorough cleaning. For daily use, clean the filter every two weeks. You can vacuum the dust off first, then wash it with water and let it dry. If you havent used the AC for a while, turn on the fan mode for 30 minutes before using it for the first time to let the moisture inside dry out.
Myth 5: Is it okay to sleep with the AC on all night as long as you cover with a blanket?
Some people think that as long as theyre covered with a blanket, it doesnt matter if the AC runs all night. But when the AC is on, it makes the air in the room dry. If you stay in a room with humidity lower than 40% for a long time, your nose and throat can get really dry, and you might even start coughing.
The right way: At night, you can set the AC to turn off after 3 or 4 hours. Or use a humidifier to keep the humidity in the room between 50% and 60%. If you have to keep the AC on all night, put a glass of water by your bed to stop your throat and nose from getting too dry.
Special note: Old people, kids, and people with joint problems are more sensitive to temperature changes. When using the AC in hot weather, be extra careful. Dont go in and out of the AC room too often. When you do, stand at the door for a minute or two to get used to the change. When kids sleep, have them wear long-sleeved pajamas to protect their necks, shoulders, and bellies. If you start feeling joint pain or a stuffy nose, stop using the AC for a while and use a fan to cool off instead.
Text by Huang Fei