You may have heard at some point about how air conditioning can influence health. Like any other topic, you will find both positive and negative opinions regarding the use of air conditioning.
In general, we can offer you some recommendations to ensure that the use of air conditioning is beneficial for you and your family.
Moreover, it is important to emphasize that both the benefits and the drawbacks of air conditioning depend on how the equipment is used.
It is also necessary to mention that proper use of an air conditioning unit can certainly bring more health benefits than problems.
Benefits of Air Conditioning on Health
The use of air conditioning can positively impact health when used properly.
Many buildings designed for offices and homes are not constructed for use without climate control.
In other words, to inhabit these spaces, you will need an air conditioning unit.
High temperatures can cause a lack of energy and fatigue in people. Additionally, dehydration can occur due to increased sweating, as the body is not adapted to withstand high temperatures.
In hotter regions, it is essential that children and the elderly are protected from high temperatures; they are more prone to dehydration or heat stroke.
In such cases, air conditioning units represent a significant health advantage in combating high temperatures.
Another aspect to consider is nighttime sleep.
Experts assure that one of the most influential factors in nighttime sleep is temperature.
During the REM state of sleep, the body temperature adjusts to the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is higher than recommended, it will cause disturbances and even insomnia.
Therefore, it is advised that the space in which we rest maintains a regular temperature that does not exceed 28 degrees Celsius.
However, sleep specialists indicate that to reach the so-called sleep threshold—the moment when you can fall asleep—the optimal temperature is between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Higher or lower temperatures can be too hot or too cold, causing discomfort and consequently making it harder to sleep.
For these reasons, in very hot places, regulating the temperature with an air conditioning system can help you and your family sleep deeply and contribute to everyone’s rest.
Drawbacks of Air Conditioning
Most health issues related to air conditioners occur when they malfunction or are used inappropriately.
Colds caused by air conditioning are the most common issues. This can be prevented by maintaining an appropriate temperature that is not too low and avoiding sudden changes between environments with different temperatures.
It is also important to regularly clean the equipment, as this will reduce the risk of allergies and other problems related to dust mites and dust that can accumulate in air conditioning units.
One disadvantage of using air conditioning is that it often produces dry air. This can lead to the drying out of bodily mucous membranes, which are barriers that protect the body against bacteria. Therefore, in dry places, it is important to maintain proper humidity levels in the environment. A humidifier can be used to achieve this.
Using Air Conditioning Appropriately
To optimize the use of air conditioning at home and in the office, we can follow these recommendations:
- Set the air conditioning temperature between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius.
- Avoid lowering the temperature below 22 degrees Celsius.
- Monitor environmental humidity, ensuring it stays at appropriate levels. It should be between 40 and 60%. In some cases, you can place a humidifier in the environment to help maintain correct humidity levels.
- Regularly clean the filters. Filters that do not receive proper cleaning can accumulate dust, mites, and pollen, which can generate diseases and allergies.
- Do not position yourself directly under or in front of the cold air stream. When in air-conditioned environments, you can wear a light sweater to help regulate body temperature.
- The nighttime air conditioning temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Generally, the body can lower its temperature while we sleep. Therefore, it is not recommended to set the air conditioning to temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius, as it could cause colds.
- It is also advisable for air conditioning units to be periodically inspected by a specialized technician.
