In the summer, air conditioning becomes a constant necessity. But do you know how to use it without impacting your well-being? Let's explore!
1. Beat the Intense Heat: Tips for Safe Air Conditioning Usage
Optimize Air Conditioner Temperature to 25 - 27°C
Setting the air conditioner below 20°C creates a significant temperature difference from the actual outdoor temperature, potentially causing heat shock when stepping outside. Conversely, excessively low temperatures indoors can lead to health issues like coughing, sore throat, and nasal inflammation. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain the air conditioner temperature between 25 - 27°C and avoid setting it too low, especially during sleep, to safeguard your health.
Stay Hydrated
Prolonged exposure to air conditioning can dehydrate your skin and body, leading to health risks. It's essential to replenish lost fluids by drinking 2 - 2.5 liters of water per day and incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet to effectively hydrate your body.
Use Air Conditioning in 'Cool' Mode
Many people believe switching the air conditioner from 'Cool' to 'Dry' can cool the room and save energy. However, this can pose more health issues than expected. Dry air indoors can lead to throat irritation, sore throat, and skin peeling. Therefore, if you frequently use air conditioning, it's best to keep it in 'Cool' mode to maintain room humidity and avoid adverse health effects.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Sitting for extended periods in air-conditioned rooms isn't beneficial for health, especially for office workers. Instead of remaining seated all day, take breaks every 45 minutes to an hour to stretch and move around. This helps keep your mind refreshed, alert, and reduces respiratory or dry skin issues caused by excessive air conditioning. Additionally, on cooler days, consider turning off the air conditioner and using an electric fan to save energy and protect your skin.