“Baby it’s hot outside…” as the song says. What should you do? A/C is certainly a benefit and adds to your comfort level, but it’s expensive to run. Let’s examine some pros and cons:
PROS:
Most air conditioners reduce the humidity level, which makes your environment more comfortable and reduces mold growth.
Extreme heat has a clear negative impact on the intellect and on physical activity.
It can result in increased physical and intellectual activity.
A lower temperature reduces the presence of insects and parasites.
Lower temperatures mean less sweating, reducing the risk of dehydration.
A clean air conditioning system helps exclude external allergens such as pollens.
If the air conditioning installation is good, and if it is well maintained, it renews and improves air quality.
Air-conditioning can be a life saver, especially for the elderly and the very young who can be physically affected by extreme heat.
CONS:
It increases your utility costs. Let’s face it, it’s expensive.
Sitting around in air conditioned spaces can discourage outdoor activity and thus will lessen contact with nature.
It also lessons your interactions with your neighbors because pe
ople are reluctant to go outside.
Sudden changes in temperature and humidity affect the respiratory system in extreme cases.
It has a drying effect on skin and mucous membranes.
It adds to ambient noise, contributing to noise pollution.
The air circulation can transmit infectious respiratory diseases.
Airborne dust and fungi can cause allergic reactions.
Air conditioning is associated with chronic rhinitis and pharyngitis, throat irritation and hoarseness.
Air conditioning can exacerbate eye conditions such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis, as well as causing problems for contact lens wearers.
Eeffects the environment by releasing the CFC’s
Keep in mind that …
Air conditioned spaces should be regularly ventilated.
Professional installation and maintenance is essential for both centralized systems hvac in durham nc at comfort services 1.
Keep room temperature between 21º and 25º C.
Try to maintain an average humidity of between 60% and 70%.
You may want to keep a light sweater or jacket in the office for those days when the air conditioning is set too high for your comfort level.