If you happen to reside in India, air conditioners are largely a staple throughout peak summer season months, providing much-needed reduction from rising temperatures.
However whereas they cool the air successfully, additionally they are likely to strip the room of moisture, leaving the indoor surroundings unusually dry.
One widespread but typically ignored tip is putting a bucket or bowl of water in your AC room. This easy apply is alleged to assist counteract the dryness brought on by extended air con use.
However how efficient is it actually?
Dr Shivakumar Okay, MD, Respiratory Medication and chief advisor pulmonologist at Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “Air conditioners have a tendency to cut back humidity in a room by drawing out moisture as they cool the air. Putting a bucket or bowl of water within the room may help introduce some moisture again into the air by means of a pure course of known as evaporation. Putting water in a pan would make evaporation sooner. Whereas it isn’t as highly effective as a humidifier, this technique can provide modest reduction in smaller or reasonably cooled areas, particularly when the air feels noticeably dry.”
It’s a easy, low-cost method to assist preserve a extra balanced surroundings and will barely cut back the discomfort brought on by excessively dry air, notably throughout extended use of air con, the physician admits.
Can dry indoor air from fixed AC use result in any long-term well being points?
In response to Dr Shivakumar, extended publicity to very dry air “could worsen present respiratory situations, particularly in people with bronchial asthma or continual bronchitis.” He provides that dry indoor environments can irritate the airways, trigger a scratchy throat, or make it more durable to breathe comfortably for delicate people.
For the pores and skin, fixed dryness can result in points like flaking, itchiness, and in some instances, exacerbation of situations akin to eczema. “The nasal passages can also turn into dry, growing the danger of nosebleeds or lowering the effectiveness of the physique’s pure defenses in opposition to airborne irritants,” stresses the physician.
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Sustaining balanced humidity, even in cooled environments, performs a refined however essential position in general respiratory and pores and skin well being.
Another environment friendly alternate options to sustaining moisture in an air-conditioned room
In households with younger kids or older adults who’re extra delicate to adjustments in air high quality, Dr Shivakumar says, utilizing a correct humidifier is usually a extra dependable answer than putting open containers of water. Humidifiers can help you regulate humidity ranges extra exactly, which may help create a extra snug and more healthy indoor surroundings.
“Different useful practices embody guaranteeing ample hydration by means of water consumption, utilizing moisture-retaining skincare, and usually ventilating the room to permit recent air circulation when potential,” notes Dr Shivakumar.
It’s also essential to service air conditioners usually and hold filters clear, as poor air circulation or mud buildup can worsen the dryness and can also have an effect on respiratory well being.
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DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.