5 Health Benefits Of Air Conditioning
On the surface, when people think of air conditioning, they imagine the cool and comforting air that allows them to escape the internal temperatures of a warm spring or summer day. But what many don’t realize, is that when you invest in premium air conditioning, you invest in the health and wellness of household occupants. Think we’re exaggerating? Keep reading.
5 Ways Premium Air Conditioning Can Improve the Health of Those in Your Household
Can Help Those With Respiratory Problems
AC can help those who suffer from respiratory issues. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University assessed the impact of high temperatures and keeping cool on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, and determined that keeping cool might in fact keep patients healthier. For the unfamiliar, COPD references conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and other progressive lung diseases. Experts surrounding COPD typically recommend maintaining indoor humidity between 35 and 50 percent in order to provide sufferers with a healthier breathing environment. Air conditioning can help accomplish this.
Can Help Seasonal Allergy Sufferers
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation reports that the negative effects of interior air pollutants, dust mites, pet dander, and other indoor airborne allergens can be mitigated through air conditioning. This is founded in the fact that humidity increases dust mites, mold growth, and other precursors to allergy attacks. Air conditioning can reduce humidity, and ultimately the pollutants that aggravate allergy sufferer symptoms. But there’s more.
Given that seasonal allergy sufferers’ greatest enemy is found outdoors in the spring and summer, they need to keep the windows and doors closed. But on a hot Alberta day, this won’t help anyone. By having expertly installed air conditioning, occupants can keep seasonal pollen and pollutants out while maintaining the comfort level within.
Can Prevent Heat Stress and Heat Stroke
By definition, heat stress occurs when excessive heat is absorbed by a person and causes stress and/or illness. Sufferers more commonly report cramps, exhaustion, and nausea, but in some cases it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke, by definition, is a condition caused by the body’s inability to regulate body temperature when exposed to high temperatures, and is often recognized by fever, and/or a state of unconsciousness and can even lead to death.
While heat stress and heat stroke are typically caused by excessive exposure to high temperatures combined with high humidity it can also come when layered with strenuous physical activity and/or dehydration. Those at risk also include infants and children younger than 4 and adults older than 65, obese people, people dependent upon certain drugs and medications (beta blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, tranquilizers, antipsychotics, and amphetamines), and a general genetic proneness to heat stress/stroke.
There’s a pretty big foundation for heat stress and stroke, so if anything above sounds like a cause for concern, it may be time for an AC installation or upgrade.
Can Combat Seasonal Anxiety and Negative Feelings
The Globe & Mail reports on numerous studies indicating that heat exposure can negatively affect people’s moods and enhance anxiety. It’s not just a matter of discomfort and fatigue, as heat exposure is linked to increased aggression, stress, violence, sadness, and even higher rates of suicide. The Journal of Environmental Research found negative effects on emotional well-being were most significant when average daily temperatures rose above 21°C. Sorry Calgary, but with the average temperatures in July and August in the mid-20 degree Celsius range, we fall right in the line of fire. It’s one thing when these temperatures are being experienced outdoors, but when it prevails at home, those that don’t respond well to heat become proverbial loaded guns.
“Direct heat exposure is intrinsically unpleasant, and for many people, especially those who work outside or who either have limited or no air conditioning, it can be hard to avoid, no matter how much they try.” (Clemens Noelke, Research Scientist, Brandeis University)
Obviously there are some deeper underlying emotional issues (and treatments) to consider here, but at the very least you can see how keeping things cool in the home can help cooler heads prevail.
Can Improve Sleep
Sleep is directly correlated to both physical and emotional health and wellness. The internal temperature has a direct impact on one’s ability to get adequate rest, with sleep experts maintaining that keeping the home (especially the bedroom) relatively cool is the key to getting your 7 to 9 hours. The National Sleep Foundation states that the optimal temperature for sleep is 15.5°C to 20°C (60°F to 67°F). As you know, only air conditioning can help you maintain such a temperature in the warm spring and summer months. No “AC critics” can argue this point.
Ready to help improve the health and wellness of your household? It’s time for a new air conditioner! Thankfully, it’s still early bird season and there are AC w/furnace combinations that can save you up to $1500 if you make your purchase before the arrival of late spring and early summer. Contact Air Force Heating today to learn more.
