The arrival of summer brings scorching heat and sweltering weather, which means it’s time to crank up the cooling appliances. Apart from electric fans, air conditioners are considered a more effective and optimal cooling solution.
Operating an air conditioner is generally perceived as simple, but in reality, not everyone knows the correct way to use it, along with other considerations. One practice adopted by many households is to place a bucket of water in the room when turning on the air conditioner. But what is the significance of this action, and are there any special benefits?
What are the real benefits of placing a bucket of water in an air-conditioned room? (Illustrative image)
The Real Benefits of Placing a Bucket of Water in an Air-Conditioned Room
Many people follow the practice of putting a bucket of water in the room with the air conditioner turned on, but they don’t fully understand the benefits of doing so. Some may think it helps to cool the room faster and more effectively. However, that is not the case. The actual benefit of placing a bucket of water in the room is to help maintain better humidity levels in the air-conditioned space.
Here’s how it works: Prepare a bucket of clean water or a bowl/cup of water and place it in a corner of the room where the air conditioner is being used. It’s best to place it in a spacious area, avoiding corners that may be out of the direct path of the cool air from the air conditioner. Over time, the water in the bucket, bowl, or cup will evaporate and disperse into the air, making the air less dry.
Additionally, instead of drawing moisture from the human body, the air conditioner will draw moisture from the bucket/cup/bowl of water. This will make people in the room feel more comfortable and reduce common issues like dry skin, throat, and eyes when spending extended periods in an air-conditioned environment.
The water in the bucket/bowl/cup helps maintain humidity in the air-conditioned room (Illustrative image)
A young woman from Singapore, Ji Hae, shared her experience with this method and found it to be effective. Ji Hae often experienced sore and dry throat symptoms when spending long hours in an air-conditioned room. After discussing the issue with a friend, she was advised to try placing a cup of water under the air conditioner.
To her surprise, Ji Hae no longer suffered from dry throat issues after implementing this suggestion. She attributed the success to the evaporation of water, as she noticed a significant decrease in the water level in the cup each morning.
The Singaporean woman shares how placing a cup of water below the air conditioner helps relieve her dry throat (Video: Ji Hae)
To better understand the purpose of placing a bucket/cup/bowl of water in the room, it’s important to know how air conditioners work. According to manufacturers and distributors, air conditioners cool the air by absorbing heat through a cold surface, and in the process, they also remove moisture from the air, which is then converted into liquid and discharged through a drainage system.
As a result, operating an air conditioner can lead to a decrease in humidity, making the room and your body feel drier.
If you haven’t noticed significant results from using the bucket/cup/bowl method, it may be because you haven’t given it enough time. It’s recommended to try this method overnight or throughout the day to observe a noticeable reduction in the water level, as evidenced by Ji Hae’s experience.
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Other Methods to Increase Humidity in an Air-Conditioned Room
In addition to the bucket/bowl/cup method, there are alternative approaches to maintaining and improving humidity levels in an air-conditioned space. Some of these methods are modern and highly effective.
Use an Air Purifier with a Humidifying Function
Apart from their air purification capabilities, some modern air purifiers also have a humidifying function. If you own an air purifier, check if it has this feature and make use of it when running your air conditioner. This is a smart, safe, and highly effective way to maintain optimal humidity levels.
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Mop the Floor Before Turning on the Air Conditioner
Similar to the bucket/bowl/cup method, mopping the floor before turning on the air conditioner is another manual way to increase humidity in the room. Mopping adds moisture to the air, creating a balance as the air conditioner reduces humidity.
Avoid Using the Dry Mode
The Dry mode on air conditioners is intended to remove moisture from the air, and some people use it with the belief that it saves energy. However, experts advise against its overuse. The Dry mode is best used during humid weather conditions, as using it during hot and dry weather can make the situation worse.
It’s recommended to stick to the standard Cool mode to maintain a comfortable temperature and stable humidity levels in the room.
On hot and dry days, it’s best to avoid using the Dry mode on your air conditioner (Illustrative image)
Combine the Use of an Air Conditioner with a Mist Sprayer
Another option is to use a mist sprayer in conjunction with your air conditioner. Small mist sprayers are readily available at appliance stores and supermarkets, typically priced between 200,000 and 500,000 VND. These devices emit water vapor, helping to maintain balanced humidity levels in the room.
However, avoid using the mist sprayer continuously. Instead, operate it intermittently for short periods, such as 15 minutes every two hours, to prevent excessive humidity, which can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
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If you still experience dryness, such as dry skin, hair, or throat, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will help improve moisture levels from within your body.
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