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“Why You Should Resist the Temptation to Use This Feature on Your Air Conditioner”

Introducing the ultimate guide to striking the perfect balance between convenience and well-being: "The Perils of Overusing a Handy Feature." Step into a world where we unravel the intricacies of modern technology and its impact on our lives. Discover the hidden dangers lurking within the convenient features of your everyday air conditioner and embark on a journey towards a safer and healthier environment. Prepare to be enlightened as we expose the truth and empower you with the knowledge to make informed choices. It's time to take control and ensure the protection of both your precious appliances and, most importantly, your invaluable health.

Administrator

27 August, 2024

Not everyone understands how to use air conditioning correctly to save energy and protect their health. One common mistake that many people make is to use the quick cooling function (Turbo or Jet mode).

Limit the use of this function on air conditioners. (Illustration: Istock)

What is the quick-cooling function?

The quick-cooling function allows the air conditioner to operate at maximum capacity for a short period to rapidly lower the room temperature to the desired level. While it quickly cools the room, providing relief from the heat, especially when you’ve just come in from outside, it also has several detrimental effects on both your health and the air conditioner itself:

Negative Health Impact: Sudden temperature changes can have adverse effects on your health, especially for those with sensitive respiratory systems. Moving from a hot environment to a rapidly cooled one can cause heat shock, colds, or even circulation problems.

Increased Energy Consumption: Using the quick-cooling function forces the air conditioner to operate at its highest capacity, consuming more energy than normal. This not only increases your electricity bill but also puts strain on your home’s electrical system.

Reduced Lifespan: Frequently engaging the quick-cooling function causes the compressor and other components to operate continuously at high capacity, leading to accelerated wear and tear. This can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner and increase the risk of breakdowns.

Suboptimal Temperature Control: While the quick-cooling function can rapidly lower the room temperature, it struggles to maintain a stable temperature over an extended period, resulting in an uncomfortable fluctuation between hot and cold.

Proper Air Conditioner Usage

To maximize the cooling, temperature stability, and air purification capabilities of your air conditioner, keep the following in mind:

Set an Appropriate Temperature: Adjust your air conditioner so that the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is moderate, thus maximizing energy savings and avoiding heat shock.

Prefer Cool Over Dry: Contrary to popular belief, on extremely hot days or during prolonged heat waves, it’s best to set your air conditioner to Cool mode rather than Dry mode (indicated by a water droplet icon). This will effectively cool your room.

Combine with a Fan: Using a fan along with your air conditioner improves cold air circulation, quickly cooling your room. The fan also prevents dryness, benefiting your health.

Avoid Frequent On/Off: Instead of turning the air conditioner on and off as the room temperature fluctuates, maintain a constant setting. Frequent restarts consume more energy and increase the likelihood of breakdowns.

Regular Maintenance: Service your air conditioner every 3-6 months to prolong its lifespan, enhance performance, and promptly identify any potential issues, thus preventing energy wastage.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

While the ‘Dry Mode’ feature may seem appealing, especially in humid climates, it can actually be detrimental to both your health and the efficiency of your air conditioner. This mode works by constantly running the compressor at a lower speed, which can lead to the over-cooling of the room and cause health issues such as dry skin, throat irritation, and even respiratory problems. Additionally, it consumes more energy and can result in higher electricity bills.

The constant over-cooling of your room due to the ‘Dry Mode’ can lead to a range of health issues. These include dry skin, which can cause itching and flaking, throat irritation, and respiratory problems such as allergies or asthma. Prolonged exposure to dry air can also lead to nosebleeds and eye irritation.

The ‘Dry Mode’ feature runs the compressor constantly at a lower speed, which consumes more energy compared to the normal cooling mode. This increased energy usage can result in higher electricity bills. Additionally, the constant running of the compressor can put more strain on the air conditioner, potentially reducing its lifespan.

Instead of relying on ‘Dry Mode’, consider investing in a good dehumidifier to control the humidity levels in your home. You can also take advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows during cooler parts of the day and using fans to promote air circulation. Certain houseplants, such as peace lilies and Boston ferns, can also help absorb excess moisture from the air.

It is important to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity level in your home. Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature, typically between 23-26°C, and avoid excessive cooling. Regularly clean or replace air filters to ensure your air conditioner circulates clean air. Additionally, consider using a humidifier in conjunction with your air conditioner to maintain optimal humidity levels.