Excessive cooling, dirty filters, and cold air blowing directly on the body are the most common mistakes that compromise comfort, increase electricity consumption, and can cause unpleasant ailments. The Croatian Institute of Public Health offers clear advice on the maximum temperature difference.
When summer heat becomes unbearable, the hand almost automatically reaches for the air conditioner remote. However, the desire for instant relief often leads to mistakes that harm both health and wallet. Instead of turning the living room into a cold storage, experts advise gradual and thoughtful cooling. Here are five key guidelines to follow every time you turn on the air conditioner.
The basic rule concerns the relationship between outdoor and indoor temperatures. The Croatian Institute of Public Health emphasizes that the temperature in a cooled room should not be more than seven degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. In other words, when it's 34 degrees outside, there's no need to cool the interior to 20 or 21 degrees. Even a value of 27 or 28 degrees, with lower humidity and a gentle airflow, provides a perfectly comfortable environment.
A sudden temperature change is most felt when leaving a cooled space. The body needs a short time to adapt, and the consequences can include headaches, weakness, or general discomfort. Before going out, it's useful to raise the temperature on the unit or spend a few minutes in a warmer part of the home.
An air conditioner achieves the best results when windows and doors are properly closed. If hot air constantly enters through an opening, the unit is forced to work harder and longer to maintain the set temperature. The result is a higher electricity bill, reduced cooling efficiency, and unnecessary wear on the unit itself.
During the day, it's essential to lower blinds or draw curtains, especially on windows exposed to the sun. This keeps the space from heating up and gives the air conditioner a much easier task. It's best to open windows at night or in the early morning hours when the outdoor air is refreshing, then close them and only then turn on the cooling.
Staying or sleeping directly under the air conditioner unit is not advisable. Constant exposure to cold air can cause dryness of the eyes and mucous membranes, as well as stiffness in the neck and shoulders. The unit's louvers should be directed toward the ceiling or an open part of the room so that the cooled air spreads gradually and evenly throughout the space.
At night, it's ideal to activate the silent or night mode. If the unit doesn't have that option, the solution is to set a moderate temperature and program an automatic shutdown after the room has cooled sufficiently.
An air conditioner constantly circulates air, and over time, dust, hair, and various other particles accumulate on the filters. Dirty filters obstruct airflow, create unpleasant odors, and force the unit to consume more energy. During intensive use, filters should be checked and cleaned regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
However, home maintenance of filters cannot replace a professional inspection. Before the cooling season begins, it's advisable to have a service check, especially if the unit hasn't been used for a long time, cools poorly, leaks, or produces unusual sounds or smells. What should never be done is disassembling the indoor unit yourself or using aggressive chemical cleaning agents.
Most household air conditioners cool and recirculate the air already present in the room, meaning they generally do not bring in fresh air from outside. That's why the space needs regular ventilation, ideally in the early morning and late evening hours when outdoor temperatures drop.
Air-conditioned air can be dry, so it's essential to drink enough fluids during the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty due to the pleasant temperature. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. The air conditioner should not be turned on and off every few minutes, it's more efficient to choose a reasonable temperature and let the unit maintain it on its own.
