Should you use air conditioning for heating in winter?

In winter, when the temperature drops, many families use air conditioners with heating functions or heaters to warm the living space. Compared to traditional heating methods such as coal stoves, gas or wood heaters, air conditioning is safe, reducing the risk of fire, explosion or lack of oxygen. Heating air conditioners do not produce toxic gases or CO2 to help protect users’ health; Easier to clean and maintain than other heating devices.

However, using air conditioning also poses some potential health risks to the respiratory system. Air conditioning reduces humidity in the air, which can cause dry skin and dry airway mucous membranes. Normally, the airways contain natural mucus to clean foreign elements such as pollen, animal hair, dust, bacteria, viruses… to help the body avoid irritation or disease. Decreased humidity in the airways makes the respiratory mucosa easily irritated, uncomfortable, dry, and stimulates coughing. For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these symptoms can make the condition worse.

Like other electronic devices, air conditioners also need regular cleaning. This device accumulates a lot of dust, bacteria, mold, and spreads pathogens when used. When using a heater, people have the habit of closing the room door, making the space more stuffy, not well-ventilated and increasing the risk of spreading disease.

When using air conditioning in the winter, families should use a humidifier or place a basin of water near the air conditioner to maintain air humidity. This helps reduce dry skin and dry respiratory mucous membranes. Families should not turn on the temperature too high, causing energy consumption. Drink enough water every day to maintain moisture for the mucous membranes in the airways. Water helps the body retain moisture, reducing dry skin and respiratory mucosa.

Regularly clean living spaces and use air filters to remove pathogens such as dust, mold or allergens. Because they can increase symptoms of asthma and COPD.