I've often wondered: How much work would get done today if offices were not air-conditioned? What if the only air-con we could enjoy was only in shopping malls and supermarkets?

Images of stuffy offices fill my mind. Despite the availability of fans to circulate air, the oppressive heat and humidity will lower our productivity. Many of my colleagues and I experienced this in our previous office, where the ancient air-conditioning system would have a monthly breakdown.

For two days, the entire office would feel sauna-like due to the combination of people (we give off heat) and computers. The air would turn thick and stale even before 11am. It didn't matter if you had a desk fan either, because all it did was circulate bad air.

(Image: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash)

Fortunately, nobody had body odour. If anyone did, he or she would have been called out in no time. We're polite, but under these conditions, we expect everyone to maintain hygiene!

During these occasions, we tried opening the windows for fresh air, but since the building was located next to the junction of an arterial road, all that did was allow noise and dust in. So, the windows stayed shut.

Air-con = comfort

Air-conditioning reduces ambient temperature and humidity. According to this WebMD article, humidity is the main reason for our discomfort because it interferes with the sweating process.

If you recall, sweating cools us down because it removes heat as it evaporates. But in humid conditions, it takes longer for this to happen, so we continue to feel hot and sticky. But with air-con, we can be more productive because our bodies spend less energy on keeping us cool.

(Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash)

The inevitable downsides

Spending so much time in an air-conditioned environment isn't healthy for us. While lower humidity is great, some people are more affected by drier air, which can lead to stuffy or runny noses, dry eyes and even a dry throat.

Dry skin can also be an issue. For some, this means needing to use more moisturiser. Surprisingly, some will also complain that the dry air is causing their oily skin to become oilier. Apparently, this is the skin attempting to retain moisture by causing the oil glands to work harder.

And while an air-conditioned office is preferable to an outdoor one, we all know that these spaces facilitated the spread of COVID. The combination of being in proximity to others, along with the lack of air filtration, undoubtedly contributed to people falling ill.

Constantly being in an air-conditioned environment can also lessen our ability to deal with heat stress, especially if you don't exercise outdoors. And with record temperatures that only continue to rise, being able to bear with and thrive in such conditions is more important than ever.

(Image: Iryna Kozhyna, Unsplash)

Turn it on or switch it off?

Some people take their need for air-conditioning to the extreme and constantly keep it switched on at home. Others swear that keeping it off helps them manage skin issues and prevent respiratory conditions, while also lowering their utility costs.

As with most things, it's best to find a balance between both extremes. Personally, I only switch on the air-con at home before bed (unless there's a monsoon surge and cooler weather) or if it gets unbearably warm. The rest of the time, I rely on my ceiling fans.

– Jeremy

(Main image: Alexandre Lecocq, Unsplash)