Despite its low price, the desert air conditioner poses a serious threat to your health

Weather of Arabia - Desert air conditioning is considered one of the distinctive devices that help us cope with the summer heat, especially since it is a less expensive option than regular air conditioners, but before you resort to buying this type of air conditioner, learn about its risks that may pose a threat to your health.

What is desert air conditioning?

Desert air conditioners are one of the types of air conditioners designed to work effectively in hot and dry climates. They are also known as evaporative coolers or swamp coolers, because they use the principle of evaporation to lower the air temperature. This type of air conditioners is becoming more popular because it provides a natural and environmentally friendly way to cool without polluting the environment with substances. Chemical, however, has some disadvantages as well.

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• How does desert air conditioning work?

The desert air conditioner consists of a fan, a water tank, and a wet wick, pad, or filter. The fan pulls hot and dry air from the outside and passes it through the wet wick, pad, or filter, which leads to some water evaporating and absorbing heat from the air, causing its temperature to decrease, and then cold air is expelled. To the room. The lower the humidity, the more water evaporates and thus the cooler the air coming out becomes, making it suitable in hot climates.

• The difference between desert and regular air conditioning

Regular air conditioning removes warm air from inside the home and pumps it outside, while releasing cool air back into the room, reducing the temperature. The regular air conditioning unit uses chemicals that quickly transform from gas to liquid and vice versa. These chemicals transfer heat from the air inside the house to the outside air, and therefore it is not environmentally friendly. Also, the price of a regular air conditioner in Egypt starts from 20 thousand pounds and reaches 60 thousand pounds and more, while the price of a desert air conditioner starts from 3 or 4 thousand pounds and reaches 17 thousand pounds, which constitutes a big difference in price.

• Disadvantages of desert air conditioning

1. Ineffective in a humid climate: An evaporative air conditioner is less effective at cooling the air when the humidity reaches certain levels (60% or higher).
2. Increased humidity: Adds moisture to the place, which may lead to the accumulation of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, windows and doors must be opened to reduce the effect of humidity.
3. Not distributing cold air well: It may not distribute cold air evenly in the place where it is placed.
4. Health damage: It can cause the growth of bacteria and fungi due to the humidity resulting from the use of water.
5. The need for constant cleaning: The sink, pads, and filter need to be cleaned periodically to prevent the formation of fungi and bacteria.
6. Fill the water tank constantly: The water tank must be filled and ice placed continuously.

Desert air conditioning provides an economical and environmental solution for cooling in dry and hot climates, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially in areas with high humidity. It is important to know its advantages and disadvantages before making a purchasing decision to ensure that you get the best possible benefit from it.

How does desert air conditioning pose a health risk?

According to the National Library of Medicine website, which specializes in health affairs, the most prominent harm of desert air conditioning is the growth of fungi inside the water, which affects the respiratory system. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Bantuni, professor of chest and respiratory diseases, explained that all types of air conditioners can harm the lungs, but desert air conditioning It is more dangerous because of the water, which causes the spread of bacteria and germs, and its danger to children increases.

• The harmful effects of desert air conditioning on children

1. Having a sore throat.
2. Increased sinus infections.
3. Acute bronchitis and asthma attacks.
4. Feeling worsening pain in the muscles and joints.
5. Severe dryness in the eyes and skin.

• Tips to reduce the damage of evaporative air conditioning

Dr. Al-Bantauni also advises the elderly not to be directly exposed to the desert air conditioner and to avoid placing it in closed places. He also stresses the importance of cleaning the air conditioner regularly to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, and to constantly renew the room’s air by opening windows and doors to reduce the feeling of humidity.

See also:

The best temperature the air conditioner should be set to to save electricity

How to face the summer heat...a comprehensive guide to choosing the ideal air conditioner

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