During the hot summer months as soon as we return home from work the first thing we do is turn on the air conditioner. Yes it helps to keep us cool and comfortable, but seldom do we actually think that it can have effects that are harmful to us. But as recent research shows, air conditioners can actually make us fat.
The most modern of technologies like air conditioning and heating make us live in a thermoneutral zone. What this means is that we get used to living at a temperature where there is no need for our body to regulate its temperature. It is only when our body's temperature is below or above this thermoneutral zone that it works to attain that level. In the process it needs energy and as a result it has to burn calories supplied by our body.
In fact David Allison, the director of Clinical Nutrition Research Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham holds that the air conditioner might be one of the several factors that are behind the obesity problem that has reached almost epidemic proportions in America.
He actually enlists a number of factors that can be contributing to this obesity explosion besides fast food and lack of exercise. These include lack of sleep, certain medications and even things like quitting smoking as it can increase snacking when the individual becomes desperate for a comfort food.
It is suggested that the use of air conditioners should be restricted as much as possible. Since most, if not all modern offices come with air conditioners these days, it wouldn't be possible for a working individual to avoid the effects of air conditioning all day. But at least when he is home, he can limit the use of the air conditioner. He can fix a certain time in the day, only when he will allow himself the comforts of the air conditioner. The rest of the time he has to do with a ceiling fan.
There are also skeptics who can't quite buy this theory. Their argument is that, people all over the world are living in different climactic conditions and they still are thin. So air conditioning shouldn't play a role. The skeptics also seem to have a point. So the whole topic needs further research.
At the end of the day, good eating habits and regular exercise are the best way to stay clear of obesity.
Throughout my career selling Air Conditioning units I can't tell you how may times a potential customer called me on the phone to say "It's so hot, I want the biggest Air Conditioner you have". It seems like most people always think BIGGER IS BETTER! Please let me explain to you why this is not the case when purchasing an Air Conditioning unit.
What many people do not realize is that every air conditioner also acts as a dehumidifier as well. The moisture that is taken out of the air while an air conditioner is running turns into a liquid form called condensate. Taking as much condensate out of the air is important in terms of the formation of mold and mildew in the room environment.
Now you may ask, what does this have to do with the BTU size of an air conditioning unit? While it is true that a larger BTU size on an air conditioner will cool a room much quicker than a smaller BTU sized unit, you have to consider that the air conditioner while running in a much shorter cycle will not take as much moisture out of the air than if it was running in a normal longer cycle. Hence the possibility of moisture and mildew problems.
Do your homework and get the right BTU sized unit for the area you are cooling, if the unit runs longer it's better for you and the quality of the air you are breathing.
Both Jason Uvios & David A Bogart are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jason Uvios has sinced written about articles on various topics from Air Purifier Cleaners, Acne Treatment and Food Enzymes. Jason Uvios writes about on Can Air Conditioners Make You Fat? to visit :- ,. Jason Uvios's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
David A Bogart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement. Sales experience of over 30 years, the last 5 years selling HVAC equipment. I have successfully sold over 20,000 systems into homes and hotels.. David A Bogart's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.