Expert outlines five health rules for safe air-conditioner use in hot weather

With air-conditioner use rising during hot weather, sudden temperature shifts between indoor and outdoor environments can trigger health problems, a health expert said. Nadezhda Chernyshova recommended keeping the gap between outdoor and indoor temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius and lowering the indoor setting gradually rather than abruptly. Chernyshova advised against directing the airflow straight at people and suggested turning the unit off every three to four hours to ventilate the room for about 15 minutes. She also stressed the importance of cleaning filters regularly to limit the circulation of dust and other irritants. For overnight use, she recommended cooling the bedroom before sleep and then switching the air-conditioner off rather than leaving it running through the night. She said the basic precautions can help the body adjust to high temperatures and reduce health risks linked to prolonged air-conditioner use.