Air conditioning is so important, that a 43 day holiday has been created to celebrate it! 

Ok, air conditioning is nice, but why is there so much hullabaloo over keeping cool? 

Well, all though Air Conditioning may seem somewhat mundane, it's actually ranked as one of the most important achievements of the 20th century! In fact it helps us live better and healthier lives, especially as the temperature during summer climbs higher and higher.

HISTORY OF AIR CONDITIONING APPRECIATION DAY

Humans have used several methods to regulate the temperature of their surroundings over the years. Before the invention of the air conditioner, civilizations came up with ways to keep themselves cool. Persians, from over 3,000 years ago, used ‘quanats’ — a system of underground water tunnels — to cool their buildings.

Romans had a similar system through their aqueducts. These were systems consisting of tunnels, pipes, ditches, canals, and supporting structures that conveyed streams of water to cities and villages. Cooled water was pumped into public baths and fountains, and the homes of the wealthy to keep them cool.

In ancient Egypt, windcatchers were used as architectural elements to create natural ventilation in buildings. The use of fans was enhanced when Ding Huang of the Chinese Han Dynasty invented a seven-wheeled rotary fan.

Modern air conditioners can be dated back to 1902 when Willis Haviland Carrier invented air conditioning. Carrier, a resident of New York, attempted to figure out a way to reduce the humidity levels within a printing press in the city. He noticed that air tended to cool down when it passed over water-filled coils, which led to the first working model of the air conditioner. His invention controlled both the temperature and the humidity. Though his invention was intended for industrial use, air conditioners eventually found their way to residential applications.

Air conditioning has undoubtedly changed the landscape of how human beings interact with temperatures. It is now possible to be comfortable in 100-degree weather. In fact, the concept of a summer blockbuster is owed to air conditioning — people would flock to theaters during summer months to escape the heat, thus driving up ticket sales. Today, air conditioning plays a significant role in modern society; all the more reason to mark these days.

Here are some of the ways that air conditioning helps us

1. Reduces High Humidity

One of the most important health benefits of air conditioning is reducing your home's humidity. Living in a house that has less humidity means that unnecessary dampness is held at bay. *High humidity is linked to dust mites, mold, heatstroke and dehydration.

2. Reduces Asthma Attacks

For those who suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies, and other breathing related issues, being able to breathe is... a breath of fresh air.

One of the health benefits of air conditioning is the reduction of the chances of asthma attacks and an improvement of the general air quality within your home.

The filtration of dirty air that may contain things like dust mites, pollutants, allergens, pet dander, and other air quality issues are filtered out as part of the filtration process of an air conditioner. 

The above said, you will want to change your air filters from 30 to 60 days on average in order to get the best results from your air conditioner.

3. Better Air Quality

As mentioned before, an air conditioner really helps when it comes to air quality. It however does more than just help out with allergies and mold. It also helps keep some bacteria at bay.

You can think of your air conditioner as a cooler, high tech, Brita filter for air.

4. Reduce the Risk of Dehydration & Heat Stroke

Since dehydration’s cause is lack of water, one key factor that some forget to account for is sweat. Our sweat contains water from our bodies. The more you sweat, the more water you lose, and the more vulnerable you are to dehydration.

With heat stroke, you can obtain this illness when your body begins to overheat due to the surrounding temperature.

Both of these illnesses can be prevented by air conditioning. The cool air in your house will reduce sweating and lower your body temperature. Remember to stay cool on those crazy hot days.

5. Stop Insects & Parasites

People are looking for any method, tool or spell to put a stop to mosquito bites, ant invasions and house flies.

Not many know this, but your air conditioning reduces the number of insects and parasites. These pesky critters aren’t only annoying to deal with but also can transmit diseases.

A few ways air conditioners stop insects and parasites are by:

• Cooling your house to create a cool atmosphere for insects, who desire a warm climate
• Cooling your body temperature to make you less desirable for mosquitos, who enjoy warm body temperatures
• Creating a dry atmosphere for insects, who desire damp atmospheres

6. Decrease Work Stress

When you’re working, the last thing you need is added stress from the heat of a hot day. You can become unfocused and stressed due to the temperature of a room.

Creating a good work environment allows your workers to get their job done without the stress of turning into a melted popsicle.

7. Count Sheep, Not Sweat

What’s worse than a nightmare? A hot, sweaty sleep. Tossing and turning in your bed, flipping your pillow, and feeling around for any sliver of cold not yet absorbed by your body heat.

When you’re not able to achieve REM sleep, the restlessness of the previous night will carry into your day and cause you to be more tired and grumpy you.

The best way to maintain a cool sleep is by owning an air conditioner. Using your air conditioner at night lowers your body temperature for a more restful and cool sleep.

8. Odors & Fumes

Whether it’s fumes, dirty air, cleaning chemicals, or expired milk, air conditioning helps keep those odors and fumes at bay. 

By cycling out the smelly air with clean air, you’re destroying any smells or chemicals that can affect your health. 

9. Mold Growth

Without air conditioning, your room can become damp and wet. Which, allows your room to be susceptible to mold. The health benefit of air conditioning is preserving a dry atmosphere and thwarting any trace of mold.

10. Better Living

Smile! Maintaining a room with cool air makes for a happier home. Instead of complaining about how hot it is, you can take time to appreciate whatever you’re doing indoors.