Air Conditioning and Coronavirus

With the coronavirus, many people have been coming up with their own theories on beating the epidemic. For some people, they believe using the air conditioner can help ease the situation. According to some recent studies, however, this isn't the case.

A Shocking Discovery In China

In April, Emerging Infectious Diseases did a study on the coronavirus epidemic in China. Their main focus was a restaurant in the city of Guangzhou. They discovered nine people contracted the virus by sitting next to an air conditioner at a restaurant. These three groups of people were seated next to each other on the third floor. One unknown group traveled to the city from Wuhan, which is where the pandemic began. "We conclude that in this outbreak, droplet transmission was prompted by air-conditioned ventilation," the study said.

A Problem In The South?

With summertime in full swing, many people are using their air conditioners to cool off. Unfortunately, these devices have been the catalyst for a massive spread in the Southern parts of the United States. "The states that, in June, are already using a lot of air conditioning because of high temperatures are also the places where there’s been greater increases in spread of COVID-19, suggesting more time indoors as temperatures rise,” Harvard Medical School professor Edward Nardell said in a statement. "The same happens in wintertime, with more time indoors." One major problem with using air conditioners is how they recirculate air. Since they bring in outdoor air, there's a good chance droplets can work their way into your home. If you live in an apartment, those same droplets can work their way through vents.

More Ways To Stay Cool

If you're still looking to keep cool, there are great alternatives to the traditional air conditioner. Portable air conditioners and ceiling fans are perfect in these situations. While it's important to keep yourself safe, it's also important to not overheat your body.