Yuma has more than its fair share of uncomfortably hot days, so it’s natural to assume that cooler air is healthier air. Cool air does have benefits, but the optimal temperature might not be as low as you think.
The Benefits of Cool Air
Moderately cool temperatures of between 60 and 67 degrees can help you fall asleep faster and awaken less often than anything outside that range. A cool bedroom is especially important for babies and young children, who can’t regulate their body temperatures as effectively as adults.
Cool air holds less humidity, which can benefit your health in several ways. While Yuma’s weather tends to be dry, excess humidity can still build up in your home from sources such as cooking and showering. Keeping your indoor humidity between 30% and 50% gives you healthier air by inhibiting the growth of fungal spores that can trigger allergies and bacteria that cause infections such as strep throat.
A cool home can reduce inflammation and muscle soreness by constricting blood vessels, similar to how an ice pack helps with these issues. For those with diabetes, moderate temperatures make it easier to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Maintaining Your Ideal Temperature
A home that’s too cold poses its own problems. Temperatures below 60 degrees can worsen some health conditions, such as asthma and cardiovascular issues. For most people, the ideal room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees.
In our hot climate, using your air conditioner efficiently is key to achieving cool temperatures and healthier air. Running your AC helps prevent high humidity. A programmable thermostat ensures you’ll return to a comfortably cool home even on hot summer days, yet without wasting money running the AC while you’re out. Installing an HVAC filter with a MERV between 8 and 13 helps your AC remove more dust, mold spores, and other allergens from your air as it runs.
For more tips on getting healthier air in your home, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company in the Yuma area.
