Because of how crisp cold air tends to be, it’s often considered cleaner than hot air. However, in reality, cold air is not always the healthier air.
Which Air Is Healthier Air?
Cold air often looks cleaner than hot air. However, several factors can make it less healthy than hot air, such as:
- Pollution. During the winter months, when air is colder, there’s an increase in pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter from wood burning. Idling cars to keep them warm or defrost them also increases pollution. Pollutants can also be trapped close to the ground because of temperature inversions during the colder months.
- Health problems. Keeping your home cold can cause health problems like common colds, pneumonia, increases in blood pressure, and heart attacks. The flu flourishes in cold, dry air.
Nevertheless, cold air has several health benefits to offer:
- Reduced allergies. Some allergies, such as those triggered by grass, trees, and wood pollen, decrease in cold weather.
- Boosts in brain function. Research has shown that people are less likely to undertake complex tasks during the summer. Your brain needs glucose to function. The hot summer air makes your body use more glucose to lower its temperatures. As a result, less glucose is left for recall and reasoning.
- Better immune system. According to research, frigid temperatures can activate your immune system. When your immune system becomes accustomed to cold temperatures, it enhances your ability to fight infections.
- A stronger heart. Exercising outside in cold air strengthens your heart muscles. After your body warms up, you can exercise longer in colder weather than in hot weather. However, if you’re at risk of developing heart disease, you should take care when exercising outside in cold weather. It can lower oxygen to your brain and increase blood pressure, stressing your heart.
Hot air and cold air have their advantages and disadvantages. Fortunately, you can consistently maintain healthier air in your home by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance and using superior indoor-air-quality products. For the best HVAC services and indoor-air-quality products in the Dayton area to ensure healthier air in your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
