All About Air Conditioning!

Over the past two weeks, I had a patient with severe COPD. Although she went home after the first week, she was readmitted soon after, giving me the chance to get to know her quite well. She was nervous about returning home, so I offered her some tips.

The Importance of Air Conditioning for COPD Patients

One suggestion I made was to have her husband crank up the air conditioner, ensuring the air in the house would be nice and cool when she arrived. It was a whopping 85 degrees outside with 77 percent humidity. Hot air tends to hold more water, which can make it harder for people with COPD to breathe and can act as a trigger for their condition, which is why I encouraged her to have her husband crank the A/C. I have given this tip before to my COPD patients, especially those with severe COPD. Air conditioning is essential, as it can help you avoid the exacerbation trigger of hot and humid air.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner: Window and Portable Options

If you do not have central air, window units work nicely. There is a wide array of A/C units that can be installed in windows. There are also portable air conditioners that can sit on the floor of your room and just need a small opening in your window. These tend to be more expensive, although I had one in the past, and it worked well.

The thing about window units and portable air conditioners is that you have to remove and clean the filter at least once every 1-3 months or as directed. This ensures the air you are inhaling is clean and free of germs and airborne particles that may trigger flare-ups. At the very least, it’s a good idea to have one of these in your bedroom or wherever you sleep. This ensures that you have at least one location in your house where you can breathe in fresh, cool air. If you get too hot during the day, you can retreat to this room to cool down. Having an air-conditioned space to sleep in is particularly important, as it helps prevent nighttime flare-ups by providing a consistent supply of clean, cool air.

Understanding Central Air Conditioning Systems

In my past, I have relied on window or portable air conditioners. They worked fine, although they tended to run up my electric bill. In my new house, I have a central heating and cooling system. Once it starts to heat up outside, I turn on the A/C and set it at a cool 70 degrees. This assures the air in my house will be nice and easy for my breathing.

In my last house I did not have central air, so it was a must for my new house. Sadly, after one summer of enjoying central air, my A/C unit quit working. I called a heating and cooling expert and he installed a new central heating and cooling system in my new house. It cost $9,500 before COVID. This was a huge hit to my budget. However, this newer unit is very energy friendly. I noticed right away that my energy bill when running the A/C during the summer was much lower than it was before.

I also learned some interesting things about air conditioning. Window units can be more efficient for cooling individual rooms, but if you need to cool multiple rooms, they can become less efficient and more costly compared to central air. Central air conditioning systems, while more expensive to install, are generally more efficient for cooling larger spaces evenly and can be more cost-effective over time.

Creating a Cool, Breathable Haven: A Patient's Success Story

My patient mentioned that her husband bought a window unit and set it up in their bedroom. She explained that her bedroom is spacious enough for her to walk around and get some exercise. Additionally, she has a large TV and plenty of books to keep her entertained. While she prefers to be out and about doing activities she enjoys, she now has a place to stay cool and breathe air that is easy to inhale when the weather gets too hot and humid. And this is one small step to help her stay healthy and out of the hospital.