air conditioning

mike88 · #1 02-04-2009, 11:18 AM

Ive noticed in Santiago, not sure about the rest of the country that alot of big buildings I walk into are air conditioned. Im from massachusetts and i find myself wishing I brought a winter jacket when I go to the movies here. Im wondering if its just some sort of status symbol. Like its cool to be cold. Correct me if Im wrong though but it just seems a little ridiculous when there are daily power outages since air conditioners use ALOT of electricity. Im partly biased as I have always been kind of anti- air conditioning to begin with, and I understand that there are people in the world who are slightly more overweight than myself who tend to get more overheated. But you'd think people here would be used to the heat. But has anyone ever thought about banning air conditioning, for the sake of conserving energy in a country that already has energy problems. If it wasn't for the energy problems Id keep my mouth shut and deal with it but it just seems a bit ridiculous to me.

Chirimoya · #2 02-04-2009, 11:29 AM

I'm quite anti-air-conditioning myself but there are places where it is necessary. I agree that running it so high is ridiculous - we own some winter clothes for the sole purpose of wearing them to the cinema or taking inter-urban bus journeys.

We never use a/c at home but accept that guests from cooler climes who are not yet acclimatised may need it on occasions, and I am definitely an aircon user (on minimum setting) in cars.

pyratt · #3 02-04-2009, 05:33 PM

A/C may be used to keep mold and mildew in check, especially in tropical climates. Usually 80-82 degrees constant will keep the air dry enough, although not comfortable enough for some inside.

mike88 · #4 02-05-2009, 05:21 PM

Thats a good point about mold I never thought about that.

MikeFisher · #5 02-05-2009, 05:59 PM

i don't use a/c at home and in the car only when driving long distance, around PC it is open windows, likie that more.
agree on the OP that many places have the a/c much too high.
tomorrow i will take the expresso to the capital city and i sure will have my sweater with me foir the time on the bus, they cool the busses freaking down.
Mike