UNDATED (NewsDakota.com) – Recent research shows that air conditioning in schools has a positive effect on learning.

An increase in temperature of just 1°F correlates to a reduction in the amount learned by 1%, so during hot summer days, it’s well worth keeping classrooms cool. As well as providing an environment where students can thrive, air conditioning can be a lifesaver for anyone with breathing difficulties or lung conditions, especially during incidents where high levels of pollutants such as smoke are released into the air.

Relief From Rising Temperatures

According to the US Energy Information Administration, 87% of American homes have air conditioning. Unsurprisingly, southern households use their air conditioning more throughout the summer. However with temperatures in North Dakota hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit last year, the benefits of having air conditioning and being able to take respite from the sweltering heat are obvious. Units can be fitted by homeowners themselves or professionally installed by qualified engineers. Either way, they can improve air quality and comfort levels within the home.

Alleviating Symptoms Of COPD

Last summer, wildfires in North America and Canada seriously affected air quality in North Dakota. At the time, the Health Department warned against staying shut up in a house with no air conditioning, as this could create dangerously high temperatures within the home. For the 29,000 people living with COPD in North Dakota, breathing becomes more difficult in extreme heat, as the body is required to work harder and use up more oxygen in order to keep its temperature stable. This is why the The National Emphysema Foundation recommends staying indoors with the air conditioning during very hot and humid weather.

Helping Students With Asthma

It’s hard to think of air conditioning in schools when so many have recently been closed across the State due to the severe cold temperatures. However, schools have also had to close in the past because of excessive heat during the summer. Unfortunately, funding is not always readily available for upgrading air conditioning systems in public buildings, but the advantages for schools are numerous. According to The Environmental Protection Agency, 50% of schools have poor air quality. This can have a detrimental effect on all children but especially the estimated 11,000 students in North Dakota with asthma. Air conditioning removes allergens from the air, subsequently creating a more comfortable environment for anyone susceptible to experiencing difficulties with their breathing. In addition, studies have shown that by improving levels of comfort for all students, air conditioning can help increase concentration and levels of physical activity, as well as reducing dehydration.

Efficient air conditioning not only provides relief from ever-increasing summer temperatures, pollen and even smoke, but it can also turn a home or public building into a safe haven for anyone experiencing difficulties with their breathing. Now that units are becoming more energy efficient and easier to install, there are even more reasons to embrace the benefits of air conditioning.

Article by Lucy Wyndham