As the Gold Coast transitions into Autumn, many of us are still relying on our reverse-cycle air conditioners to keep the indoor climate comfortable. However, spending hours inside can sometimes leave you with dry skin, a scratchy throat, or an irritating cough. To fix this, a common piece of advice is to place a bowl of water near the unit. But does this old trick actually work? Why should we keep a bowl of water in an AC room, or is it just a myth? In this guide, we will explore why air conditioners dry out your space, whether a simple bowl of water can save your skin, and the best ways to maintain a healthy home environment.
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Why do air conditioners make the room dry?
To understand how to fix dry air, we first need to look at how an air conditioner works. When your AC is running, it pulls warm indoor air over freezing-cold evaporator coils.
During this rapid cooling process, the moisture (humidity) in the air condenses into water droplets, which are then drained outside your house. While this function is brilliant for reducing the muggy summer humidity on the coast, leaving the system running constantly can eventually strip too much moisture from the air, leaving the room feeling bone-dry.
Should you put a bowl of water in an air-conditioned room?
This brings us to the big question: should you put a bowl of water in your room to fix the problem?
The short answer is no, it doesn’t really work. Many people as “Why should we keep a bowl of water in an AC room?” because they believe the water will quickly evaporate and restore humidity. Unfortunately, the science doesn’t support this. If you leave a bowl of water in a chilled room all day, you will notice the water level barely drops. The evaporation rate from a still surface of water is simply far too slow to combat the powerful dehumidifying effect of a modern air conditioner.
While it won’t harm anything, relying on a bowl of water will not protect your skin or respiratory system from dry air.
What is the ideal humidity level for an air-conditioned room?
For optimal health and comfort, the ideal indoor humidity level should sit between 40% and 60%.
- Below 40%: The air becomes too dry, leading to cracked skin, dry eyes, irritated nasal passages, and a higher risk of catching airborne viruses.
- Above 60%: The air becomes too damp, creating a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and dust mites.
Maintaining this sweet spot is vital for your comfort and your home’s air quality.
How can you add moisture back into the room?
Since a simple bowl of water won’t cut it, here are the most effective, expert-backed ways to maintain healthy humidity levels:
1. Avoid using ‘Dry Mode’ unnecessarily
Most AC remotes have a ‘Dry’ mode (often represented by a water drop icon). This mode prioritises removing moisture rather than just cooling. During Autumn, stick to the standard ‘Cool’ or ‘Auto’ modes to prevent the air from drying out too fast.
2. Don’t set the temperature too low
Cranking the thermostat down to 18°C forces the machine to work harder, extracting more moisture. Keeping your temperature around 24°C to 25°C is much better for retaining natural humidity (and it saves you money on electricity bills!).
3. Use a dedicated humidifier
If you suffer from severe dry skin or sinuses, the best solution is a standalone humidifier. Unlike a stationary bowl of water, a humidifier actively turns water into a fine mist and disperses it throughout the room, raising the humidity to a comfortable level very quickly.
4. Add leafy indoor plants
Plants naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. Adding a few leafy green plants to your living space is a great, natural way to slightly boost indoor humidity while purifying the air.
Need expert help with your aircon?
If your system is constantly blowing out harsh, dry air, it might be time for a professional service or an upgrade to a system with built-in humidity control.
At DEEPCHILL, we are the trusted experts for all air conditioning Gold Coast needs. Whether you require tailored residential air conditioning Gold Coast installations for your family home or large-scale commercial air conditioning Gold Coast solutions for your business, we ensure your indoor air is always fresh, comfortable, and healthy.
Ditch the bowl of water today, contact the DEEPCHILL team to keep your air conditioning running perfectly!
