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I've had several Germans tell me AC makes them sick. Some complain that the air is stale. This is a big deal to Germans; most will open windows for fresh air ev

by Zak 12y ago

I've had several Germans tell me AC makes them sick. Some complain that the air is stale. This is a big deal to Germans; most will open windows for fresh air every few hours even in extreme heat or cold, claiming that the air is unbearable to breathe otherwise. Some complain that the rapid change in temperature when transitioning from a hot outdoor environment to a cool indoor one (which I find pleasant) is unhealthy.

nospecinterests 12y ago
It really helps to put in an air exchanger. If our office space didn't have one the stink would be unbearable in the summer. It also helps to change the filters every couple of months.
Udo 12y ago
There is a ubiquitous phenomenon in Germany, called "catching a draft". It's a real thing which as far as I can tell only befalls Germans, with physical symptoms and everything. On top of that and somewhat paradoxically they do believe you have to open the window every hour or so, even if the building is sufficiently ventilated in theory, otherwise they get headaches, complain of unbearable CO2 levels and/or a stinky atmosphere. For something to be unhealthy, it is sufficient to believe that it's unhealthy. Even though I was born in Germany, I never really understood these compulsions, but they do seem to run very deep (I'd say 50% of my German friends exhibit them on a level that can become disruptive). I suspect in theory the temperature variation experienced by going for a swim in a lake during summer (which is an activity generally enjoyed by Germans) should be larger than what you get from moving in and out of a properly air conditioned building. It probably depends hugely on individual lifestyle, but I think ubiquitous air conditioning would in fact reduce the temperature variations a person experiences during the day. Even in a country like Germany, people do tend to spend most of their time indoors or in their cars.
- seanmcdirmid 12y ago
  Sounds like Korean "fan death." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_death http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_death
  - jarek 12y ago
    Sounds like Western "MSG allergy" :)
- jinushaun 12y ago
  Not German, but man, that sounds like me. I must have the windows open 24 hrs—no matter the weather. I need fresh air.

by Zak 12y ago

nospecinterests 12y ago

It really helps to put in an air exchanger. If our office space didn't have one the stink would be unbearable in the summer. It also helps to change the filters every couple of months.

Udo 12y ago

There is a ubiquitous phenomenon in Germany, called "catching a draft". It's a real thing which as far as I can tell only befalls Germans, with physical symptoms and everything. On top of that and somewhat paradoxically they do believe you have to open the window every hour or so, even if the building is sufficiently ventilated in theory, otherwise they get headaches, complain of unbearable CO2 levels and/or a stinky atmosphere. For something to be unhealthy, it is sufficient to believe that it's unhealthy. Even though I was born in Germany, I never really understood these compulsions, but they do seem to run very deep (I'd say 50% of my German friends exhibit them on a level that can become disruptive). I suspect in theory the temperature variation experienced by going for a swim in a lake during summer (which is an activity generally enjoyed by Germans) should be larger than what you get from moving in and out of a properly air conditioned building. It probably depends hugely on individual lifestyle, but I think ubiquitous air conditioning would in fact reduce the temperature variations a person experiences during the day. Even in a country like Germany, people do tend to spend most of their time indoors or in their cars.

seanmcdirmid 12y ago
Sounds like Korean "fan death." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_death http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_death
- jarek 12y ago
  Sounds like Western "MSG allergy" :)
jinushaun 12y ago
Not German, but man, that sounds like me. I must have the windows open 24 hrs—no matter the weather. I need fresh air.