Is air conditioning suitable for the bedroom?

Air conditioning in the bedroom - a good idea?

Air conditioning in the bedroom is especially tempting when the thermometer goes beyond the 30-degree mark and you are rolling sleeplessly back and forth on your mattress. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to cool off at the push of a button and to fall asleep at last? In fact, a cool room climate promotes a restful night's sleep and can help us sleep through the sometimes tropical temperatures at the height of summer.

However, you should still carefully consider the pros and cons before installing air conditioning in the bedroom. If operated improperly, there can be health risks, especially in the bedroom. For example, if the air conditioning is set too low, you will catch an annoying summer cold. A stiff neck, headaches or dried out mucous membranes can also be the consequences of incorrect use and make your life unnecessarily difficult. To make sure that you really benefit from the advantages of air conditioning, you should inform yourself thoroughly before your purchase. By the way, for the particularly efficient split units, you must first obtain permission from your landlord.

Caution is required, for example, with air coolers, which are often used in small apartments due to their compact design. These units work with the evaporation of water and thus achieve their cooling effect - but this causes the humidity in the room to rise continuously. This humidity can condense on the walls and promote the growth of mould. Therefore, it is sensible to avoid increasing the humidity in the bedroom.

Key features of a/c units

It all comes down to performance, of course! If you want to buy an air conditioner for the bedroom, you should pay attention to more than just the cooling effect. Take a closer look at the following features:

• Cooling effect and cooling power: before buying, consider what cooling effect you want. Should the temperature in the room be effectively lowered or is a cooling effect, for example through a cool air flow, sufficient for you? Look carefully at the operating mode of the air conditioner as well as the possible cooling capacity.
• Noise level: If the air conditioner is to be used in the bedroom and may also be operated at night, the level of noise it makes is a decisive factor. Often, the volume of air conditioners ranges between 50 and 65 decibels. For use in the bedroom, you should make sure to choose an extra quiet model that falls below the 50 decibels.
• Controlling: Depending on the model, air conditioners are controlled in different ways. The classic method is to operate them via remote control, but modern devices can also be controlled via touch display or an app.

• Functions: It is helpful to have a timer function, especially when using an a/c unit in the bedroom. For health reasons, it is better not to have the air conditioner running all night. With a timer, you can make sure that the device switches off automatically after the desired duration.
• Energy efficiency: Increasingly hot summers are on the horizon. On the one hand, this means that the investment in air conditioning can be worthwhile, but on the other hand, there are also operating costs associated with it. Therefore, look at the energy efficiency of the devices before you decide on a model.

Which types of air conditioners are there - and which one is optimal for the bedroom?

Not all air conditioners are the same. Depending on the type of the device, the way it functions is different. These are the different types of a/c units that can be used:

Split air conditioning unit

The term "split unit" already indicates the structure of this air conditioner: it consists of an indoor and an outdoor unit. Both parts are permanently installed and connected to each other via a hose. The purchase and installation are quite expensive, and in a rented apartment you must first obtain the permission of your landlord or landlady. The advantage of such a system lies in its cooling capacity, as it manages to spread pleasant coolness quickly and effectively.

Mobile air conditioning system

A mobile air conditioning system is a good solution for apartments, since it can be easily plugged into an electrical outlet and be used anywhere. Providing cool air in the living room first, then setting up the air conditioner in the bedroom to drive away the heat - no problem. In most cases, however, these devices have a much weaker performance than permanently installed systems, with a higher power consumption on top of that.  Also keep in mind that there must be a window or door to the outside so that the heat can be dissipated through the exhaust hose.

Air cooler

So-called air coolers are also mobile. Since they do not require an exhaust hose, they can be used in a completely flexible manner. Air coolers work with cooling packs, ice cubes, or cold water, which cool the room by evaporating the cold. Such a device is very quiet, but the cooling effect is rather small.

Which system is suitable for the bedroom?

Which air conditioner is best suited for the bedroom is above all a personal decision, starting with the spatial conditions and the financial means. A permanently installed split air conditioning system is powerful and cools quietly, but it is also expensive. A mobile air conditioner or an air cooler are cheaper, but also less powerful and can be quite noisy. Think carefully about how often you want to use the unit and what your budget is. One thing is certain: you should avoid a device that uses harmful refrigerants - especially in the bedroom. Moreover, regular maintenance is essential to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading throughout the room.

Air condition in the bedroom - tips for a restful night's sleep

• You should not start the air conditioning in the bedroom right before falling asleep, instead you should cool the room down gradually. A system with minimal operating noise is recommended, after all you don't want to be woken up by a loud humming noise at night! Quiet air conditioners are often advertised as "whisper quiet" - this corresponds to a volume of approx. 25 dB. An air conditioner with inverter technology can also run at low speed, which reduces the noise level pleasantly.
• Even if you sweat a lot in the evening or at night: Don't overdo it when you cool off! You should never set your air conditioning in the bedroom too low, so that the difference between the outside and inside temperature is not too great. A rule of thumb for air-conditioned rooms is a difference of 6-7 degrees Celsius.
• As tempting as the idea of cool air on the skin in hot weather can be: do not point the air stream directly at your body to avoid hypothermia. It is better to direct the airflow from your air conditioner upwards towards the ceiling. Devices with a timer function will switch off automatically after the time you set, so there is no risk of summer colds.
• In order to guarantee a hygienic room climate, it is important to service your device at regular intervals. If the air conditioner is in top condition, harmful microorganisms will not be able to spread in the bedroom. If you want to be on the safe side, you should rely on help from a professional and have the maintenance of the system carried out by a specialist.

Is air conditioning in the bedroom a good fit for me?

Air conditioning in the bedroom is an option for you? If you use it properly, it will provide a pleasantly cool room and wonderfully mild summer nights. However, high-quality air conditioners are not exactly cheap to buy, especially since there are additional electricity costs to consider for their operation. Before you decide to buy one, you should therefore think about whether there is any other way to cool down your bedroom. Thick curtains, airy bed linen and a refreshing smoothie just before bedtime can already work wonders. Proper ventilation also helps to keep the temperature in check by not letting the heat into your bedroom in the first place. Discover our tips for sleeping in the heat to help you get some well-deserved time out at night!