Fri 9 Feb 2024

Hobbies at home: Harnessing home comfort

There are numerous hobbies to do at home, and whether you already have one or are thinking about starting one, you'll be surprised how much indoor temperature and indoor air quality play a part. The right room temperature can enhance the experience, whether it's a yoga session, indoor gardening, or playing video games. By ensuring an inviting ambiance, you can fully immerse yourself in your favorite activities, making your home an ideal space for them. 

Defining the ideal indoor temperature for different activities

The ideal indoor temperature varies depending on different activities. Generally, for daytime activities, a comfortable number is 20°C or 21°C (68-70°F), adapting it to personal preferences and specific needs related to the time of year, where you live and are located. The balance of temperature, and relative humidity help define the ideal indoor temperature for various activities, however it’s always best to check local recommendations to ensure your choice is as efficient as possible. 

Home workout: What is the ideal temperature for indoor exercise?

When considering the ideal temperature for indoor exercise, such as body weight workouts, aerobics, yoga or even High Intensity Interval Training, it's important to balance comfort and performance. While fitness centers and spaces have specific HVAC requirements and expectations, that isn't the case for your home so it’s up to you. But there's one thing we can't deny, optimal thermal comfort, where one if neither too cold nor too hot, enhances exercise efficiency.

High temperatures can increase dehydration and muscle fatigue, whereas cooler conditions may boost endurance. However, extreme temperatures in either direction are detrimental. Adequate ventilation keeps oxygen and CO2 levels in optimal conditions. 

Pros and cons of working out in cold room temperature

Exercising in a cold room temperature has its benefits and drawbacks. On a positive note, a cooler environment can make it easier to regulate body temperature, meaning you can perform workouts without overheating. This can be particularly beneficial for endurance activities mentioned above, or dancing to music or performing mountain climbers or burpees. On the other hand, colder temperatures may increase the risk of muscle stiffness and injuries, as muscles might not warm up as effectively. 

Additionally, some people might find it harder to stay motivated in a cold environment when taking a pause between exercises. So, while working out in a cooler room can be refreshing and help prevent overheating, just remember to keep your body temperature up (and your motivation, too). 

Pros and cons of working out in warm room temperature

Exercising in a warm room has distinct aspects to consider. Warm temperatures can increase circulation and muscle flexibility, potentially reducing the risk of injuries and improving the effectiveness of your workout. However, exercising in a warm environment also raises your body temperature, potentially putting additional strain on your heart and lungs. This can lead to quicker fatigue and a higher risk of overheating causing dizziness or headaches especially for those not accustomed to such conditions. It's helpful to stay hydrated and be aware of your body's responses if you are about to exercise when it’s hot outside.

Home gym ventilation: Keeping a safe breathing atmosphere

Ensuring good air quality in a home gym or workout space is simpler than it seems. It's about keeping the air fresh and clean, which can be done in various ways. The easiest is opening windows to allow fresh air to flow in, however, should outdoor air conditioners be poor, you can help maintain indoor comfort using your home’s AC. If you do use your AC, then regularly checking, and if necessary, servicing any HVAC equipment in use and making sure the filters are clean are important. These steps will help you work up a sweat and beat your personal best more comfortable. Talking about ventilation and fresh air, one of the most popular home hobbies is all about breathing. We're talking about yoga.

Meditation and Yoga practice

Practicing yoga at home has several benefits, making it an appealing choice for many. It offers a convenient and personalized experience, allowing individuals to practice at their own pace and according to their own schedule. If you’re practicing yoga at home or are interested in taking it up, here are some tips to keep in mind

Ideal temperature for Yoga: How the ambiance affects your practice

The ideal temperature for practicing yoga indoors should be comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold, generally between 70 and 76 ºF (21-24 ºC). This range helps create an environment conducive to relaxation and focus, essential for yoga. The specific temperature might vary based on the yoga style and participants' preferences. For instance, some forms of yoga, like hot yoga, use higher temperatures – 90 to 105 °F (32 to 40 °C).

It's important to consider room temperature alongside other factors like space, lighting, and flooring to enhance the overall yoga experience. This thinking can be directly applied to our next hobby but for completely different reasons.

Indoor gardening and mindfulness: Nurturing and cultivating a mindful state

Indoor gardening can be a simple and enjoyable activity that helps foster a sense of calm and focus. Tending to plants indoors offers a way to connect with nature, providing a peaceful break from daily routines.

This gentle engagement can lead to a more mindful state, where attention is drawn to the present moment through the care of plants. The process isn't about big achievements, but rather about enjoying the small, quiet interactions with your indoor garden. It's a nice way to add a bit of nature and tranquility to your indoor space. Unlike some hobbies at home, getting the indoor ambiance and conditions just right can be tricky. 

 

Young woman in apron is watering houseplants at home.

Indoor plants: The ideal setting for a thriving environment

Indoor plants can brighten up your home, and to create your own indoor gardening room, start by planning what you want from it. Choose a suitable location, considering factors like natural temperature and available light. When outfitting the room, opt for plant-friendly flooring like ceramic or linoleum, add ample fluorescent or broad-spectrum lights, ensure good airflow, and introduce humidity with a timer-controlled humidifier. Select plants that match your room's conditions, water them weekly, and enjoy your flourishing indoor garden retreat. But what about temperature? 

Temperature for indoor gardening and plant growth

As we mentioned earlier, creating the ideal temperature for plant growth is a complex topic. Different stages of plant life need different temperatures. When plants are growing leaves and stems, it's best if it's around 25 ºC (77ºF) and a bit humid. When they start making flowers, it should be a bit warmer, around 28 ºC (82ºF), with less humidity. If it's too hot or too cold, plants will grow slower. You can easily create a green and luscious home garden, just keep an eye on the temperature and other things like light and food for your plants to grow nicely.

Cooking as a hobby: How does HVAC improve the experience?

In the context of cooking as a hobby at home, the role of HVAC in improving the overall experience is often overlooked. Even though we’re talking about cooking as a hobby, there’s no reason that the environment that you’ll be practicing recipes in shouldn’t be as comfortable (and as safe) as possible. 

Air conditioning in the kitchen: Benefits

Proper use of an air conditioner in the kitchen helps with:

  1. Air Quality: By keeping humidity and heat lower, reducing cooking odors and other airborne pollutants, the air quality will be better for cooking conditions
  2. Comfort: Moving air at the right temperature will help keep you cool and avoid any overheating, improving your focus as you perfect your dish
  3. Safety: The benefits mentioned above ultimately help improve the safety in the kitchen, especially when using high-heat cooking equipment.

For good air conditioning in your kitchen, remember to schedule regular maintenance for your system, consider proper ventilation when cooking, and, of course, find a model that offers energy-efficient operation.

Girl in father's arms helping him cooking at home

Kitchen temperature: Getting it right!

Finding the right kitchen temperature is a bit like making a recipe - you want it just right. Aim for a temperature between 18 and 20 ºC (64-68°F). This ensures that you're cooking and dining in a comfortable environment, not too hot, not too cold, but just perfect. And don't forget about kitchen ventilation! It's like adding a dash of fresh air to your cooking experience. A well-ventilated kitchen keeps things pleasant and prevents stuffiness. So, think of it as a simple recipe for your cooking hobbies – the ingredients are temperature and ventilation, and the result is a comfortable cooking and dining space.

Maintenance and care tips for ACs in kitchen

If you have an air conditioner in your kitchen, when it comes to keeping it in good shape, there are some simple steps to follow.

  • First, make sure to regularly clean or replace the air filters. This helps the AC work efficiently and keeps the air in your kitchen cleaner.
  • It will be necessary to schedule regular maintenance, depending on how often you use it, to make sure there is no unwanted dust or grease buildup. Also, they should check the drainage system for any clogs and ensure it's functioning properly.
  • Finally, consider placing a cover on the AC unit when not in use to prevent dust and debris from entering. 

These easy maintenance steps can help your kitchen AC stay in top condition for longer and ready for any occasion.

Playing video games: Setting the stage for fun 

Setting the stage for playing video games means also considering your computer's temperature. Just like how our bodies generate heat during activity, so do computers. Your CPU and GPU can easily get warm as they work, especially during resource-intensive activities like gaming. While it's normal for your PC to generate heat, overheating can be a concern. Signs of this include sluggish performance, noisy fans, and unexpected shutdowns. Keeping your PC or gaming device well-ventilated and dust-free can help maintain a safe and fun gaming experience. So, how can this be avoided?

Gaming in a computer room: Is there a safe temperature? 

When gaming in a computer room, it's useful to know the safe temperature for your computer. A good temperature range for your CPU is generally below 75ºC (167 ºF). It's normal for your computer to generate heat. However, if temperatures consistently rise above 80ºC (176 ºF), it could be a sign of overheating. To maintain a safe temperature, ensure good ventilation, keep the computer free from dust, and give it time to cool down after heavy use. When it comes to gaming, a comfortably cool room isn’t only beneficial to you, it’s also helpful in maintaining your computer functioning smoothly.

Couple playing video games in perfect temperature at home

How to keep your room cool while gaming 

To keep your room cool while gaming, focus on air flow and temperature. The ideal room temperature sits between 70 and 76 ºF (21-24 ºC), similar to other hobbies we’ve mentioned above. Use your air conditioner to help maintain the perfect temperature and environment. Don’t forget to use natural ventilation by opening windows and doors and allow air to circulate. 

Thinking about your computer, position your desk away from walls to help with air movement. Cleaning your computer from dust can also improve cooling efficiency. But if your gaming room doesn’t have a window or air conditioner, then consider installing a ceiling fan to enhance air circulation, especially in small or windowless rooms. 

Conclusion: Crafting the perfect climate for Hobbies and indoor activities 

In summary, with a huge selection of hobbies to do at home, each has their unique needs in terms of the ideal environment. Creating the right conditions, whether through temperature control, air movement or ventilation, enhances the enjoyment of these activities. It's about finding what works best for you in your space. 

Whether it's maintaining a comfortable temperature for a workout, ensuring good air quality while cooking, or creating the right environment for a long gaming session, the Hitachi residential air conditioner range is on hand to help.

For more information about how Hitachi air conditioners can greatly enhance your home and your enjoyment of it, simply follow the link
https://www.hitachiaircon.com/ranges/air-conditioning

Contact

Communications
Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning
JPN-pr_inq@jci-hitachi.com