S'pore aircon 'winter in Siberia'

S'pore aircon 'winter in Siberia'
By Mustafa Shafawi | Posted: 02 March 2011 1503 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans are still finding indoor air conditioning too cold, with some describing the temperature in their offices as "Autumn in Seoul" and "Winter in Siberia."

This was what a poll conducted by WWF Singapore for Earth Hour 2011 uncovered.

As a result of the air-conditioning being too strong, many said they have faced health issues, such as flu, cough and dry skin.

Some 450 people were polled.

The aim was to determine how comfortable people currently are with air-conditioning temperatures in the country, in a bid to encourage individuals and organisations to set their air-conditioning temperatures at 24°C or higher.

Some 52 per cent of respondents felt that cinemas were too cold; offices and schools followed closely with 40 per cent indicating the same.

In order to keep themselves warm in cold offices or schools, most respondents wrap themselves in a shawl or wear a winter jacket (69 per cent), while others (another 25 per cent) would either go out for a walk in the sun, go to the washroom, or take a coffee break.

WWF said it is focusing on the message "24 degrees or higher" in Singapore for 2011, when it comes to air-conditioning settings.

WWF Singapore managing director Amy Ho said not only will this make for more pleasant temperatures indoors, it will also save significant amounts of energy across the country, contributing towards the fight against climate change".

Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm, on March 26, Saturday this year.

-CNA/wk

- wong chee tat :)