Air conditioning: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, quite a lot, especially during the height of summer. In July and August, the temperature in my city can get unbearable, so I usually switch on the unit in my bedroom just before going to sleep to make sure I can actually rest.

Well, the main benefit is comfort. It keeps indoor spaces cool and helps people stay productive. For instance, when I am working from home, turning the AC on stops me from feeling sluggish and lets me concentrate on my tasks without sweating constantly.

I would definitely choose natural air whenever possible. Air conditioning can make the room feel quite dry, which sometimes irritates my throat. If there is a gentle breeze outside, I much prefer to just throw open the windows and let fresh air circulate around the flat.

No, not really. Back then, we only had a couple of standing electric fans. I remember my brother and I used to sit directly in front of them after playing football in the garden, and we thought that was more than enough to cool down.

I suppose so, largely because summers seem to be getting hotter every year. That said, I am conscious of the electricity bill, so I will probably try to rely on shade and good ventilation during the day before turning it on.