Every Malaysian office seems to have two types of people: the one wrapped in a jacket like they’re holidaying in Genting Highlands, and the one complaining that the air-con isn’t cold enough.
“Eh, can make the air-con colder or not? So hot lah!”
“Are you serious? I’m freezing already!”
Sound familiar? Whether it’s your colleague or your other half, the air-con temperature can become a surprisingly heated debate. But according to science, neither person is necessarily being dramatic.
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Your body has its own internal thermostat
Believe it or not, two people can experience the same room temperature differently.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), thermal comfort depends on several factors, including activity levels, clothing and the surrounding environment.
Our bodies produce heat through metabolism, but individual physiology and activity levels affect how warm we feel.
For example, someone returning from lunch at the mamak might feel warmer than a colleague who’s been sitting at their desk for hours.
A scientific review published in Building and Environment also examines differences in people’s thermal preferences.
So yes, your colleague who keeps a cardigan or jacket permanently at the office might genuinely feel colder than you!
Your seat might be the real villain
Ever noticed how the person sitting directly beneath the air-con vent is always reaching for a jacket?
Air movement affects how quickly our bodies lose heat. Someone beneath a strong blast of cold air may feel much colder than a colleague sitting away from the vent.
Sunlight, humidity and nearby surfaces can also influence thermal comfort.
Basically, two desks in the same office can feel completely different.
“Who turned the air-con down? I’m sitting in Antarctica over here… brrr!”
“But I’m sweating here!”
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And yes, couples aren’t spared either!
At home, the same battle continues.
“Why you set the air-con to 28°C? I cannot sleep wei.”
“Because I’m cold!”
Next thing you know, one partner is wrapped in a thick blanket while the other is secretly reaching for the remote.
Individual temperature preferences and direct airflow can explain why couples sharing the same bedroom feel differently.
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So, who actually gets to control the air-con?
Unfortunately, there’s no magical temperature that keeps everyone happy.
The ASHRAE thermal comfort standard considers multiple factors rather than prescribing one universal setting.
Try redirecting cold airflow, adjusting seating arrangements or finding a temperature both parties can tolerate.
After all, we live in a tropical country, yet somehow we’re bringing jackets to work and sleeping beneath thick blankets!
Who’s the real villain in your office or bedroom: the person hogging the air-con remote or the one constantly complaining it’s too cold? Tag them in the comments!
Also Read: Working 9-5? 21 M’sians Share Their Office ‘icks’ in Hopes for a Better Work Environment
