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Air-conditioner sales hit big freeze over winter
Shops selling air-conditioners saw their profits slump as the prolonged winter kept temperatures low over the past few months.
K Air-conditioning Shop was one of many in Vientiane that saw sales dwindle and takings decline.
“I hated the cool weather, because sales were really low,” said shop owner Mr Khe Phommaly.
He told Vientiane Times he had been able to sell only one air-conditioner since November and gave himself a headache wondering how he could boost sales.
Things got so bad he struggled to get to sleep, often not dropping off until sometime between 11pm and 3am. One night he didn't get to sleep until about 8:30am because he was worrying so much.
He admitted lack of sleep was a problem because it can make insomniacs irritable. To relax the body and calm the mind in this situation, he advised drinking fruit or vegetable juice. Alcohol, coffee, tea and large quantities of meat should be avoided, he said.
Mr Khe usually checks the weather forecast on Lao National TV and TV programmes from neighbouring countries.
The forecasts indicate the hot weather will return this month, which has made him feel much better, but he thought it was unlikely he would sell any air-conditioning units until March.
According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, temperatures in Vientiane yesterday ranged from 17-19C in the morning to 32-34C in the afternoon.
Last year hot season temperatures averaged 38 to 40C, and Mr Khe sold almost 20 air-conditioners each month from February to July.
“We like hot weather, and we hope the weather is very, very hot this year,” he said emphatically.
People buy air-conditioners for their houses because high temperatures make it difficult to sleep at night without some form of air cooling.
Houses and offices that are air-conditioned help families to sleep and ensure workers can stay alert at their desks when the mercury climbs.
With an air-conditioner on, people can sleep well because they can cool the room down to about 20C.
Mrs Duangdeuane from Dongphalanthong village in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, said she likes to keep the air-conditioner on in the hot weather so she can get a good night's sleep.
Another way she keeps cool is by drinking two to three litres of water a day.
As temperatures rise, those who can't afford air-conditioners turn on a fan near their bed and many leave a window open to let some cooler air in. But Mr Khe hopes you need a more efficient system and will soon be out hunting for a serious cooling device.
vientiane times
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