Can We Beat The Heat Without Air-Conditioning? | Talking Point | Full Episode

[@Maestro47]

You can escape heat, but you can't escape humidity. 29c with low humidity vs 29c at high humidity is a huge difference. You can stand in the shade doing nothing and still sweat like a pig.

[@sonnymq]

As professionals, I'm surprised they didn't mention/measure the humidity, let alone still use a evaporative cooler!

[@nandingacejo]

@@sonnymq I was also surprised they recommended "Aircoolers". These appliances work best in hot, dry climates. But it would make the room more humid in tropical climates such as Singapore.

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@galegrazutis964]

Evaporatives coolers are useless in humidity ​@@sonnymq

[@bosoudang]

Fun fact pigs have no ability to sweat at all. It just another "king of the jungle"

[@NegnosK]

so many global experts consulted, high tech cameras used to measure temperature, but not a single mention about humidity Humidity affects evaporation and how hot or cold our skin feels the air, its a very important factor

[@mehere6189]

Air conditioning is a good dehumidifier 😅

[@agymayachelonia8381]

Yah!! Especially since NEA uses the wet bulb temp to gauge heat stress.

[@327legoman]

Well it would have been against their narrative, as a dehumidifier only works in an enclosed space.

[@Aivern]

Because is nothing much that can be done to affect humidity inside such a small space. That's why she still wants the aircon at the end because while 2 degrees is a big improvement, it's still fking uncomfortable.

[@alexzzz163]

That's y air circulation is important. Isn't it mentioned?

[@jasonlai1892]

Steven still looks the same after 2 decades. The voice, the hair. Ageless, timeless. Hope to see him host the CNA documentaries the next 2 decades.

[@blackhowl19]

20 decades is 200years do you mean 2 decades?

[@jasonlai1892]

@@blackhowl19 Thanks. Yes you are right. 2 decades. I better edit now to avoid misunderstanding.

[@charmainechin9249]

love his presence and personality! somehow seems so congenial and interested in all his interviews

[@jasonlai1892]

@@charmainechin9249 Agreed. Wish him and family good health and many blessing. His documentaries are very educational for me esp. things happening in Singapore.

[@MrBoliao98]

@@jasonlai1892 he part of the ageing Singapore. Everyone growing old, doing the work and no young people left to do.

[@Funkteon]

As an Aussie guy who partly grew up in the central desert and the tropics of Australia, I would gladly volunteer my time to help struggling Singaporeans in lower-income households escape the heat by helping them implement changes to their housing setup. I don't really need an income anymore as I run an online business, but I would love the opportunity to live long-term in Singapore to help folks in my favourite city in the world.

[@celestialstar124]

That's so sweet and kind of you

[@mehere6189]

That's mighty nice of you, I hope you get the chance to help people all over the world. I think even just sharing what your experience with passive cooling already starts to help. I hope Channel News Asia covers more of this too

[@zbatevp-vlogs610]

Humanity is starting to reap the fruit of industrialization. Climate change is decades-old topic but now people are really directly feeling the effects. This is definitely just not Singapore, there is an El Niño map.

[@yukiefromoz2573]

Do you have your own changes in mind or will you be following what these guys did?

[@cyclopsvision6370]

Trust me, Singapore does not need your help. The government has resources to make sure every resident has air conditioning if it wanted to.

[@jennycampbell5236]

Frozen plastic bottles of water in a bowl in front of a fan works great to cool air down. From Australia.

[@Emgee78]

I'd like to try this!

[@lucheeese]

Very effective for places with dry air

[@sootuckchoong7077]

Use ice to melt in water for bathing. Guaranteed cooler feeling.

[@dputra]

Your fridge probably produces more heat just to froze your water

[@tristan6509]

​@@dputrayeah but it's still cheaper than air conditioning. Not everyone can afford the electricity bills.

[@shkhadj3011]

I remember an episode already done on this yrs ago and it showed how aircons can actually contribute to the heat especially when the condensers are stacked up. I really appreciate that the estates have been planned with all these put into consideration. Other countries cld learn from us and i think we pioneer in this aspect.

[@Rav-pv2en]

What they failed to mention was that Bukit Timah has got all the rich people staying there. So, more place for trees and better living for the rich. Us staying in the HDB estates, we have to deal with it!

[@zaycee_4273]

That’s not very true

[@GeraldineKoh]

Steven mentions it at 6:41

[@libiskit]

​@zaycee_4273 low density with alot trees, that is the coolest. High density but alot of trees, ok manageable high density, next to industrial estate, few trees. the worst... cite me other examples if u don't agree

[@gotmyonu1027]

Now we know why the rich loves SG.... That goes to show how much SG govt loves the rich than poor

[@jj96432]

@@gotmyonu1027 every country likes rich ppl more than poor, it's all capitalism and no shame in that

[@trishtan]

I lived in bedok surviving the heat for the past 30years only recently install aircon + ceiling fans in all my rooms. Realised that i don't rely that much on aircon only turn on when necessary but ceiling fan is a MUST once i stepped into the house. Highly recommend to install ceiling fan not only energy efficient, cost saving, save the space unlike standing fan and so much easier to clean as compared to orbit fan.

[@rassoronmore8931]

I live in Karachi, a coastal city, with very hot and humid summers. With just the fan on we’re still uncomfortable, like you move around a bit and you start sweating. So air conditioning definitely helps cool the rooms, fans don’t do that much, but air con is expensive.

[@happycook6737]

Agree that ceiling fans are a must!

[@alphacentauri6360]

Just install the aircond - and use it wisely

[@ultragarrison]

yes ceiling fans are the best. it helps to regulate air flow alot better

[@tnductai]

the irony is: air con reduces heat inside the house, but increases the heat outside of the house, so that area as a whole will have higher heat.

[@ABC-ed8cg]

Yes!! The episode is very badly bad. Aircon is only exacerbating the environmental crisis! More fossil fuels are needed to power the aircon. The result is endless vicious cycle of rising global temperatures. Ppl should get creative on how to keep cool. And also ppl should stop procreating! I’m an antinatalist & an advocate of VHEMT. Nobody needs to have 3 kids, single mum or not. Humans are the driving force of the environmental crisis. Everyone thinks their 2 kids won’t make a dent. Think about the cumulative effect of billions of others who are also procreating. 2500 soiled diapers alone are thrown out in just the first year of ONE baby. Not to mention the carbon footprint of every human for the entire lifespan. Obese ppl also tend to feel sweatier and hotter. When I go into malls with aircon, I always wear a cardigan, but some fat ladies will still be carrying a little fan with their trotter hands.

[@bensumw]

Yes ! Nobody seems to mention this fact because all they care about is themselves.

[@wini6283]

This is true

[@tnductai]

@@wini6283 law of entropy, simple as that

[@weepeng]

@@bensumwisn’t that human nature? You don’t care for yourself first?

[@DALLEY_SANI]

As a northshore resident, the flats here are built not too close to each other and we are near to the sea which provides the cooling wind as opposed to other estates.

[@faiveorent]

but sometimes got smell from pasir gudang, the wind blow polluted air over, air purifier screaming for clean air 😕

[@MrBoliao98]

​@@faiveorentno joke, I was in Seletar Camp, had 2 gas leaks when I was there.

[@ezekielk.3629]

+toxic fumes

[@evolution8662]

Yess.... You're living in paradise.......

[@ymhktravel]

But leaving near the sea also means you get evaporated salt content sticking to your household items, and on metal, it also rust faster.

[@alinasimon6399]

Sleep on the bare floor. Clean the floor first. Place thin cotton sheet. Shower first before sleeping. Drink barley water boiled with pandan leaves. Shower frequently. I use ceiling fans instead of air conditioner.

[@winters4960]

As a fellow tropical & archipelago citizen who is living in Indonesia, we need to raise the talk about humidity. Bet some of us have never heard about RH level. We are living in high humidity level places, yet we rarely hear peoples complain about this. With the same temperature (24-27), but a slightly lower RH level can make us feel more comfortable "to live with".

[@UncleY4nn]

This. 👆

[@sleepyhealer]

I learn of something new today

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@AR-ek1jr]

Yeah but even now that you're talking about it, i think most people don't understand what you're talking about. RH refers to relative Humadity- the amount of moisture in the air.

[@UncleY4nn]

@@AR-ek1jr Yes! There’s rH (relative humidity), because the warmer air gets, the more water/humidity it can store. Relative humidity is important to understand if water can evaporate (=create cooling) or not. If there’s already 100% of water in the air, it cannot evaporate/cool. The higher the humidity, the slower the evaporation/cooling. If rH is 70-80% like in SG, it’s very difficult for water (or also sweat!) to evaporate/create cooling. That’s why it takes so long for clothes to dry here and also why the body generates more sweat (trying to cool down more) and we feel sticky. Do you think that explains it better?

[@lameimei]

hot is not a issue, is the high huminity

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@willybilly99]

Seems English is the issue here. 😅

[@ewenjaja5963]

@@willybilly99humidity*. There i volunteer to correct for her. Dont have to shame others prick. Go get a fking life

[@mehere6189]

I think cooling things down will still solve the issue, even with high humidity. But yeah, lower humidity is more comfortable and healthier. Ironically the humble aircon is a good dehumidifier.

[@Mars-nr3mb]

Anyone who buys wood products/uses wood decorations in Singapore is crazy, unless he is able to afford those extremely expensive solid wood from Europe, Western/Central/Northern Asia.

[@wez1925]

The family needs the following: 1) Get rid of the cloth in the door so it wont block the air and install a 2nd hand steel gate so they can leave the main door open. 2) Install a Ceiling fan in the bed room and living room 3) Install exhaust fan on one of the end of the house to suck out heat and create wind flow 4) Have plants outside without blocking the windows and some inside too 5) Talking Point could have ask sponsorship from Uniqlo and sponsor the Mom & kids with Airism clothing and wear oversized clothes for comfort 6) Also sponsorship from Ikea for additional cabinets for clothes 7) 6 months sponsorship for a free lunch dish/ meal in a hawker so they will have their daily exercise to get the food 8) Have the kids get a very short haircut or buy an electric trimmer and have Fiona trim the hair of her kids. 9) Put the stove at the back with the exhaust fan

[@KelvinSG]

Excellent points. Turn that pigsty into a proper home.

[@peterming]

@@KelvinSGwhat caught my eyes is actually the meals they ate during the interview: fast-food, fries, sugary drink, and fried luncheon. 😭

[@huiting580]

@@peterming yeah that caught my attention aswell, that definitely can't be healthy.

[@apb1441]

The unhealthy food also increases blood pressure and obviously increases body fat levels which in turn makes you hotter

[@farasyahandmade7597]

I second these fantastic points! What they don't realize aircon will make your bill skyrocket and insustainable in the long run.

[@nikibowe]

lmao the honestly of the homeowner, all those academics with their fancy equipment, simulations and solutions cant beat a good old aircon

[@ABC-ed8cg]

Usage of aircon is only exacerbating the environmental crisis and creating a vicious cycle of warmer temperature due to global warming. Be creative. Eat healthily so won’t grow fat. Fat ppl tend to feel sweaty and hot.

[@Theodore2303]

I think the intention is to show viewers that a rearrangement of furniture can sometimes be sufficient to provide lower room temperatures ❤

[@nikibowe]

@@Theodore2303 how many of us at home can replicate what they are doing tho. how many people have thermal cameraas, that wind measuring device, the misting thingy etc to rearrange our furniture in a way that can cool down our house? unlikely anyone is going to hire an expert to come to their house just for that, and the people that have the money to do so already have an aircon

[@2iiAaron]

@@nikibowe hey there, engineer here, one easy way to do this is to to get some ice cream from chateraise, they will give you a dry ice pack with it. Drop that dry ice (using chopstick, don't use hand) into a container filled with water, it will give you the same effect albeit less cool and less apparent.

[@spongebobubu]

And ironically the aircon blow hot air into the outside…raising the temp outwidev

[@rashminable]

I feel cool in my small flat in boon keng without aircon (i also have the luxury of living on a high floor) but i didn't realise how much the lack of clutter and mindful material choices make to my comfort levels. Very insightful and hopefully people feel empowered.

[@billyoon47]

Could someone advise Fiona to prepare more foods with green leaves instead of canned luncheon meats and French fries then her eldest and the third boys can reduce their skin issues, bad foods bring bad body reactions.

[@lc5176]

can maybe lose some weight in the process too...

[@zekt98arius]

perhaps you could teach Fion simple healthy dishes that she can prepare in her situation?

[@celestialstar124]

She can also go down buy cai fan for her son. As someone who cook, i believe she didn't include veggies because they turn bad within 2 to 3 days. She is lazy to travel out of house even for air con. I do think her size make it harder for her to go marketing daily or even buy cai fan for 2 meals a day. Her teenage sons are big enough to do marketing or buy cai fan thou.

[@joylee007]

I think this is how people with low-income make ends meet, we should not be so quick to judge without knowing the full circumstances

[@thunder05kokey13]

Maybe the childen dont like vegies..

[@helen661]

I have visited two room flats before and they were well maintained, uncluttered and airy.. this mom's housekeeping needs improvements, cleaning and proper planning... The air con is just to fix the heat but cleanlines of house and air con servicing are different matters.

[@ABC-ed8cg]

Her diet also. She’s feeding her kids toxic food and she’s wondering why they have eczema. You’re what you eat. I eat clean food like smoothies blended from scratch at home. She’s feeding her kids processed food with absolutely no nutrients-- luncheon meat and French fries. Nobody needs to have 3 kids, single mum or not. Humans are the driving force of the environmental crisis if you don’t already know. Everyone thinks their 2 kids won’t make a dent. Think about the cumulative effect of billions of others who are also procreating. Obese ppl also tend to feel sweatier and hotter. When I go into malls with aircon, I always wear a cardigan, but some fat ladies will still be carrying a little fan with their trotter hands.

[@crazygambler920]

To be honest- healthy food is expensive

[@iamjaydennn]

​​​@@crazygambler920Stir fried cabbage, some self-marinated chicken, eggs and rice, how much would it cost? More than McD?

[@celestialstar124]

@@crazygambler920 cai fan for 2 veggie and 1 meat is only $3. The cost of what they eat in this video is enough to buy 4 cai fan already.

[@radziahismail8376]

@@ABC-ed8cg the fast food that her kids were eating are not cheap too you know..

[@7error8lade]

I would love to open my windows but the smoking neighbours just forbid me from doing it... 😭

[@silcosilva]

Maybe invest in an air purifier and dehumidifier, there are models that have both built-in... Staying on a low floor, I have to deal with smoke from vehicles, cigarettes and joss paper/incense sticks almost on a daily, and since I got an air purifier and dehumidifier plus a ceiling fan, it has helped a lot when I have to shut my windows...

[@Kylelongwest]

I sleep with my window open. I'm glad my neighbours don't smoke. The morning feel so nice

[@RonLarhz]

Same!!! Bloody smokers. How come they dun die from lung cancer smthg but live long and cause health problems for non smokers with their 2nd and 3rd hand smoke.

[@tankman20064]

Spray baygon

[@evolution8662]

Not only that... The stupid noise from outside.........

[@Networkprofessor]

Amazing show. Helping a single parent household is touching. Great job. I learned a lot.

[@ociiu]

It's not the heat but the humidity. I live in Arizona and it's 45c and I don't sweat

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@eddyr1041]

45 is insane😅😂

[@goldkwi]

Dry heat and humid heat can differ a lot too. Dry heat apparently feels like laser beams on your skin

[@mehere6189]

Yeah, even in Texas the summer sun burns but I don't sweat. But do you go to bed at noon under the 45 degree heat under the sun?

[@ImagesOfCountries]

Yea, the dry air there quickly evaporates the sweat... and evaporation itself is a cooling process... thus it feels good... 😊

[@Re.gentlefeelings]

I'm a Singaporean and lived almost 20 years of my life without aircon (it was spoilt and my family couldn't be bothered to fix it). I'm 29 now and only recently got aircon as we were renovating and there was a 300$ climate voucher lol so why not. I still don't use the aircon as much as I thought I would so I'd say we can definitely beat the heat without AC (but maybe I'm just used to it).

[@kenpeace12]

I'm Malaysian living at Sarawak. After watching this video, it made me appreciate how comfortable I am currently living with just being able to use Aircon, and combined with lower average temperatures compared to Singapore. I guess it really matters to use the space to develop the area whilst considering the wellbeing of the people living there, especially heat management. Cause we all know how uncomfortable it is having to deal with heat stress.

[@This.Is.AngelaBloom]

Ceiling fan is not that expensive, works better than standing fan.

[@daveb3987]

Definitely. SG govt should offer free installation, buy yourself a ceiling fan and book an installation appointment.

[@HurricaneBacklash]

@@daveb3987 I'd take that over the tongue-in-cheek 'Climate' Vouchers

[@MrBoliao98]

​@@daveb3987 when I was 20 after army, my part time salary, I got my ceiling fan installed. If you can't even do that, shame on you.

[@Neutralears]

usually ppl dont install them coz ceiling fan is harder to clean. If you are lower income, its hard to hire cleaners so its usually easier to just clean standing fans

[@MrBoliao98]

@@Neutralears what world you living in that you hire cleaner to clean a ceiling fan?

[@Willowox]

With evaporative air coolers you need really good ventilation, otherwise it will drastically raise the humidity in the environment. In the context of Singapore, it will make one feel even warmer and extremely sticky.

[@cuckoonut1208]

Air coolers work in dry weather.

[@matthewsachaullymce279]

agree with you, the water cooler will higher up the humidity inside the room, the risks are Pneumonia and Molds buildup

[@nuffaildaniaelle977]

And they might need 1-3 units of dehumidifier to trap those moist

[@Dominus_Potatus]

exactly my thought... evaporation is endotermic, meaning absorb heats. But to evaporate ... you need low humidity. Same reason if you spray water in AC room, it will feel really cool and if you spray the same water in Sauna, it will feel really hot.

[@matthewsachaullymce279]

@@nuffaildaniaelle977 never seen a dehumidifier that not produce heat … 🙄

[@andrejakobsson5790]

Love how they do this report riding around in a gas guzzling Range Rover haha

[@Jay-ru2cw]

Enjoyed this insightful episode and talking point. Well done Steven and the production team for a great job. Hope the team can look into what other ways the government and organizations can do to help combat the rising heat in Singapore.

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@UncleY4nn]

Hope the team of experts updates themselves on some simple physics and working principles first.

[@NESLO-e8c]

Wtf is this retardation? They are recommending humidifiers to cool your house in a humid climate? Good luck with the mold and suffering from the humid air.

[@basicbot7349]

It’s truly appreciable that the issue has been brought to light, however, such quirky ideas as furniture changes doesn’t make a huge difference.

[@zestiny_]

you're crazy. a room going from 90 Fahrenheit to 83 Fahrenheit is amazing from just moving furniture. Those temps feel insanely different

[@zekt98arius]

huge differences often consist of many small steps added up, and this is one small step

[@nerfmia]

Bro talking like he’s fion

[@ewenjaja5963]

@@zestiny_amazing??? I stayed around fion stayed and its still hot and humid with less item i have in my room. Dont just assumed just by watching the video. Its really bad here. Even the water its hot without the heater on

[@wangjinwen7708]

Trust me, within a week it wiil be back the same way it was before. Its not about what they need. Its about what they dun need. Its about culture and education

[@PS-qx6mw]

Confirmed.

[@adlandaniel2722]

Truly agreed. It is the lack of diacipline and attitude. Not the lack of “aircond”.

[@evolution8662]

So what do they need???

[@ABC-ed8cg]

They definitely don’t need luncheon meat and French fries. Not with their size. The poor diet also contributes to or at least exacerbates their eczema.

[@_graiderz2462]

​@ABC-ed8cg whats your food suggestions?

[@58Odyssey]

I grew up without air conditioning in our 3 room hdb flat. Open windows and fan to create draft. Got use to it. Was the climate cooler than now I cannot say but what I can say is that during those time we have had water rationing because reservoir level went low.

[@MrMechula]

yes same didnt have aircon until end of poly in 2019 when the heat just got too bad, every night sweating unless it rains, one factor would be the climate second would be the number of people that are now using aircon..

[@AverageAufa]

also like the video states, depends where you live it might be hotter or cooler. which floor u stay in also affects the heat… i live low floor right next to the road on both sides and no tall trees

[@ewenjaja5963]

Stay here in taman jurong see u how feel. Cibai talk nothing bo

[@celestialstar124]

@@ewenjaja5963 only know how to 78 here and 78 there. You not born from 78 ah?

[@itsjustabigailify]

Advocator of ceiling fans too! You get more coverage, less clutter and get to use a remote at the comfort of your bed :) - its not too exp our family uses Fanco - cheaper than KDK and you get the right power at lower price

[@MrBoliao98]

Firstly I think die also I use KDK, it's worth the money, it can last 30 years. Second, can use canvas bed, like the old days.

[@vidyanair123]

So you're a fan of fans....

[@hayley4032]

I live in an apartment with a balcony in Hong Kong where there is relatively good open space and I would say that rotating fans are better for flats simply because ceiling fans seem to circulate hot air. Great for reaching smaller spaces with the AC on but if we're talking ceterus paribus then a regular ROTATING fan would be the best for air flow since apartments(depending on where you're facing and the density of the buildings) tend to have much less circulation This seems to be why ceiling fans are popular in restaurants but relatively uncommon in apartments. I have one but it is rarely used

[@mehere6189]

I'm not a fan of ceiling fans :) They just blow the air downwards. It still circulates within the apartment when you don't open the windows. It blows HOT air from the top of the ceiling down, so it just spreads more dust everywhere. They also make lamps flicker unless you get expensive ones that have the lights below them. DIRECTIONAL fans are important to direct the air to flow where you want it to. For example, blowing hot air OUTSIDE the house, instead of just circulating it up and down.

[@LapisandHamtarolover]

I remembered my primary school used to have a mixture of National Panasonic, KDK and Fanco ceiling fans.

[@AR-ek1jr]

Buy a good ceiling fan. My room feels air-conditioned with just a ceiling fan. Standing fan takes up space, my home used to have more than 10 of those, made a switch to ceiling fan, best decision of my life.

[@bakkwa8705]

I have a phobia that the ceiling fan might crash down on me whilst I am sleeping 😱

[@AR-ek1jr]

@bakkwa8705 don't put ur bed underneath it. The blades may fly out, but it's just plastic.

[@celestialstar124]

Yes i only switched to ceiling fan a year ago. The difference is huge.

[@AR-ek1jr]

All these people talking smack about ceiling fan, defending how standing fans are better, never had a ceiling fan before. Also, don't buy those fancy KDK or Prism fans. My friend bought a KDK for like 400+, i swear my cheap ass Fanco feels way stronger.

[@bakkwa8705]

@@AR-ek1jr Yah , I agree . I have 2 KDK ceiling fan in my living room and dining room rooms , performance is so so only . We use standing fans in all the bedrooms for safety reasons .

[@Thatshoudbeme12]

For me I am very happy with a fan no complaints

[@kevinnguyen163]

I am living in a 12m2 HDB room without air conditioning in East Coast. It's been 2 year since I moved to Singapore from Vietnam. I appreciate the building density, greenery coverage and the control over private transport. It helps a lot. You will feel it when you come to other cities that are not very well structured, less well developed like Hanoi. It just feel more comfortable here.

[@UncleY4nn]

14:30 I find the advice to use an air cooler very misleading, and even harmful, especially in a humid climate like Singapore. It will increase the humidity even further, up to 100%. Also, the cooling only happens when the water can evaporate. This is the case when humidity is low. At 100% humidity, the water cannot evaporate, hence only increasing the moisture in the room. This will not at all lead to a cooler house but to a house with mold.

[@uhli4893]

While it's generally not within the control of the residents, the direction of the flats play a huge part how warm or cool the interiors are. For example, where does the afternoon sun hit? Do the general prevailing winds flow (depending on seasons) against the front/back of the block or at the sides? Any way to channel these air flows into the house? Ceiling fans work well. They should also consider getting more air movement within the house by either getting a circulator fan to blow air out of the house so that there is air movement. I'm also surprised that the cooler fan thing was recommended - they only work in dry conditions. Condensation actually increases the heat felt on the skin (as opposed to evaporation which does cool things down). We recently bought a gel mattress, which does feel cooler when sleeping on it. I live in Singapore but I do not sleep with the air con on - unless it's way beyond tolerance (seldom) or if the haze is back. I just sleep with less clothing on. Perhaps HDB need to consider wind catcher towers used in the middle east or cooling tubes used in Earthships as possible methods to cool down the living areas. And structures to block the direct sun. Some form of an outer skin/ envelope.

[@icilike]

Yup I agree. Opening your windows and doors will help with the airflow and definitely less clutter. I have the privilege of living at the featured Northshore. Thank you architects!

[@Kylelongwest]

Plus less prone to mold growing

[@meiLiu1227]

Hahaha, I live in Ang Mo Kio

[@dadanger]

They may have eczema not from the sweat buy from the foods they eat

[@scarleto3231]

Maybe you are right but while the meal we saw wasn’t the healthiest of choices. I want to give the mother the benefit of doubt. The McDonald’s may be a treat from the film crew. She is a single mother with 3 children living in (I assume) a 2-rm flat. Her financial situation is probably not optimal. Most people would like to eat healthy but let’s face it, the poor cannot afford the healthier options, fresh meat is way more expensive than luncheon meat, for example. I hate to question her food choices for her family because she came across as a loving mother and she may be doing her best with limited resources. Food, utilities, school, basic needs… think of all her expenses. Who is to say we would not make the same choices if we found ourselves in her situation.

[@evelynlim6230]

Think Fion’s eldest son is a special child . More welfare supports for the family is needed. But, the rest of boys are big enough to help mummy with house chores. Once you tidying up the area with a proper declutter will ease the heat and better hygiene for their skin condition. Anyway , I am so grateful that I able to use the air con and air purifier every single day ❤ counting my blessings ❤

[@jkjy6471]

💯

[@Hippodude5]

That's mean. What makes you think so?

[@vapourkl5324]

@@Hippodude5 You didnt notice the Hentai drawing ?

[@RonLarhz]

What education? throw "ipads" to kids only.

[@AwesomeCract]

looks like turritopsis dorhnii teo en ming

[@jay-jaydavids59]

In South Africa and its summer. In my room when it was a really hot day its hard to breathe at night and sleep. Sometimes I go sleep on the bathroom floor. Its nice there.

[@jasxteo]

the mother and children should learn to keep the house clean and clutter free. Everything is dumped around and they even sleep with rubbish on the floor. Of course it is hard to get the wind to circulate. As long as you keep things clean and off the floor, even a small house can be well ventilated.

[@navinkumarpk86]

High fire risk.

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

Easier said than done… Single parent household, mum will be very tired after a day of work. Not easy having to deal the kids after, much less having additional energy to housekeep..

[@alekto101]

i think this is a side effect of the chinese culture of treating male children highly over female children. that by being a male exempts them from house chores. the mother should have trained her sons that they should pitch in their part in maintaining the household. especially in their case that they are a one parent household and that one parent can't do all those things/chores by herself.

[@aizatnorman]

​@@alekto101 this is so true, then can't get GF because never lived a day as a dependable male let alone male partner. in the end buy anal beads and PCC until die.

[@djm2189]

​Wrong. One day off to get it situated and then discipline the kids. I'd know, I grew up poor and most of my extended family was poor. We still lived a better, cleaner, and healthier life than same income households with less kids. Now many of us have great careers meanwhile many of the kids of pushover parents are min wage👌🤌 be a parent not your kids friend.

[@shurakishi4707]

There are also things which can be done like installing solar films on windows. Most of us would keep windows closed or at least some windows closed when we go out of the house to work in the morning. Glass windows are a recipe for trapped heat via greenhouse effect. Nanoceramic solar films can cut IR heat at least 90% down and contribute to much less trapped heat.

[@quasimodo7753]

but they can be very pricey, depending on brands. not many or are willing to fork out a couple of grands, but true, solar films work well

[@shurakishi4707]

@@quasimodo7753 not true as you can DIY and buy similar 3M films on shopping platforms like taobao for a very low price

[@shurakishi4707]

@@quasimodo7753 you don't really need much money if you buy the solar films yourself from shopping portals and DIY it by cutting it to size and then pasting it on the windows

[@mehere6189]

Great suggestion! Now if only the window contractors or the HDB MCST can give this to the rental flats.

[@Kylelongwest]

The family needs to get rid of unused stuffs. I learnt to not get attached to any item, be a minimalist so you have space to live and grow.

[@Humorousguy64]

Lots of litters all over the house .. they need to be more hygienic

[@kayabutter2883]

With 3 boys in a 2-room rental, I don't think there's much improvement that can be done with that amount of space for a single mum with 3 kids. But yeah maybe they can get rid of the big unsightly tables, and just have the kids hold up their reading materials in the air while studying. Or just go buck naked! That way you wouldn't need a place for clothes. And think of all the space the 3 boys could enjoy in the bedroom by sleeping upright instead of being spoiled enough to want mattress space. Endless possibilities with minimalism!

[@celestialstar124]

Usually the more poor the perso is, the more of a Hoarder they will be.

[@ewenjaja5963]

Cibaiii dont anyhow judge. A single mother responsible for 3 kids u think its easy?? U dont think she has to work and takecare of herself too? Nabeii. Help and talk less cibai

[@mpha315]

@@kayabutter2883 They can use bunk beds

[@yuyun9486]

Last month, 2 big trees opposite my block Hougang street 51 were cut down. I dunno why they cut the tree that stands 15 m far from the building. Now the heat and noise from the road is getting worse.

[@Randi-h5q]

Perhaps in the evening, it would be a good idea just to open up the windows fully and blast the fans just to vent out the hot air from the rooms - the Germans do something similar caused Stoßlüften ("Shock Ventilation"). Just doing this for 20min can make a huge difference to the room temperature. The use of ceiling fans and exhaust fans can further complement this.

[@Loki-fl1rk]

We have cooler nights in Germany, though.

[@alekto101]

i think that might not be applicable in this case because it looks like their bedroom is facing the HDB hallway so there won't be any privacy if they open up their bedroom window hence the show's solution of switching the curtain for blinds.

[@ABC-ed8cg]

@Loki-fl1rk Singapore is not that hot at night. Even during day time, I don’t turn on aircon. Ppl should get creative in keeping cool and not just rely on aircon. Using of aircon only exacerbates the environmental crisis and global warming.

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

@@ABC-ed8cg 😂😂🤣🤣

[@Loki-fl1rk]

@@ABC-ed8cg oh, I am absolutely not a fan of aircons, I don't have one either. I was going by the info of this video, where they say it's not getting much cooler at night in between the buildings and I think it is unfair to judge other people who might not have the same option as I do. If it does get cooler, yeah cross ventilation is the way to go

[@setsuro.splice]

here's a thing that people should know and i don't know why nobody is even mentioning it. In climate such as Singapore where the humidity is high, an air-cooler that cools you via evaporation is literally redundant. Air coolers works best in dry climates where the humidity levels are low. I'm so confused why people are still selling/buying such products. It boggles the mind. Essentially, buying a simple fan beats buying an air-cooler, which if you think about it... is just a pimped-out fan. Not only that, but if you use an air-cooler, you're introducing even more moisture into your already humid room. You're buying features that are not only redundant but might make things worse. Oh... and not to mention the HUGE difference in price. Sheeeeesh...

[@winters4960]

Country with 90% humidity level being introduced to water evaporation cooling system. Dehumidifier: Am i Joke for you? wkwkwk

[@UncleY4nn]

💯

[@tongology5301]

And the advice to get an air cooler came from "experts" who should know better. Makes you wonder if they really are.

[@Littlelamb86]

i live in malaysia and i use an aircooler.I usually use it without the water and it's much much cooler than a fan. When the heat get's bad I turn on the water function and it's just as good as an aircond with cheaper electricity bill and less additional heat from the compressor.

[@UncleY4nn]

@@Littlelamb86 An aircooler w/o water is just a fan. The only reason could be that it’s stronger than your other fan, but it’s still just a fan. With the water, you’ll have mold in no time.

[@mahdirinaldi5820]

why can Singapore and Malaysia provide a low-watt Air Cond? In Indonesia a low watt air-cond is really in high demand, for 1/2 PK or 5000 BTU the power consumption is only 260 Watt to 310 watts which saves more energy and money, sometimes in the large bedroom, we put 1/2 PK air-cond so we are not getting freezing but the room temp still comfort and breezing (24-26 degree Celsius)

[@haurasyaqeela2095]

our house is in kedah.. every night is a must to on the aircond.. but when come back home to husb village at sabah, no aircond at all but the weather is cool with a green around the house.. not mention when night, its more cool than using the aircond at our house in kedah..

[@megantan89]

You’re right. Air is fresher and cooler in Sabah. I have noticed that when I went back each time. There’s so much difference. Air in Singapore is just too humid and stuffy with the close buildings and HDBs.

[@noramaddy4409]

On each floor, these apartments need a 3 m wide open but covered verandah to keep sun and rain off the walls of the building. Each room requires a ceiling fan. Air conditioners create unwanted noise and extra heat. The city officials need to reduce and restrict automobile usage in the city and to do this requires safe pedestrian and bicycle lanes and frequent environmentally friendly public transport. Plant more trees in public spaces and place a sail over the public play areas. Children need active play with protection from the sun and access to play during periods of rain. Grow vines over buildings and the verandah posts.

[@ABC-ed8cg]

Yes, the episode seems to encourage aircon which is very bad. It only exacerbates the environmental crisis, causing an endless vicious cycle of ever-increasing global temperature. Electricity to power aircon burns fossil fuels. Ppl should get creative in keeping cool. Also we should keep fit by not eating processed food. The obese family in the video will suffer cos fat ppl tend to feel sweatier and hotter.

[@ImWillyDS]

It's great to find the middle ground between installing aircon with much better cooling but more cost on initial purchase and monthly electric bill, to just use 4 or even more electric fans without regards of room air flow. I would totally looking forward for sequel of this episode (if there's any) to explain more in depth on the green effect or details on room airflow

[@Funkteon]

Each of those pedestal fans gives off a small amount of heat from the 36V motor, so having four of them in a house is likely the equivalend of having a 500W space heater turned on, so it's actually counterintuitive to use those 4 fans unless they are pointed directly at the people in the room in order for them to experience the convective heat dissipation on their skin surface. If you just have the fans pointed in random directions around the room, they don't work, in fact they do worse then work, they actually increase the surrounding air temperature due to the aforementioned fact they give off heat from the electric motor.

[@mehere6189]

I would love to get coverage on district cooling, and how existing HDBs can be retrofitted with one

[@KelvinKing]

This video might as well have been named "The state of poverty in Singapore"... A disappointing situation...

[@jj96432]

have u seen other countries? u really think we are a in a state of poverty?

[@user-kc9uz2ml9z]

@@jj96432 He is referring to this household.

[@Zero.DarkStar]

then you have not ventured to other countries where the normal household is same as this "poverty" household.

[@tonyquek1]

Luckily No bed bugs attack !

[@jj96432]

@@user-kc9uz2ml9z ah i see, my apologies then.

[@Haikalemyrse]

I enjoyed and learnt so much every single time when I watched Talking Point. I wish my country Malaysia also had this incredible documentary show that always aims to help the People

[@meiLiu1227]

This task may be handed over to you! Come on! I am May from Singapore

[@lingy74]

Honestly, if you live in heat, never go into AC and your body will adjust. The problem with Singapore is that people go in and out of cold AC buildings. That’s when all the skin and health issues and discomfort stems from. It’s simply not natural.

[@sriinws]

if you still have access for sun to coming through your house, turn off the lamps at day, in my case it reduces the heat inside the room. I live in a coastal area in Indonesia, it gets really hot during the day, but I try to open every access like door and windows. We turn on the fan usually at night. And if you are in the house with no fan, ac, or cooling electronics wear loose clothes with cotton or rayon materials, it really helps.

[@MYFoodRoger]

Luncheon meat + French fries = yum yum. 🙄lying on bed + staring close to ipad' screen with thick glasses = very comfort 😶

[@ewenjaja5963]

Shitty people like u always have something to say man. U life must be sucks. I dont know if u have friends. If yes, they definitely hated u so bad

[@facemakerable]

junk food : ((

[@celestialstar124]

@@facemakerable not only junk food but the laziness and attitude. A homeless guy can eat junk food but choose to go out to work and save money. Eventually his health may not be worse than a fat guy who eat free junk food and lay around play video games with no intention of improving his life using own effort. Whatever financial aid given to fat guy is spend on enjoyment for short term. This is the most important factor that keep the people poor. Lack of discipline to even tidy the house or walk down to buy food.

[@UnohanaYachiruKenpachi]

Wah kalau nonton ini gw bersyukur masih bisa Ganti AC 1PK yang Rusak ke AC 0.5PK, Singapore Panas krn kurang lahan Hijau, tp gw tinggal di Jakarta Barat Panas Matahari ditambah Penduduk, Kendaraan bermotor yg Padat + Polusi!! Beda yg gw rasain saat 6 tahun tinggal di Bogor yang Sering Hujan masih banyak Udara Adem nya.

[@yumekishi9601]

Yes i can beat it. I lived in a house with no aircon for 20years of my life and only relied on a fan. And my room out of my sibilings and family's is so badly unventilated that the rain wont go into my room unless its extreme rain+ wind. But the trade off is that i cant handle long hours in a aircon that is 25 degrees or less.

[@celestialstar124]

My dad is worst, air con 25 he need jacket. He only can handle 28 air con

[@mankin15]

Hi5 I have air con installed years ago (because of haze) but do not use 😂 I am planning to change my table fan to a ceiling fan instead

[@mehere6189]

You have evolved biologically to adapt to the environment, so you have an advantage of paying less out of a lifetime of air-conditioning. I would say that is a genetic gift 😀

[@mehere6189]

@@celestialstar124 , Sometimes it is the airflow. Adjust the airflow direction and speed and maybe he won't feel as cold?

[@paulr1125]

The biggest problem in SIngapore is the amount of concrete and tarmac which stores heat , and there is only one solution , just reduce the concrete and tarmac . Also tarmac near the coast stops sea breezes from going inland . Singapore has created its own heat problem

[@Maryk412]

It is too hot in Singapore and Malaysia. If I move to Singapore or Malaysia, I will make sure there is air conditioner at the place I will be living at and I will turn on the Air Conditioner even if I have to pay extra money for the electric bills.

[@razorblade6746]

Some methods suggested by people who have lived in less advanced places suggested are to tint the window dark and insulate the house during the hot mornings when the ambient temperature is higher. And at night, when the buildings release heat, close all windows except 1 facing outside at one end of the house and open 1 more in a hotter room. Place a fan at the open window facing outside and blow the wind FACING OUTWARDS from the house. This act of blowing hotter air out of the window would lower the room pressure, sucking in cooler air from the outside into the room without a fan. Thereby cooling down the house.

[@downundabrotha]

In Australia we put the fan facing outwards as an exhaust system for hot air. Position another fan bringing cool air in and you have a wind tunnel

[@TheBebemom]

Does this really work

[@lilacfunk]

Oooh what a great idea!

[@goldkwi]

Can't really work in Singapore because our outdoor and indoor temps vary but +- 2 degrees only. Think of 29 degrees outdoors vs 30 degrees indoors

[@nse08]

Cool coating paint is a good solution ! Basically, one need to reduce effect of solar radiation, increase structure heat resistance and improve ventilation.

[@leolusanez5378]

Oh my god, so I was right! I was in Geylang last year on vacation from the Philippines and I knew it felt hotter there than in most other places I visited. Worked up a good sweat, but it was still worth it. Just hope more can be done for everyone else living there.

[@blblalalbla]

Could be interesting to plant more trees or have canvases around? I know trees make shade only when they are older and they are water consuming, but canvases at least around/ above benches?

[@Momo5Mon]

Those so called experts weren’t really expert. To cool down the place, it is more effective to put a fan at the bedroom door facing the outside and leaving the window opened. Put another fan in the living room facing the kitchen and leave the kitchen window opened. Blowing a fan right at your face or using a ceiling fan to circulate air within a room itself isn’t effective in reducing the temperature. Drawing fresh air from outside into the room and expel the air out from the kitchen window helps. Airflow will bring fresh air into the rooms and cool it down. The airflow will also pull the hot air from the fridge, mould spores, odour etc out. The “experts” also never consider the sun and wind direction. North and South facing opening are windy depending on the time of the year. If wind is coming from the kitchen, they could place the fan facing the other way. Drawing air from the kitchen and blowing into the bedroom. N facing has sun from Oct to Mar and S facing Apr to Sep. Blocking out the harsh sun during the day will help keep the room cooler. blackout or alum foil screen helps. Having plants at the windows will also help to block excess light and reduces the heat. Put a tatami or bamboo mat on the mattress. Those were very common in the past when most home do not have aircon.

[@vn8600]

Back in the day (25 or 30 years ago) I lived in a gawd-awful hot box. I didn't know about portable AC, which are wonderful for keeping cool, but since I didn't have one, I would take a red rubber hot (cold) water bottle and mostly fill it. Leave it in the freezer, when going to bed would wrap it in light towels and go to bed with it on my chest. It could get a bit messy, but it was the only way to get any sleep.

[@Momo-qo7is]

It’s also very hot in Tokyo. It has been 31C - 33C since June. Older people still don’t get used to using the cooling AC, and they also don’t get used wearing shorts. Basically I just use the portable fan….

[@charmainechin9249]

how is the humidity? lower than singapore right? asking as i am going to tokyo soon!

[@alwandary3514]

are there mosquitoes there in sgp? how do you cope with that?

[@bakkwa8705]

I install netting on all my windows and main door gate .

[@rylee4383]

Try kodomo baby powder for itch and sweat. I saw them eating instant noodles and lunchon meat and that's poor nutrition. Any organisation can provide at least some proper foods for them?

[@celestialstar124]

They already get free money to buy food. It's their poor choices. The organisation usually give money every month to self buy. Given the food prices she cook. She can buy 4 cai fan with 2 veggies and 1 meat for themselves. There are some home delivery of cooked food for senior citizens or handicap. But this women and son need more movements to keep themselves healthy. She already reluctant to move out of house for aircon or buy cai fan. If give her free food delivery, it's only harming her more. When Steve ask her if she worry about high electric bills after installation of air con. Her reply already can tell she expect more financial aid. The real poor people are the few elderly at the beginning of the video. Those are the type we social worker should be helping. Look at the choice of cream they choose when given medical funding. Most poor only use basic brand cream or urea cream provided by polyclinic. These more expensive cream are a choice the patient choose by asking the doctor prescribed so their full medical bill is fully paid 100% by social worker. Then some even resell these cream on carousell.

[@Exachad]

Although I have aircon on in my room 24/7, I have lived without aircon during NS. Honestly, fans do a pretty good job. Sometimes, I would actually get cold at night whenever the rotating fan pointed directly at me even though the fan wasn't even close to me.

[@machah.8084]

i went to singapore only for vacation, but can't imagine living in singapore without aircon 😢

[@Mars-nr3mb]

Yes it's not suitable for living, the humidity and heat are unbearable. Even if your body is able to adjust to the climate, you can't do any decent home decorations as most furnitures and decors deteriorate very fast in high humid temperature weather.

[@tanpham762]

In Australia, some houses have ventilation fans in the ceiling that help suck and blow the hot air from the inside to the external environment.

[@AviationAnalysis5987]

Fion has 3 iPads in her room but can’t afford 1 air con.

[@TheBebemom]

Totally

[@mayuboeb]

iPad probably given by social workers or school to support home based learning during covid..

[@AviationAnalysis5987]

Solution: Sell the iPads and buy air con

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

Price of 3 IPads definitely not enough to purchase and maintain Airconz

[@Moggietea]

iPads are issued by the school, and deducted from their government sponsored Edusave account funds.

[@BMSMusic1]

Hi its little tips for me to cool without ac,i live in tropical condition, indonesia,java island : 1. My house build with high ceiling 4 meters tall 2. Install big exhaust fan industrial type to pump out heat and humidity it also creating negative temperature coefficient to cool down the temp in closed room 3. Install big ceiling fan 4.also buy 2 units air cooler if the heat unbearable up to 33-36c and under 55% humidity in dry season,it will cool down the room and the body more comfortable....

[@lesterlim7693]

My friend if singaporean can afford house with 4m ceiling height they can install 4 AC in one room

[@accountantasia125]

Wow. That help them a lot. A good sleep will give a good tomorrow.

[@sherro74]

Not really, they could have just spent 800 on second hand air con and changed their lives instead of moving a few objects around and putting up a blind. Decent tv but she still has a poor q of life

[@niBBunn]

​@@sherro74this is cheaper in the long run, and also they cant be turning on aircon 24/7. This should be the ideal even if you have aircon. Stuffy rooms lead to more mold and damage overtime.

[@red_ashcroft]

I'm in the Philippines and it may not have constrained spaces like Singapore, but the heat is dangerously high, especially in the summer. For me who lives near a beach, the humidity is just difficult to bear without airconditioning. The solution would be is to stack green spaces closer to each other and living spaces in between, but that will cost really high, especially for countries with lower economy.

[@memorylatcher]

Actually it’s not uncommon to not have AC in the HDB flats here and still make living conditions bearable. You really just need to declutter your space and allow for cross ventilation of the space. So opening windows and doors. Been living for 35 years without any AC…

[@ongyushan9605]

Me too! Living without any AC!

[@springal3139]

Fan only blow out hot air.

[@ling2035]

​@@springal3139it is without proper circulation. I open my windows and bedroom door to let the air circulate, my fan is in between the door and windows, and the air coming out is okay I feel. Of course there are times where it's hotter than normal but at least with the fan and proper circulation, the air is not as bad as to blowing hot air out. That is bad

[@springal3139]

@@ling2035 so u put ur fan near the door?

[@springal3139]

@@memorylatcher u r super.😄

[@ardikaputu]

Tropical heat and humidity is indeed a torture, especially if you don't have AC. But for the southern part of Indonesia, we have an annual relief from this situation, ussualy from June to September, when cool air blow from Australian winter change the game. Sometimes i even sleep with jacket (and blanket for sure), yet i live in lowland (not highland). I don't know if Singapore do have this cool break months also?

[@sebastiank9175]

all I can say about Singapore is unbearable HOT HOT HOT ! how strange I find in most flats in Singapore dent install curtains or blinds which can be a greta help to reduce the temperature down a lot. wow that families of a single mom and three boys are basically munching on junk food and idling around playing videos games and not help tidy and clean up the house, the house is just simply chaotic adding stress to the super hot glasshouse .

[@peterpiper5300]

Strong exhaust fans.

[@sooriyah007]

Its greenhouse. You judgemental boomer POS. See 1 min of their life and deciding they are lazy

[@UncleY4nn]

What I don’t understand is why SG opts for blinds inside the room, not external sunshades. When the blinds or curtains are inside the room, a large part of the heat will come inside. The shades always heat up - so much better to have them outside the window.

[@mehere6189]

@@UncleY4nn , I think it is illegal to make the exterior look different than everyone else's. Basically the building management regulators want to minimize maintenance and risk of falling debris so the regulator's aren't thinking about their resident's living conditions.

[@UncleY4nn]

@@mehere6189 If they’re all on the outside per regulation that problem would be solved. They’d still need to be properly installed though and maintained, that’s true…

[@razorblade6746]

Some people have mentioned humidity and how the experts and professionals who investigated did not mention anything about humidity or suggested any approach to combat it. The truth is there's only 1 real way to combat humidity and that's the use of an aircon which as our host mentioned at 8:30 is financially straining and sometimes hard to acquire. Its difficult to escape humidity as Singapore is an island country that is surrounded by water. Being too small, tropical and surrounded by bodies of water, a humid environment is just natural. So due to the difficulty arising from installing an aircon and the additional difficulty of using an aircon as well as the unfortunate nature of our geography in this case, humidity is intentionally left out. In short: To Simply put it, there's nothing much we can do about humidity

[@maxteck88]

Stayed 6y7m in Jurong West and have used the similar strategies to avoid using aircon as electric bills skyrocket. In the end, bath and drink more cold water open fan. Exercise more to sweat more and be more resilient towards heat. Still aircon sleep can not compare to using fan sleep. Some time have to stay up until 12 to 2am to wait cold air wind after sun set, than be able to sleep.

[@charmainechin9249]

i also drink more cold water due to the weather. but asian parents always say drink warm water...as someone who is sensitive to heat i literally cannot

[@celestialstar124]

@@maxteck88 sad to hear about your experience. Sincerely hope life get better for you as days go by.

[@khairilazharmohamadsaini7753]

I live at Clementi Street/Sunset Way….its cooler here because there’s a lot of trees especially around the Clementi Forest and the old Mowbray Camp area….

[@beekwan5364]

Help can't afford to buy and install aircon, next help can afford to pay the electricity bill, next can't afford to service the aircon and then when spoil can't afford to replace the aircon. Clearly the solution she is thinking of comes with a chain of problems down the road.

[@Straightfromtheheart8691]

Electricity bill will be high with aircon, so who will foot the bill? Then you need to regularly service the aircon too

[@celestialstar124]

As someone who work with social workers. There are multiple private and government sectors will help. And i also agree it's the poor living standards and choices that lead to their issue. Given their poor condition they still expect more than they can afford. It's eventually the taxpayers money that will pay for the money leeches use. I rather the money we pay for tax go to those senior or those grateful souls instead.

[@AverageAufa]

she’s a single mum!! why are you all so ruthless with her? i have both parents thankfully but we still couldn’t afford fix the aircon for more than 5 years… only after i graduated and got a full time job pay then we could fix it. if i removed the aircon from all of you here for 5 years, how would you feel? sg is only getting hotter.

[@beekwan5364]

@@AverageAufa When my washing machine was spoilt, I handwash my clothes for 2 years. When my water heater was spoilt I bath in cold water for 3 years. Have not been using aircon for 20 years. Live is still livable. The comment is just a preview of what the problems she will face even when an aircon is installed unless her financial suitation improves. Adopting a victim hood mentality to think that people comments are ruthless against a single mother helps no one.

[@celestialstar124]

@@AverageAufa because she is leeching the society. When your parents are poor do your parents go around leech the society too or they use own effort and educate their children to improve so the family can have a batter future? Why harsh at Fiona because she only want the social worker to provide her with everything. She have no plans to self provide. Worst she continues to groom her son to be lazy and unable to be independent. Words may be harsh now but if she don't wake up by harsh words, do you want her son to lose their mother then unable to find job to feed themselves and beg the society and social worker? How many single mother out there are working hard to provide a better future for her children? Leeching parents will be scolded even if they aren't single mum. It's the leeching mind set. What make you assume the few old folks aren't single parent at age 70s too?

[@ayuabdullah5257]

I think if you keep your house minimilist & clutter free & open the window to let air flow then it won't be that hot. Also install ceiling fan instead of aircon.

[@zengirl512]

So thankful I’m born in Malaysia coz we have Bkt. Timah kind of living everywhere. Space isn’t an issue for us. I’m only commenting on this particular topic. So haters, don’t be a soar loser to shoot me on “your opinion” on other issues. Tell me which country have zero issue. Don’t fool yourself.

[@rozekins]

This is what i do when summer comes. Open the doors and windows in the morning and evening when the tenperature is low outside. Close doors and windows, and pull down the curtain or binds to block sunlight when the temperature starts to rise outside (usually at 9am in the morning) .. It works for me. I even rarely need to turn on my fan. My house always stays cool inside and i rarely open my doors or windows (except the mornings and evenings).

[@celestialstar124]

1. Ceiling fan (take about 5 to 8 mins to clean once a month) 2. Dehumidifier when window are closed in the day. Try open window at night to cool the room. 3. Declutter the house. Then maintain it by doing house cleaning 30mins a day. 4. Using those already brought fan as additional cooling. 5. Move that fridge. The centre of the house giving so much heat from fridge. 6. Get out of houses more regularly and eat healthy food. After you lose weight u create less thermal heat. More fats more heat. More movements more healthy body too. 7. Don't keep demand free stuff or support without improvement of your own life situation on your part like better education or work harder. If you only expect free stuff to help u feel comfortable without making any effort to improve yourself but leeching...

[@mehere6189]

1. No, ceiling fans just circulate the air, it doesn't blow them out. 2. No, dehumidifier is actually a small heat *exchanger* like an aircon that cools on one side and heats up the other side. Which means it generates more heat overall and still consumes electricity. Aircon is better because it expels heat *outside* the flat instead of inside it. Plus your dehumidifer needs to drain the water, too much work if it doesn't have plumbing. 3. No, decluttering does nothing. I think the cabinets will not help either. Airflow means the total amount of air needs to go in and go out of the flat. Decluttering is just an excuse. You can still have clutter, as long as it doesn't block the doors and windows of the flat. 4. Yes, direct the air flow one way *though* the flat, not just circulate air around the room (as addressed by the video) 5. Yes, they did that. I think they can do better by moving the fridge further near their window. 6. Yes, they can hang out in the libraries and in the mall until 12 midnight every day. Go back home just shower and sleep, or even sleep out in the malls or stations or public places that is 24x7 and have aircon. 7. No, don't tell less fortunate people what to do, they know their situation, but you don't, and you're not helping by preaching your superiority. If you want to preach, live with them and help around their house, think and help their kids to get a good education, then you can preach in front of their faces everyday. See how that goes.

[@ichapuung]

I live in Indonesia. Somehow the air cooler thing doesn’t work. I tried putting it in an enclosed bedroom but it just blew more humidity which made the room even stuffier. It does work in an open area, though, like living room but it kinda beats the purpose 😢 aaand freezing the ice packs for the air cooler water is another hassle 😅

[@RomCros]

Single mom hard life but keep good attitude always smiling so good and strong ❤

[@marie01ism]

I was curious how hot it was but it’s just 29-30°C . Here in the PH, it’s normal to get 30°C and above daily

[@Tramuntanamaki]

Money is not always the only solution , in this show we see how community brain work and expertise is the best affordable way to solve a lot of our problems. So local expertise bank form the community is the way of the future for the whole world. Singapore is small land but big on brains and they are a light house for the whole world . Thank you CNA for your excellent relevant and useful shows. Many can really help their knowledge by just watching CNA . I am a university graduate and I really learn a lot from CNA. Really BIG THANK YOU to all

[@Momo5Mon]

As most Singaporean lived in public housing, shouldn’t HDB relook at their block and unit design and layout to see how to beat the heat in a more sustainable way ? Just increasing the ceiling height by 10cm would make a huge difference as hot air rises, cold air sink. Most BTO have windows on one side only, this impede airflow and doesn’t help with ventilation. Having opening on opposite side allow cross ventilation that will really helps cool down a room naturally. Positioning the aircon ledge outside kitchen and bathroom window is the most annoying. All the hot air from compressors will heat up the rooms if you leave the windows opened.

[@ordinaryobserver897]

Good job Steven and team. Your content is very powerful.

[@rashadaljunied]

1) Try not to crowd the vertical space of a room with things. Better to pack anything uncessary under the bed or in the store, reduce your things. 2) Blackout curtains really help in the midday

[@6Sambora]

declutter unused items is the most effective

[@Vikingsroar]

Sad to see many Singaporeans are living in less than satisfactory conditions..wish there are more of these programs to help clean up their living space and make it more livable

[@KelvinSG]

@@Vikingsroar More effective to just educate these people instead of cleaning up their space once a month.

[@arbytaufik5944]

I was live in tanjung balai karimun, a small town island in Indonesia 2 hour sailing with fast jetty to singapore, i could felt the heat in singapore is very vicious! Even in night we could got a cold windy in karimun island, in singapore turn the fan on is not helping to reduce the heat.

[@nicst3373]

I believe things will get better Good job talking point

[@jeromelimjr]

Thank you if anyone has the answer - we know it is bukit timah but where exactly is that pavilion at 2:55 ?

[@minimalisticjoy628]

Keeping the house less clutter, wind flow will be better.

[@jachinoy1565]

what u have done for this family is really really good, thank u for doing that. yes it is way better if they do have AC in their bedroom. 4 people in 1 room.....that is alot of body heat etc