So this didnt really happen today but...I was 17 years old when I finally discovered the true purpose of those air blowers at the entrance and exit of malls. You know, those gusts of cool air that hit you as soon as you walk in or out?

Ever since I was a kid, I had this theory that they were actually there to dry off any sweat on customers before they entered the mall (I know, it sounds silly, but hear me out). I thought the idea was to help us stay cool, refreshed, and feeling great during our shopping trips, especially on hot summer days.

So like a stupid kid that I was. I would expressly wait at the blowers whenever I would feel sweaty. Eventually when I grew enough neurons I realised no one else was standing with me. So I googled what the blowers were for at it blew my mind (pun very intended). It turns out these air blowers are actually called "air curtains" or "air doors," and their primary purpose is far more practical than I ever imagined.

Their actual function is to create a barrier of high-speed air that keeps the warm or polluted air from outside from entering the mall and in some cases to conserve energy by reducing the amount of heating or cooling that the building needs.

Air curtains help maintain a stable temperature and keep the air inside cleaner and cooler especially if theres air conditioned air inside and you dont want it to leave the building.

And here I was, for all these years, thinking that the malls were just being thoughtful to their sweaty customers lol

Here's an article with a more detail explainer. It's also where I got the images from.