Still no central heating in the winter here, and I think the authorities might reconsider and decide that it's a good idea, now - but Kunming doesn't need air conditioning, better to ban that instead.

City wide heating is usually coal fire in China. Been to the cities with central heating and talk about a drastic change in air quality when they turn it on. I was walking down a street in Harbin in winter and wondering why it was only snowing down that street and why I was coughing like mad. It wasn't snow, but coal ash.

Best Kunming sticks to portable electric heaters. Bonus is that electricity is mostly hydropower in Yunnan.

Besides negating the feeling of cold, heating also prevents condensation of humid air to cold surfaces (for example by windows in bedroom).

The condensation would give surface for fungal growth, which increases risk for variety of symptoms in the people living there.

Aircon also dehumidifies the air, especially useful during damp steamy weather during rainy season, in some parts.

Dehumidifying is definitely the main bonus, hate the steamy type of evenings when it comes to sleep.

Guess it depends on what you're used to - I've never experienced a steamy evening in Kunming. Does seem to me, however, that New Era, for the prices they charge, ought to be clear about what they're offering, even if it's unnecessary.

@snakey. Post a TripAdvisor review. That can be very helpful to other potential guests on their booking decision or not too.