By Tom Mark

We’re Conditioned To Air Condition

Jul 13, 2018 | 8:21 AM

Hydro Air Conditioning – 1 Jul 13 TMark

BC Hydro says it appears British Columbians are addicted to air conditioning.

A hydro report called “Cold comfort: The rising use (and cost) of air conditioning in B.C” shows air conditioner use in the province has more than tripled to 34 per cent since 2001.

It also found that 25 per cent of British Columbians are considering purchasing an air conditioner this summer.

More homes in the Southern Interior use air conditioning than any other region in B.C.

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Hydro says running a central air conditioner for nine hours a day over the summer costs around $300, compared to just $6 for a fan for the same amount of time.

A recent survey commissioned by BC Hydro also found 93 per cent of British Columbians are adding to their energy bills by setting A/C units lower than the BC Hydro-recommended 25 degrees Celsius.

It is estimated that every degree lower an air conditioner is set can increase cooling costs by 3 per cent.

Adding to their costs, more than 40 per cent of British Columbians surveyed said they always or sometimes leave their air conditioners running when they are not at home.

The survey results show that residents in the Southern Interior tend to be the best at guarding their homes from heat – and setting their air conditioning units at the recommended temperature.

by Tom Mark