A new BC Hydro report finds air conditioning use is on the rise, but many are using it inefficiently and adding multiple portable units, increasing their summer energy bills by over $200.

The report titled ‘Not so well-conditioned: How inefficient A/C use is leaving British Columbians out of pocket in the cold’ finds residential air conditioning use in the province has more than tripled to 34% since 2001. A survey commissioned on behalf of BC Hydro found this upward trend will likely continue as 80% of British Columbians are planning to spend more time at home this summer as a result of COVID-19.

Spending more time at home has many British Columbians trying to make their homes more comfortable – especially with increased temperatures. About 20% of British Columbians without air conditioning are considering purchasing an air conditioning unit this summer, and nearly 15% of those with air conditioning are considering buying an additional unit or upgrading their current unit.

In addition, about two-thirds of those surveyed said that the variety of air conditioners available today – at a range of prices and sizes – have made them more accessible. Because they are more accessible, nearly 30% of British Columbians with a portable air conditioner have more than one in their home.

While those living in the Southern Interior are using air conditioning the most, it is steadily increasing across the province – especially with more people living in condos, which tend to get hotter. With the increase in air conditioning use across the province, the survey also found most are using it inefficiently, leading to higher costs. For example, about 90% are setting their air conditioning lower than the 25 degrees Celsius recommended by BC Hydro, and 30% are using multiple portable units – generally the most inefficient type on the market.

BC Hydro recommends British Columbians take the following measures to save energy and money on air conditioning and keep cool at home:

• Optimizing temperature: Cool homes to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer months when occupied, and the air conditioning should be turned off when unoccupied.
• Cooling down with a fan: Running a fan nine hours a day over the summer costs just $7.
• Closing the drapes and blinds: Shading windows can block out up to 65% of the heat.
• Shutting doors and windows: If the temperature outside is warmer than inside, keep doors and windows closed to keep the cooler air in and the warm air out.
• Limiting the use of large appliances: Use a microwave, crockpot or toaster oven to avoid the extra heat produced by larger appliances when preparing meals, and hang clothes to dry instead of using a dryer on hot days.

For a longer-term project, consider participating in BC Hydro’s Home Renovation Rebate program to improve insulation, which will also helps keep homes cooler in the summer.

BC Hydro

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