A BC Hydro survey suggests the usage of AC units in the province has tripled since 2001. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

costly comfort

BC Hydro survey shows AC usage soaring, but it comes at a cost

Aug 17, 2020 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — Air conditioner usage in the province is climbing, while people are paying more than perhaps they need to in order to beat the heat.

A BC Hydro survey stated residential air conditioner usage in the province has more than tripled to 34 per cent since 2001, while the company indicated many people are using AC inefficiently.

Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder said there is a trend toward people adding more portable units, while 90 per cent of respondents set the temperature below 25 degrees celsius.

“Which is the recommended temperature setting and that’s increasing their costs over the summer months and adding about $200 in summer bills,” Rieder told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Rieder said population growth, warmer summers and more people living in condos are all factors driving more air conditioning use in the province.

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She said 30 per cent of the 800 people who took part in the early July survey have multiple portable AC units, which Rider noted are typically the least efficient type available.

The BC Hydro survey listed a variety of cost efficient ways to keep cool at home, including closing blinds and avoid using the oven if you can.

“Running a central air conditioner for nine hours a day over the summer is about $300, compared to the $7 for a fan over the same period of time.”

Rieder said on a hot day AC units can account for 20 per cent of energy usage in B.C.

51 per cent of respondents from Vancouver Island reported the use of more expensive central air conditioning or heat pumps in their homes.

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