BC's AC use expected to keep surging as COVID-19 keeps people at home

British Columbians are becoming increasingly liberal with their air conditioning, according to a new report by BC Hydro.

The corporation’s study found that AC use in the province has more than tripled since 2001.

Residents in the Southern Interior are by far the biggest users of AC, with 72% turning to its cooling powers in the summer.

In the Lower Mainland, that figure is 39%, which is similar to both Vancouver Island (38%) and Northern BC (38%).

The primary cause of the increase in use is cheaper air conditioners, the study found.

But the result is that summer energy bills are up, with $200 a year being added to the average BC home.

The trend is likely to continue, too, with 80% of respondents to a BC Hydro survey saying they’re likely to spend more time at home this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The survey also found that 90% of respondents admit to lowering their AC temperature below BC Hydro’s 25ºC recommendation.

BC Hydro is recommending the following measures to save energy and money:

• Optimizing temperature: Cool homes to 25ºC in the summer months
• 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