The Growing Need for Air Conditioning
A new report from Statistics Canada reveals that Canadians are relying more and more on air conditioning and other cooling equipment to cope with the increasingly common heat waves. This shift towards air conditioning is driven, in part, by the changing climate. As temperatures continue to soar, people are turning to air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable.
Heat Waves: A Threat to Public Health
Heat waves are a growing concern in Canada, with the country witnessing an increase in extreme temperatures. This can be attributed to the changing climate, which is causing more frequent and intense heat waves. As temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths increases. In 2021, a severe heat dome in British Columbia resulted in the deaths of 619 people.
Air Conditioning: A Lifesaver or a Financial Burden?
The report from Statistics Canada shows that 68% of households use air conditioning and related cooling methods, such as heat pumps, to stay cool during the summer months. This is an increase from 64% in 2021. However, the usage of air conditioning varies significantly across different regions in Canada.
- Ontario has the highest percentage of households with air conditioning, with 83% reporting that they have an air conditioner in their home.
- British Columbia has the lowest percentage of households with air conditioning, with 45% reporting that they have an air conditioner.
Regional Variations in Air Conditioning Usage
The report suggests that the differences in air conditioning usage across different regions can be attributed to the varying climate conditions in each area. Southern Ontario, for example, tends to have higher average summer temperatures than other regions in Canada.
Why Some Households Can’t Afford Air Conditioning
There are several reasons why some households may not have air conditioning units or other cooling equipment. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Cost: The hardware, installation, and servicing of air conditioning units can be expensive, making it difficult for some households to afford.
- Age of the building: Homes built before 2001 are less likely to have air conditioning, as they were not originally designed with cooling systems.
- Income: Households with lower incomes may not have the financial means to purchase and install air conditioning units.
The report from Statistics Canada shows that there is a significant disparity in air conditioning access between different income groups. Households earning more than $150,000 per year before taxes are more likely to have air conditioning, with 82% reporting that they have an air conditioner in their home.
- Households earning $50,000 per year or less are less likely to have air conditioning, with only 55% reporting that they have an air conditioner.
- Households owning their own homes are more likely to have air conditioning, with 76% reporting that they have an air conditioner compared to 52% of renters.
The report also highlights the importance of age in determining air conditioning access. Homes built after 2001 are more likely to have air conditioning, with 80% of these homes reporting that they have an air conditioner.
- Homes built before 1960 are less likely to have air conditioning, with only 58% of these homes reporting that they have an air conditioner.
Statistics Canada found that many users of air conditioning units report adopting various strategies to reduce energy consumption and save money. These include:
- Regularly turning off the air conditioner when not in use, such as when away from home for a week or longer.
- Adjusting or turning off the air conditioner while at work or school.
The report identifies four population groups that are considered “heat-vulnerable”: older adults, older adults who live alone, older adults with at least one health condition, and older adults who live alone with at least one health condition.
Efforts are being made to make air conditioning more accessible to those who cannot afford it. In British Columbia, BC Hydro announced a program to provide free air conditioning units to low-income and vulnerable customers. A group called Climate Justice Edmonton is also working to address the impacts of extreme heat on the health and safety of renters.
As temperatures continue to rise, it is essential to address the growing need for air conditioning and ensure that those who are most vulnerable have access to cooling equipment. By making air conditioning more financially accessible and working to reduce energy consumption, we can reduce the burden on wallets and prioritize public health.
