By Jill Sperling

Air conditioning use on the rise in B.C.

Jul 15, 2018 | 8:09 AM

KAMLOOPS — British Columbians love to stay cool. 

A new report by BC Hydro reveals air conditioner use has tripled since 2001. 

Spokesperson Mora Scott says 34 per cent of BC residents are turning on the A/C, and many are setting the temperature too low. 

“We recommend people setting it between about 23 and 25 degrees Celsius,” Scott said. “But, we found that people are doing it a lot lower than that. So, in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the north they’re typically setting it between about 17 and 19 degrees Celsius, we see about a third of people doing that. They’re spending a lot more money than they need to.” 

Scott says residents in the Southern Interior tend to be the best at protecting their homes from heat. 

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She says four out of 10 residents don’t turn on their air conditioner until the outside temperature hits 30 degrees. 

“Plus, they’re really good at the preventative stuff, like closing blinds and drapes during the day to block the heat from entering their homes, and also shutting windows and doors to keep the cold air in.” 

Scott adds ceiling fans are a great alternative to air conditioning units, using only use one tenth of the energy.