B.C. residents renovating homes to combat extreme weather conditions
A new B.C. Hydro report finds fears over hotter summers and extreme weather caused by climate change are prompting more British Columbians to make home improvements.
The report finds 69 per cent of residents are concerned about how climate change will affect their home’s comfort and are focussed on making several kinds of renovations to combat extreme heat and cold. B.C. Hydro has some recommendations.
With summer approaching, one of the most in-demand home improvements is installing central air conditioning.
“With almost 90 per cent of British Columbians directly impacted by last year’s extreme summer temperatures, it is no surprise that AC use is on the rise,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Kevin Aquino in the release. “B.C. Hydro data shows AC use has increased by about 50 per cent over the past decade.”
READ MORE: Measuring climate change: It's not just heat, it's humidity
Last summer 14 per cent of British Columbians purchased some type of AC, and this year 25 per cent want to install central AC.
Many residents do not know what the lead time is to prepare for the installation, or that heat pumps may be used for cooling.
16 per cent said they are not aware that a heat pump can be used to cool in the warmer months and therefore are missing out on substantial rebates.
There has been a dramatic increase in the addition of inefficient portable air conditioning units in the province.
Portable AC units are the most widely adopted type of air conditioner in B.C., however they use more energy than a central air conditioning system or a heat pump and use twice as much energy than a window unit.
B.C. Hydro recommends residents consider using a heat pump to heat in the winter and cool in the summer because it is more environmentally friendly, using electricity rather than gas and is more energy efficient than using multiple portable AC units.
It is also recommended to start getting quotes for renovations and cooling equipment early as there could be significant wait times, and to research other ways to keep your home cool in warmer weather, including insulation.
B.C. Hydro offer rebates for switching from a fossil fuel based system. Visit powersmart.ca for more information.
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