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According to the survey, 21 percent of respondents plan to make renovations in preparation for extreme temperatures.
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According to a B.C. report, most British Columbians are concerned about how the climate crisis might affect their home. Many are planning renovations to help them cope. Hydro report released Friday.
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Majid Khhoury, a B.C. resident, conducted an online survey. Hydro found that 69% were concerned about the comfort of their homes in extreme weather conditions linked to climate change.
According to the survey, 21 percent of respondents plan to make renovations to prepare for extreme weather.
B.C. Hydro figures show air conditioning use has risen by about 50 per cent over the past decade from a quarter of British Columbians using it at home to nearly 40 per cent — and new research suggests that figure could be even higher after last year’s deadly heat dome in B.C., according to the report.
According to the survey, 14% of British Columbians had purchased an air conditioner unit in the last summer to improve the comfort of the home. The number was higher — 17 per cent — for those living in the Lower Mainland.
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44 percent of those who plan to add central A/C have not begun the process of getting pricing estimates or making product inquiries. This can often take several weeks or months according to the survey.
Many have also never considered a heat pump and are missing out on rebates as a result — 16 per cent said they are not aware that a heat pump can cool in the summer.
For many parts of B.C., summer 2021 was the hottest ever recorded. The ‘heat dome’ that hit parts of the province in June caused temperatures up to 49.6 C. Climate scientists said that it would not have happened without human-induced climate change.
B.C. Hydro recommends that residents consider cooling their homes with a heat pump. It is more environmentally friendly than a system powered using gas, and more efficient then using multiple portable A/C units.
The company offers rebates up to $3,000 for switching to a non-fossil-fuel based system. It also suggests that you prepare for summer now by getting quotes for renovations.
B.C. can install a heat pump if you are unable to because of your home’s design. Hydro recommends a window unit rather than a portable AC unit.
