By Ben Tompkins

Heat wave

British Columbians working from home miss the office AC

Aug 11, 2021 | 10:07 AM

VANCOUVER: Amid one of the hottest summers on record, British Columbians working from home admit to missing one perk of being in the office, the air conditioning.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many offices shifting to working-from-home, and that is where many still find themselves even with restrictions lifting. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by BC Hydro found more than half of British Columbians planned to work from home five days a week this summer.

At least a quarter of these workers indicated that they would miss the office air conditioning this summer, a reprieve for the 60 percent of British Columbians who do not have air conditioning at home.

British Columbians are well below the national average when it comes to air conditioning. Less than 40 percent use it at home compared to the Canadian average of about 60 percent. Manitoba and Ontario have the highest proportion of households with air conditioners at 80 percent and 74 percent, respectively.

That said, there has been a big increase in use in B.C. over the past decade. Air conditioning use has increased by nearly 50 percent. In condos and apartments, that number has increased even more by about 70 percent.

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Working from home has also increased air conditioning use. Nearly 20 percent of British Columbians working from home last summer purchased an air conditioner. And, with record-breaking temperatures continuing across the province, purchases are expected to be even higher this year. The cost of running new air conditioning units can add up, which is probably why 42 percent said they miss their employer footing the electricity bill.

While the supply of air conditioners in B.C. may be limited this summer, BC Hydro recommends the following to stay cool with or without air conditioning:

• Closing the drapes and blinds: Shading windows can block out up to 65 percent of the heat.
• Shutting doors and windows: If the temperature outside is warmer than inside, keep doors and windows closed to keep the cool air in and the warm air out.
• Using a fan: Running a fan nine hours a day over the summer costs just $7.
• Opting for smaller appliances: Use a microwave, crockpot or toaster oven to avoid the extra heat produced by larger appliances when preparing meals.