Climate change is not just a moral question: it is the moral question of the 21st century. There is one position even more morally culpable than denial. That is to accept that it's happening and that its results will be catastrophic, but to fail to take the measures needed to prevent it.

– George Monbiot

The ‘Con’ in Air-Conditioners

AIR-CONDITIONERS are a major problem. For every air-conditioner purchased by a consumer there are indirect costs associated with their use –as they are primarily used at peak times. These costs are considerable; they are not paid for by the user, but are spread among all electricity users, me and you. For example it has been estimated that the indirect costs for installing a small 2 kilowatt air-conditioner amount to $2,000 approx. and an 8 kWh unit indirect costs amount to $8-$16,000 approx. These costs are spread across all users i.e., we all pay.

"The cost of electricity will soar in coming years and the biggest culprit is air-conditioners. In SA, 90% of homes use them, QLD close behind, and in NSW, 50% of homes. They are power-hungry and threaten the stability of the electricity grid during peak power demands in Summer, especially during the day.

At present, whether you have air -conditioning or not, your electricity bill is higher because the cost of the extra infrastructure needed in the power grid is spread among all electricity users. Air-conditioners push up the peak demand for electricity: meaning more power stations are needed, more coal is burnt and more greenhouse gases emitted. Up to 45% of what we pay in our power bills is to upgrade the infrastructure. It has been estimated that the cost to all of us for one person to install an air-conditioner is around $13,000. Most people don’t realise this."

(Download transcript of ABC Radio National’s Background Briefing report ‘Electric Shocks’ 5th Nov. 2006)

There are alternatives: solar powered evaporative coolers are now available. They are suitable for hot dry climates. Check out Coolmax Solar. For hot, humid climates the best options are: shading (includes sails, trees, awnings, pergolas etc.), insulation and good ventilation.

Environmental home retrofitting consultants can design a solution to suit your budget. Phone Byron Energy Efficient Design (02) 6685 7713