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Alternatives to
Air Conditioning
(a People & Planet Gateway & Guide)
| Is air conditioning keeping us comfortable – or
creating unhealthy communities and an unsustainable
world? Yes, some people need air conditioning,
particularly the elderly and infirm. But many could do
without if only we were a little creative about it! Here
are some of the disadvantages of air conditioning –
followed by some great summer comfort alternatives, tips
and resources. (A) Costs &
Disadvantages of Air Conditioning – Personal Click here to return to The Blackout, Emergencies, Energy & You. |
| (A) Personal Costs &
Disadvantages of Air Conditioning Increased Utility Bills – air conditioning can substantially increase in your electricity bill (and these costs don't begin to reflect the real costs of damage to our health and environment) http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/home/Air_Conditioning_Your_Home_Section6.cfm Indoor Air Quality Problems – if anyone in your household is sensitive to molds or chemicals, closing the windows in summer can increase discomfort or even make them ill. www.planetfriendly.net/health.html#enviroillness http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Environment/Air_Quality/Indoor_Air_Quality/ Trapped Indoors – living or working in an air-conditioned environment means you have to readjust each time you go outside. This can be uncomfortable, stressful and could lead to illness. It also means you're more likely to avoid outdoors activity and exercise. See the tips below for ways to enjoy hot weather, rather than trying to run from it. Isolation – Sealing yourself off in your home, car or workplace isolates us from our neighbours and communities, and contributes to other social, emotional and behavioural problems Blackouts – Air conditioning strains the electrical system at peak times and increases the likelihood of brownouts and blackouts. The personal effects of electrical system event include disruption of communication and transportation, lost pay, health and safety risks, as well as potentially catastrophic damage to appliances, computers and electronic equipment – just to name a few. www.planetfriendly.net/blackout.html Noise – the noise that air conditioners make can be unpleasant and stressful for yourself or your neighbours. It can interfere with conversation and enjoyment both indoors and out. www.google.com/search?q=%22air+conditioning%22+noise+hearing |
| (B) Social & Environmental
Costs of Air Conditioning
Blackouts & Brownouts – When our electrical system becomes unstable, it has serious effects on public health and safety, the economy and the environment. www.planetfriendly.net/blackout.html www.planetfriendly.net/energy.html Climate Change & Smog – Ironically, air conditioning contributes to climate change and smog. This only creates an increasingly uncomfortable world – a world where we futilely try to seal ourselves off from our environment. www.greenontario.org/strategy/smog.html http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Environment/Climate_Change/ www.planetfriendly.net/energy.html Social Isolation – A community in which everybody is sealed behind closed windows and doors is not a healthy community. Decreased social interaction and physical activity lead to a myriad of social, economic and health problems. Like many technologies, the benefit is obvious – but the drawbacks are not. Think twice between turning on the "air"... and see the next section for some creative alternatives. |
| (C) Summer Comfort
Alternatives
There are many alternatives that can lead to a healthier and more comfortable warm-weather lifestyle. Most suggestions focus on alternative ways of cooling and ventilating your home or workplace. Other tips relate to everything from your clothing, to your diet – to your willingness to compromise social pretensions in return for a better world. Home Cooling Alternatives Cooling Your Home Naturally www.eere.energy.gov/erec/factsheets/coolhome.html (2) (more) A few tips – short term/immediate relief:
most important: fans in each room –
preferrably ceiling
fans. Also, try closing windows and curtains on the
sun-side. At night, have a window fan suck air out
through one window, with all bedroom windows and doors
propped open. All
about ceiling fans: http://hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/01/010113.html
. Ceiling
fan links & resources. Longer term: weatherization/insulation;
light-coloured roofs; attic ventilation; decidious shade
trees; window awnings; highly insulative construction
methods such as strawbale. www.planetfriendly.net/living.html#healthyhomes
Personal Comfort Short term: drink water frequently; avoid sweets; caffeine; alchohol; large or high-fat meals; wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing; take your shirt off indoors and in shaded environments; sleep downstairs or outside; go bicycling (make your own wind!) Longer term: daily aerobic exercise (2); a healthy diet; live near green and shady spaces or a large body of water; lose weight; plant trees. |
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