Why don’t we just all get ac?

[JacketPotatoFoodOfTheGods]

Honestly, it’s what the rest of the world does…

Air conditioning on its own isn't the answer. The government needs to massively subsidise people putting up solar panels first. We live in Australia and received a large subsidy for both solar panels and a battery. At that point, we installed air conditioning because it was worth having it as it's free to run during the summer. It also means our reverse cycle heating in the winter is almost free too. Not quite because of the shorter days, but mostly, and if we use our battery efficiently, the heating lasts throughout the night.

I realise the UK gets far fewer sunny hours than we do, but modern solar panels are far more efficient than they used to be and make a huge difference even in Northern Europe. Scandinavia has invested in this and a surprising number of houses there are now almost energy sufficient.

The government needs to look far more seriously at root and branch reform and subsidise insulation, solar panels, batteries, and cavity wall insulation, rather than just tinkering around the edges with quick fixes.

We are planning to move, we’ve agreed ac is the first thing going in, I'm not struggling through another heatwave because ‘it’s only a few days a year’

Because it would, ironically, contribute to climate change for the sake of 2 weeks a year.

Its expensive to buy and to run, it is electricity hungry and directly contributes to climate change.

Our previous flat had aircon, we stopped using it as when we did we discovered it was adding £7-8 a day to our electricity bill, and we were only using it in the bedrooms in the evening.

£7 a day is worth not feeling awful all day

Where do you expect people to magic up so much additional money each day?

I bought an AC machine about 4 years ago, I live in a South facing new build which is a special hell in summer and need it to WFH.

I assumed I wouldn't use it much, probably regret it, but it's been used more and more every year. This year its not for comfort, its been essential. It was 34 degrees in my bedroom at 9pm last night so I slept on a memory foam pad in my WFH room with the air con on.

I'm getting one for the bedroom - not if but when. I think that's where we are with climate change now- not if but when.

How do they fit them is it invasive or standalone? Asking for a friend cause of all these Greta types telling us we should fry.

This. It’ll make CC even worse.

I’m getting it installed. Won’t cost much in electricity as I have solar with 10 batteries.. Can’t wait

Mine is standalone. Its a Meaco, it comes with a window kit which allows you to seal the window and stick the tube out.

We don't need it and it's rubbish for the environment. I also don't like the feel of the air it produces, it never tastes clean (though I know that is probably just me). We open the windows when it's cooler and then shut everything up before it is too hot. That works for our cottage, I realize other homes are different.

I just wouldn’t use it. I always turn it off in hotel rooms abroad, I hate it.

For 3 days a year?

Yeah I know what you mean about the air. I hate hotel rooms that only have hvac and you can’t even crack a window.

Luckily I live up north in a house with a north-facing living room and a large tree which partially shields the south-facing windows on the other side. Fans and blinds are alright for the job right now and tbh were fine a few years ago when it hit 40 degrees everywhere.

Because some of us live in council flats and earn minimum wage and couldn't possibly afford it.

The rich will get it fitted, and contribute to accelerated climate change. To hell with the poor, who will just have to suck it up, as usual.

In my case it’s because it’s bloody ugly and I’m not bothered by the heat.

I don’t feel I can justify the cost for something that is only needed a few days a year.

It doesn’t cost much to run. I had it running in my bedroom all day Tuesday and my utility app tells me I spent £2.93 in electricity which was only 50p more than the previous Tuesday.

I live in Scotland where it’s much cooler and hate the noise of AC. It makes sense for schools and businesses though

It really depends where in the UK and the type of house. We have a new build house that can maintain itself at 30C for days and days after a heat wave. We use it regularly from about May (plus it heats which is handy in winter). It’s honestly the best money I’ve spent.

Environmentally it’s a nightmare though- yes essential for some though (I can’t imagine how people with illnesses are coping in all of this)

Oh god this is what it’s going to be like constantly for the next 3 years isn’t it.

We have a couple (as well as installed air con), they’re obviously not as good as fully installed air con, but they definitely can make a heat wave more tolerable.