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-Editorial
As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, many Americans are making tough choices about their expenses, including how much they rely on air conditioning during the sweltering summer months. A recent survey by BadCredit.org highlights a significant shift in how people are managing the heat.
According to the survey of 3,000 respondents, over half of Californians (58%) plan to cut back on their air conditioning usage this summer, compared to 47% of Americans nationally. This adjustment reflects the broader trend of scrutinizing essential expenses amid economic pressures.
The survey reveals several methods Californians are using to stay cool this summer: 57% rely on fans, while 12% spend more time in public places with air conditioning, such as malls and libraries. Another 12% opt for drinking cold beverages, and 7% take cold showers or use blackout curtains and shades. Additionally, 5% seek relief by spending time at the homes of friends or family members with air conditioning.
Despite these efforts, many Californians find the prospect of enduring summer without air conditioning daunting, rating their ability to stay cool without it at a mere 3.8 out of 10.
Interestingly, 46% of respondents have previously sought refuge in friends or family members’ homes to access air conditioning when they couldn’t afford it themselves. This indicates a social aspect of managing heat-related discomfort.
Health concerns are also notable, with one-third of respondents reporting heat-related health issues at home. This underscores the significant impact of heat waves on well-being.
In light of these challenges, 68% of respondents are reconsidering their vacation plans, leaning towards cooler destinations rather than traditional beach hotspots.
The survey also found that 80% of people believe access to air conditioning should be considered a basic human right, highlighting growing concerns about the impact of global warming.
“Consumers across the country are facing hard choices,” said BadCredit.org Consumer Finance Expert Erica Sandberg. “Balancing comfort and cost is crucial, and employing multiple strategies to stay cool can help manage expenses.”
As heatwaves persist and financial pressures mount, Americans are adapting their strategies to cope with the summer heat while managing their budgets.
Very few states have laws that require landlords to provide air conditioning for their renters, while most states mandate the provision of heat during winter. Navigating the requirements for extreme heat is challenging due to the absence of a comprehensive state-by-state cooling policy resource. This lack of regulation highlights the sparse landscape of policies addressing heat exposure.
The delay in policymaking on this issue is attributed to the slow adaptation to climate change, opposition from landlord groups, and the significant costs associated with energy bills and cooling equipment. Concerns also exist about who would bear these costs, with fears that mandates for air conditioning might lead to higher rents for tenants. The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves make adequate cooling more critical, emphasizing that air conditioning has become a necessity rather than a luxury. In the absence of federal regulations, cooling policies vary widely by state and city. Low-income tenants and communities of color are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing they are disproportionately exposed to extreme heat and face higher risks during heat waves.
