- August 11, 2022
- No Comment
- 6 minutes read
Pet owners willing to splurge on AC to keep their furry friends cool: B.C. Hydro – Vancouver Sun
Three-quarters of pet owners who have AC admit to leaving it on for their pets when they’re not at home.
Most British Columbians are willing to splurge on air conditioning to keep their pets cool in the heat, says a new B.C. Hydro survey.
AC was named as the top way pet owners keep their furry friends cool and comfortable in the summer (33 per cent), followed by using a fan (30 per cent) and providing a cool drink (12 per cent).
Out of respondents with AC at home, 75 per cent admit to leaving the AC on for their pets even when they’re not at home, sometimes all day.
Most don’t mind the extra cost. Two-thirds of respondents said they don’t care if they have to pay a higher electricity bill in the summer months if it means their pet stays comfortable.
The findings were based on an online survey of 800 British Columbians conducted by market researcher Majid Khoury from June 10 to 13. It has a margin of error of 3.5 per cent.
B.C. Hydro said AC use has increased in the province by about 50 per cent over the last decade, particularly during the unprecedented heat last year, when AC use grew as much as it did the previous 10 years.
But that comes with a cost. Running a central AC for nine hours a day can add an extra $300 in electricity costs over the summer months, said B.C. Hydro.
It recommends people cool their homes with heat pumps, which offers year-round heating and cooling and is more environmentally-friendly than a gas-powered system. Rebates are also available.
If opting for an AC, go with more energy-efficient window units rather than portable units, and look for Energy Star certified models which use up to 40 per cent less power than standard units.
Other tips from B.C. Hydro to keep pets cool include keeping cool air in your home longer by using caulking and weather stripping to seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and outlets and using a cooling mat for your pet while in a crate.
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