Residents of Phoenix limit air conditioning usage due to concerns about high electric bills, as scorching heat transforms houses into “air fryers”

Phoenix residents are struggling to cope with scorching temperatures that have exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit for the entire month of July. Air conditioning is a lifeline in this extreme heat, allowing people to escape the dangerous conditions. However, some residents are cutting back on AC usage due to fears of high electricity bills. This creates a difficult situation for those who cannot afford to operate their air conditioners or do not have access to them.

Jonathan Bean, co-director of the Institute for Energy Solutions at the University of Arizona, explains that the combination of cloudless skies and outdoor temperatures over 100 degrees turns houses into “air fryers” or “broilers.” The heat is absorbed by the roof and radiates downward, making indoor temperatures unbearable. Bean recently experienced this firsthand when his own air conditioner broke.

Evan Mallen, a senior analyst for Georgia Institute of Technology’s Urban Climate Lab, warns that the current level of heat in Phoenix is extremely dangerous, especially for those without air conditioning or unable to afford its operation. Mallen emphasizes the importance of finding ways to stay cool during this heat wave.

Some residents, like Camille Rabany, have developed their own strategies to keep cool while minimizing their utility bills. Rabany tracks the on-peak and off-peak schedule of her utility, Arizona Public Service, and adjusts her thermostat accordingly. By keeping her home at a slightly higher temperature during the most expensive hours, she is able to save money while still staying relatively comfortable.

Emily Schmidt in Tempe, Arizona, also faces the challenge of balancing her desire for a cooler home with the need to save money. She and her partner constantly discuss the temperature settings, considering the comfort of their pets as well. Schmidt worries about the upcoming electric bill, as the relentless heat makes it difficult to budget for rent and other expenses.

Katie Martin, administrator of home improvements and community services at the Foundation for Senior Living, highlights the struggles faced by older people on limited incomes. Many seniors keep their thermostats at 80 degrees Fahrenheit to save money, even though this can be dangerous in extreme heat. Lack of support networks and air conditioner breakdowns further exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

The Salvation Army is providing relief to those in need through its cooling stations across the Phoenix area. Lt. Colonel Ivan Wild, commander of the organization’s southwest division, shares stories of individuals who cannot afford their electricity bills or lack adequate air conditioning. The Salvation Army estimates that they have already provided heat relief to nearly 24,000 people and distributed around 150,000 water bottles in Arizona and Southern Nevada since May 1.

The high cost of air conditioning bills forces people to make difficult choices, often sacrificing other essential needs. Marilyn Brown, regents professor of sustainable systems at Georgia Tech, emphasizes that the energy burden and poverty cycle can be difficult to escape. People may have to give up medication or cut back on other expenses to afford running their air conditioners, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

As the heat wave continues to grip Phoenix, residents must find ways to stay cool while also managing their energy costs. The extreme temperatures pose a significant risk to those without access to air conditioning or the means to afford its operation. Organizations like the Salvation Army play a crucial role in providing assistance to vulnerable populations during this challenging time.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-07-22 23:47:00