Many in B.C. keeping AC on to keep pets cool, despite cost: survey

Are you keeping your air conditioning on while you’re out to keep your pets cool?

If you answered yes, you’re not alone. According to a BC Hydro survey, three quarters of people polled who have AC have admitted to leaving the air conditioning on to keep Fido cool — sometimes even all day — regardless of the cost.

AC was found to be the number one way to keep pets cool in the hotter months, at 33 per cent. BC Hydro says 30 per cent of respondents said they use a fan to do so, while 12 per cent said they provide their pets with a cool drink to keep them from overheating.

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“And while many are mindful of their own AC use, when it comes to their pet(s) cost is not a big concern. In fact, two thirds said they do not care if their electricity bill is higher in the summer if it means their pet is cool and comfortable,” BC Hydro notes in a release.

AC can be a household’s biggest energy cost in the summer. BC Hydro says it can run people hundreds of dollars over the summer months, depending on how much they run their AC.

BC Hydro is offering up advice to anyone looking for tips to keep themselves and their pets cool when the mercury rise. It notes that heat pumps are not only more efficient but are also more environmentally friendly that a gas-powered system. It notes rebates are available.

Related video: Many pets died of heatstroke during 2021 heat wave, said Langley vet

British Columbians are also recommended to opt for a window AC unit rather than a portable one, if possible, once again for efficiency’s sake.

Keeping cool air in by sealing gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and other openings in your home, using ceiling fans, and shading windows are also recommended.

While temperatures have not hit records set last year, many communities on the Lower Mainland have seen the mercury rise into the 30s this summer.

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