By Jenny Lin
If you live in an urban area as so many people do these days, you probably know what the heat island effect is and have felt it firsthand. Buildings, roads and other urban structures take in and give off the sun’s heat more than natural elements like trees and bodies of water. In urban areas like NYC, where there are many more of these manmade structures than greenery, temperatures are higher than the surrounding area. Are you wondering what cities can do to combat this effect while also considering the impact of cooling?
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has written a handbook to help cities reduce the environmental toll of cooling. Check out this conversation with Mark Radka, Chief of the Energy and Climate Branch of the UNEP, where he explains how cities could adapt to rising temperatures without resorting to air conditioning. Nature-based solutions like planting street trees are a key component. “On a normal sunny day, a single tree can transpire several hundred litres of water, which represents a cooling effect equivalent of two domestic air conditioners running for 24 hours.”
While cities have a lot to do to address our rising temperatures, there’s also plenty we can do at the individual level. Check out these tips for staying comfortable while increasing energy efficiency and lowering the environmental impact of your cooling.
Stay Cool Efficiently
Closing your blinds is an easy and low effort way to keep your indoor environment cooler by blocking out the sun. The heavier the blinds are the better they will block out rays (and keep in the heat during the cold months).
Leave your thermostat alone. Adjusting your thermostat often makes your air conditioner work harder and uses more energy. Set the temperature at a comfortable level (perferably 78 degrees F or higher) and leave it. When you’re not at home for longer stretches of time (like an eight hour work day), set the temperature 7-10 degrees above your usual setting to save energy and money.
Keep A/C vents open. Blocked/closed air vents decrease efficiency and raise operating costs. Keep 80% of supply registers open and amen sure vents aren’t being blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs.
Install any outdoor A/C units in the shade.The location of any outdoor units significantly impacts their performance. If any units get direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, consider planting a tree or installing a screen for shade.
Use fans. Fans help to effectively circulate cool air and make your home more comfortable without using much energy. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that can make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler!
Get rid of hot and humid air. Make sure to run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or showering to get rid of the heat and moisture generated by these activities. Using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture can also make your home feel more cool and consumes less electricity than running the A/C.
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