Hacker News Reader

Comment by jefftk | Hacker News Reader

This is completely backwards. In the US air conditioning has facilitated people moving from colder to warmer areas, which decreases energy usage. Yes, you don't need AC in the Northeast but you need a lot of heat, so people moving to the Sunbelt reduces carbon emissions.

Outside the US, this ignores how much happier and more productive people are when they're not overheated. Traditionally cold areas have been much more productive than warm areas, but AC could change this.

View on HN

Added note: I shave peak load for a living.

Yes, this article is pretty much misleading end to end, and not taking into account the cost of heating is the keystone.

Everyone who thinks about this issue should stop cherry-picking some particular consumption good you think should be curtailed.

One, it's anti-humanistic, you'll end up getting slammed for telling (poorer) people from hotter areas to suck it up, and contra the article, you'll deserve it.

Two, analytically it seems to confuse even people who should know better. You have to take the whole system into account.

Directly pricing the externalities of carbon emissions solves both of these.

Oh I was absolutely not happier or more productive while living in the US. Air conditioning there was driving me insane and it had bad effects on my health too.

It is unhealthy for sure: my flatmate coming back from jogging sweating and all... first thing he does, turn AC on.

It was also sad to see AC running day and night and reading news about climate change the same time.

Your final point misses the parent's point completely. Yes it uses energy, but cold areas use more. It might also be worth mentioning that the use of boilers may be dirtier than going through a centralised burner, as the economies of scale would favour efficiency improvements at large scale more than at small, building scale.

As for being unhealthy, that's an issue of dry, circulating air. This would be addressed better with radiative cooling and potentially humidity control. Some cleaning out of air filters may also be due.

edit: Oh and of course, building regulations (and enforcement thereof) and insulation shouldn't be forgotten, like I just did.

AC units (especially window units) can produce mold. It's a serious problem that is often overlooked. People should check the air they are breathing, especially while sleeping. Some molds are exceptionally toxic.

I run my AC almost 24x7. Air conditioning can be perfectly fine. Don't misconstrue a dumpy building with your dislike of cold air.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com