How to get a low-cost A/C unit and other help from LADWP to beat the next heat wave
By Ryan J. Reilly
September 18, 2016
This article was republished with permission from the Environmental Health Perspectives, American Chemical Society.
In the current heat wave forecasted for the Northern Hemisphere, where temperatures are predicted to climb to 90 and above from Sunday to Tuesday, residents can anticipate air-conditioned conditions. However, even well-planned cooling measures can fail at times. According to a 2018 report published by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “there is a range of possible outcomes as air conditioners fail, water heaters fail, and other equipment or systems fail.”
A combination of factors can contribute to a heat wave event, according to the DOE report: the need to cool homes and business; the availability of alternative power sources; and utility capacity. In fact, DOE and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy have released research on the effects that a heat wave of 100 degrees or more, such as that forecast for the next few weeks, can have on animals.
According to a 2017 report by the National Academy of Sciences, “the physical, chemical, and biological effects of excess heat can be mitigated by good air conditioning (or other cooling systems) of buildings, vehicles, and food-storage facilities.” In this article we look how to make sure that the cooling systems you use work better in the heat of summer.
What to consider
If you live in Arizona, you may have already experienced a heat wave with a temperature above 90 degrees that you can remember. In this case, the best option would be to move to a cooler place. It is better to make the move right before the heat wave begins to become more intense, rather than after it’s already beginning, since the conditions are more severe.
If you