Sweating Through Summer: Half of Americans Plan to Limit AirCon Use to Cut Costs, Finds Study.

• 80% say access to air conditioning is a basic human right.
• 2 in 3 would vacation in cooler locations rather than beach hotspots.
• Infographic reveals how many Americans plan to reduce air conditioning usage this summer.

Inflation has weighed heavily on millions of cash-strapped Americans over the past few years. As a result, many are forced to cut back on non-essential items, perhaps skipping trips to the movie theaters or opting for budget-friendly family road trips over more expensive resort vacations. With recent heatwaves gripping much of the country — and more predicted to come — BadCredit.org wanted to explore how many Americans are prepared to cut back on their air-conditioning expenses and instead choose to sweat it out this summer.

According to BadCredit.org’s survey of 3,000 respondents, as Americans strive to make ends meet, even previously considered essential expenses are being scrutinized and limited. Indeed, almost half of (47%) Americans surveyed said they will be cutting back on their air conditioning this summer.

Infographic reveals breakdown by state of Americans reducing air conditioning use this summer.

When asked which methods they would use to stay cool instead, the results were as follows:

• Fans: 57%
• Spending more time in public places with air conditioning (e.g., malls, libraries): 12%
• Drinking cold beverages: 12%
• Taking cold showers: 7%
• Using blackout curtains or shades: 7%
• Spending time at friends’ or families’ with air conditioning: 5%

However, for the majority of Americans surveyed, getting by without air conditioning appears to be daunting. When asked to rate their ability to stay cool in the summer months without the use of air conditioning on a scale of 1 to 10, respondents reported it to be a mere 3.8/10.

Health Implications and Social Adjustments
The impact of heat waves on health is significant, with 1 in 3 respondents reporting they have experienced health issues related to excessive levels of heat at home. Furthermore, 46% admit to having previously invited themselves to friends’ or family’s homes to save on air conditioning costs.

Changing Vacation Plans
When asked about their upcoming summer vacations, 68% said they would consider vacationing in cooler locations rather than the traditional beach hotspots. This shift is pertinent given the heatwaves currently affecting large parts of America.

Air Conditioning as a Human Right
An overwhelming 80% of people think that having access to air conditioning should be considered a basic human right, particularly amid global warming concerns.

“Clearly, consumers across the country are facing hard choices. They can stay comfortable at home in hot weather and suffer the financial hit of a huge energy bill, or turn the thermostat up to sweat it out and save money,” said BadCredit.org Consumer Finance Expert Erica Sandberg. “Closing the gap between the temperature outside and what it is inside can reduce the amount you have to pay. I’m a big believer in using as many strategies as you can to remain as cool as possible.”