How much air conditioning usage actually prevents heat deaths?
How protective is air conditioning in preventing deaths amid soaring temperatures and record heat levels? Yale researchers found that AC use cut the number of annual heat-related deaths by half in the U.S., saving more than 5,000 lives a year. However, while AC is a highly effective heat adaptation tool, its protective effects level off once use passes a certain point. On days of extreme heat,…
A recent Yale University study reveals that air conditioning significantly reduces heat-related deaths in the United States, potentially saving over 5,000 lives each year. However, the benefits plateau when usage exceeds a certain threshold, and risk levels rise again during extreme heat conditions. This research, published in Nature Health, analyzed air conditioning usage across 3,108 counties nationwide from 2010 to 2020.
The study found that moderate AC use yields the most benefits, while overuse offers diminishing returns. The researchers also noted that affordability plays a crucial role in determining the extent of AC use, as more than a quarter of U.S. households struggle to afford energy costs. The findings underscore the importance of making air conditioning affordable and improving urban green spaces to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
