VANCOUVER: In the years since the 2021 heat dome and increasingly intense wildfire seasons, British Columbians have significantly stepped-up efforts to make their homes more resilient – turning to air conditioning and air purifiers to beat the heat and breathe easier.
New research from BC Hydro1 shows nearly 70 per cent of British Columbians now have air conditioning at home, marking a significant uptick. About 40 per cent of those using air conditioning purchased their first unit between 2021 and 2025.
While portable and window units remain the most popular choices – used by about 60 per cent of people due to their affordability and ease of installation – nearly 27 per cent of all AC-equipped households have invested in heat pumps. Heat pumps offer greater energy efficiency, quieter operation and year-round climate control – both heating and cooling.
Additionally, with wildfire smoke becoming more frequent, about 38 per cent of residents now own air purifiers. Their top reasons include improving indoor air (52 per cent), reducing allergy symptoms (49 per cent) and filtering out wildfire smoke (43 per cent). The highest adoption rates are seen in people ages 35 to 54, suggesting growing awareness amongst families and working-age adults.
To help customers stay comfortable this summer, BC Hydro is offering the following rebates through Aug. 22, 2025:
- $50 off select ENERGY STAR® window air conditioners and high-efficiency portable units
- $$30 off select ENERGY STAR® air purifiers
With the current heat wave driving up temperatures, BC Hydro has seen peak hourly electricity demand – the hour customers use the most electricity – climb by approximately 10 per cent compared to this time last week. To stay cool and save money, BC Hydro recommends the following tips:
- Optimize indoor temperature: Set your AC to 25°C when home and turn it off when away.
- Buy ENERGY STAR® certified: These units use 30 to 40 per cent less energy.
- Close blinds and drapes: This can block up to 65 per cent of heat.
- Shut windows and doors: If the temperature outside is warmer than inside, keeping doors and windows closed helps to keep the cooler air in and the warm air out.
- Use fans efficiently: Running a fan for nine hours daily costs just $7 over the entire summer.
- Replace filters regularly: Twenty per cent of residents have never changed their AC filter, which can reduce efficiency and should be changed at least once per year.
For more information on available rebates and smart cooling tips, visit powersmart.ca. Government has also recently announced provincial rebates to make energy-saving home upgrades more affordable for multi-unit residential buildings and is sharing information on how to prepare for extreme heat.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468
[1] Online survey conducted from June 18th –23rd among a representative sample of 801 British Columbians aged 18+ are members of the Angus Reid Forum. Margin of error +/-3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.