In storm-ravaged Louisiana lately, the most asked question to family and acquaintances this week is; "You got power?" And, we're not really asking about the power grid, we're asking about air conditioning. Air conditioning is vital in Louisiana's semi-tropical climate. It is my contention that the greatest invention of the 20th century is refrigeration. Whether to cool our food, prevent spoilage, or to cool our living quarters, refrigeration has changed the way people live.
I grew up without air conditioning, as did everyone who lived prior to 1950. Yet, it's absolutely vital to my existence today. This past week has seen thousands of small generators sold locally as people try to re-power their homes in the absence of the electrical grid. To keep food cool, to keep themselves cool.
Yet, it's true that air conditioning takes a huge toll on the electric grid. California has seen rolling blackouts during peak consumption hours. Some innovators are looking at ways to make refrigeration more efficient, less energy-hungry. I applaud their efforts.
At some point in the future, PawPaw's air conditioning unit for the house will crap out, and I"ll be forced to buy a new unit. You can bet I'll be looking for the most efficient unit
2 comments:
Agree completely with A/C requirement for summer in the South. Humidity, along with heat does a number on a body. In the desert, very low humidity and night time temps dropping makes it possible.
Mowing the grass and line trim the borders in the summer is accompanied with a cold drink of water and cooling off in the A/C. A cold shower is heaven under those circumstances.
I hope you and yours are able to find relief from no electricity. I read earlier yours was down for a few hours. Hanna caused a five day delay in ours - I was so glad to see power restored.
Most of the South is nearly uninhabitable without air conditioning, certainly it would not be as heavily populated as it is now without it.
Someday we'll figure out that if we build houses right - meaning "tighter, with more insulation, with the right materials and proper attention to construction detail and site orientation" - we can reduce the energy requirements substantially. But, we seem to want to spend money on granite counters and shiny fixtures rather than putting more dollars into the structure to save $50-$80/mo on energy costs over the life of the house. Houses last, usually, 60-100 years, central air conditioners maybe 12-15.
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