Millions Left Without Air Conditioning During Dangerous Heat Wave

An intense heat dome has created dangerous conditions across many parts of the country as millions of Americans find themselves at risk during one of the hottest times of the year. Although it is rare for a house to be without air conditioning in America, an analysis of a recent heat dome suggests that more than 2 million American households living in areas of significant or excessive heat lack a cooling system.

National Weather Service and US Census Bureau data reveal that 93% of all homes in the United States are equipped with air conditioning systems. For those living in areas affected by the current heat wave, however, 96% of homes have cooling systems, leaving the rest of the households with no means of protection against hot indoor temperatures.

Several Cities Have High Numbers of Homes Without Cooling

These findings show that there are some places where a substantial number of families lack air conditioning even when the climate is very hot.

In Wayne County, Michigan, about 63,000 houses, which is approximately one house for every ten households, lack air conditioning. In Cuyahoga County, Ohio, there are more than 41,000 houses without air conditioning, while in Monroe County, New York, there are almost 39,000 houses lacking such facilities, comprising 12% of all houses.

The City of Detroit is the most affected among all. When the heat index rises up to 105 degrees, about 37,000 households, which makes up 17% of all houses, lack air conditioning.

Health Experts Warn About Increased Risks

According to public health professionals, availability of air conditioning still remains one of the most powerful means to prevent diseases and deaths associated with extremely hot weather conditions.

Experts note that heat risks are not distributed evenly among communities. People who live in places with high prevalence of chronic diseases, older houses, low income levels, and lack of social connections suffer more during long heat waves due to the inability to protect themselves from heat for several days.

Additionally, old houses are part of the problem. Most buildings, particularly those located in such big cities as Detroit, have been built a long time ago. There was no insulation, and energy efficient windows in them. Old brick houses can accumulate heat during the day and let it go through walls during the night.

Older Adults Face Greater Danger

However, medical specialists caution that older people are more susceptible because of the aging process that leads to reduced capability of regulating the body’s temperature.

Besides, many old people reside alone, while others use certain medications that limit their body’s capacity for cooling. Warmer nights are even more dangerous because houses stay warm all night long.

Cities Take Emergency Measures as Heat Intensifies

Emergency efforts have been initiated to protect people. City authorities in Detroit extended working hours at cooling centers, stopped water shutoffs, and mandated checkups for elderly people living in multi-unit housing. In Cleveland, there is an estimate of 22,000 houses without air conditioning, which constitutes about 15% of houses. The heat index values will hit 106 degrees in Cleveland.

Places that have never experienced such intense heat waves before, like in western and upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, are now facing the problem of unusual warmth as well. In Rochester, New York, about 25% of homes are without air conditioning.

Cost Remains a Major Barrier

It should be mentioned that having an air conditioner installed does not ensure safety automatically. Expensive bills and repairs do not allow people to turn on their air conditioners all the time due to high costs involved.

Taking into consideration the fact that the heat dome is supposed to keep the temperature and humidity at the current level over the holidays, officials urge people to drink enough water, make use of cooling centers, and visit old relatives.