Nearly 90% of American homes are now using AC

Americans have been cranking up the AC as heatwaves become more frequent. Nearly 90% of American homes are using some form of air conditioning, according to recently released data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

For comparison, less than 10% of households in Europe have an AC unit—though that number is predicted to increase as extreme summer temperatures like the ones currently scorching the region become more common.

Hotter and longer summers mean dangerous conditions for people exposed to extreme heat and humidity. Low-income and other vulnerable populations are particularly at risk of heat stress, heat stroke, and death without some form of cooling. At the same time, higher AC usage is straining the electrical grid and boosting carbon emissions that will further contribute to global warming.

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