Why AC Is Becoming Essential in BC (Not Just a Nice-to-Have)
In 2021, the heat dome showed us something many in BC didn't expect: our homes can get dangerously hot when a prolonged heat wave hits. That event led to about 740 excess deaths in the province, many of them in homes that became too hot to stay safe inside. A few years later, summer nights in many Metro Vancouver houses still stay uncomfortably warm when the thermostat reads "off" and there's no air conditioning. What used to be an occasional hot week is now a regular summer pattern that more households are noticing.
This post explains why AC is shifting from a luxury to a practical necessity in BC, what the numbers say about cooling usage here, and what homeowners can do to stay comfortable as our summers get hotter.
BC's Low AC Usage (and How It's Changing)
For a long time, a lot of people in Metro Vancouver saw air conditioning as a "nice to have" rather than a must-have. The numbers show it: Statistics Canada reported that, in 2025, about 68 percent of Canadian households used some form of air conditioning, but B.C. had the lowest usage in the country at roughly 45 percent of homes.
That means more than half of households in this province were still trying to ride out the summer heat without proper cooling, and recent heat waves are making that harder to do comfortably and safely.
But the trend is shifting. BC Hydro's 2025 survey found that air conditioner use is increasing across the province, with more people turning to cooling for the first time. While the sample size was modest (801 respondents), the direction is clear: the heat isn't going away, and more people are recognizing they need some form of reliable cooling.
Recent heat waves are making it clearer that riding out summer heat without proper cooling is harder to do comfortably and safely. More families and working-age adults are taking notice, and AC adoption is growing fastest among people ages 35 to 54, households with children and those in their prime working years.
Extreme heat is becoming a real risk in Metro Vancouver
B.C.'s climate is changing, and summers are not what they used to be. Provincial weather and health authorities have noted that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and more intense, which is why they are now treated as a public-health priority rather than just "uncomfortable weather."
The 2021 heat dome, for example, was associated with about 740 excess deaths in B.C., many of them in homes that became dangerously hot inside. In response, PreparedBC and other agencies now highlight access to cooling, such as air conditioning or heat pumps, as one of the key tools for staying safe during future extreme heat events, alongside shading, hydration, and checking in on vulnerable neighbours.
Heat Is a Health Risk, Not Just Discomfort
Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsening of heart or lung conditions. The risk is especially high for:
- Seniors
- Young children
- Pregnant people
- People with chronic health conditions
- Those who work outdoors or live in top-floor units without shade
Indoor temperatures can stay dangerously high at night even when outdoor temperatures drop, preventing your body from recovering from the heat of the day. Air conditioning or a heat pump is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your household during these events.
Why now is the time to invest in reliable cooling
All of that adds up to a simple takeaway: it is worth having some form of reliable cooling at home, and it is worth taking care of it. For some households, that might mean looking into a central AC or heat pump system when the budget and timing are right, especially as more rebates and programs appear to support efficient electric cooling in B.C. For others, it is about giving the system you already have a bit of attention, keeping filters clean, booking maintenance, and making sure it is ready before the next stretch of hot weather arrives. When the temperature climbs, most people are glad they made those decisions in April or May rather than on the hottest weekend of the year.
What Counts as "Reliable Cooling" in BC?
Having reliable cooling doesn't necessarily mean installing a $10,000 central system overnight. What matters is having some form of cooling that works when you need it.
Here are the main options for BC homes:
Central Air Conditioning
- Best for homes with existing furnace ductwork
- Cools the entire house evenly
- Often paired with a furnace for year-round comfort
- Higher upfront cost but whole-home coverage
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
- Great for condos, townhomes, older homes without ducts, or room-by-room cooling
- Provide both cooling and heating
- Highly efficient and work well in BC's climate
- Increasingly popular with rebates supporting electric heating and cooling
Window or Portable AC Units
- Lower upfront cost
- Good for renters or single rooms
- Less efficient and noisier, but better than nothing during a heat wave
Many BC homeowners are choosing heat pumps because they cool in the summer and heat in the winter, making them a year-round investment that works well with electric rebates.
Rebates and Programs Making AC and Heat Pumps More Affordable in BC
Federal and provincial programs are making efficient electric cooling more accessible. Current options include:
- Federal Greener Homes Grant and Loan - supports energy-efficient upgrades including heat pumps
- BC Hydro Heat Pump Rebates - rebates on eligible air-source heat pump systems
- CleanBC Programs - additional incentives for efficient heating and cooling in many regions
Rebates change over time, so it's worth checking what's available when you're ready to move forward. Nation Heating can help you understand what programs you qualify for and what system fits your home.
Having AC Is Only Half the Story: Maintenance Matters
Owning a cooling system doesn't guarantee it will work when you need it most. Regular maintenance is just as important as having the right equipment.
Simple Homeowner Checks
- Clean or replace air filters regularly
- Keep vents unblocked by furniture or curtains
- Clear leaves, grass, and debris from the outdoor unit
- Check thermostat settings before hot weather hits
Simple Homeowner Checks
A professional maintenance visit can:
- Catch small problems before they become expensive repairs
- Clean coils and check refrigerant levels
- Test electrical components and safety features
- Ensure your system is ready before the next heat wave
When the temperature climbs, most people are glad they booked maintenance in April or May rather than on the hottest weekend of the year.
For more on simple checks you can do yourself, see our blog Air Conditioning Maintenance in Burnaby: 10 Simple Steps to Avoid Summer Breakdowns.
Ready to Think About AC for Your Burnaby or Metro Vancouver Home?
If you're not sure whether you need central AC, a ductless mini-split, or just a maintenance tune-up, our team at Nation Heating can walk you through your options.
We'll help you:
- Compare repair vs. replacement costs
- Choose a system that fits your home and budget
- Understand what rebates you might qualify for
- Get your existing system ready for summer before the heat arrives
When the next heat wave hits, most people are glad they made those decisions in April or May – not on the hottest weekend of the year.
FAQ: Air Conditioning Basics for BC Homes
Do I really need AC in BC?
If you’re comfortable without it most years, you may not need it immediately. But as extreme heat becomes more frequent and intense, having reliable cooling is increasingly important for safety, especially if you have vulnerable household members or live in a hot, top-floor unit.
Is a heat pump better than a traditional AC in BC?
For most BC homes, a heat pump is the better long-term investment. It provides both cooling in summer and efficient electric heating in winter, and it qualifies for rebates that traditional AC systems don’t.
How much does it cost to install AC in a Metro Vancouver home?
Costs vary widely depending on system type, home size, and whether you have existing ductwork. Ductless mini-splits typically start in the low thousands per zone, while central AC systems can range from several thousand to ten thousand+ depending on complexity. A technician can give you a precise quote after assessing your home.
What's the fastest way to cool a home during a heat wave?
If you already have AC or a heat pump, run it at a moderate temperature (around 22-24°C or 72-75°F) and keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day. If you don’t have AC, a window unit in the bedroom, a portable AC, or even a fan paired with cool night ventilation can help.
How often should I service my AC system?
At minimum, once a year before summer starts. Annual maintenance catches problems early, keeps your system efficient, and ensures it’s ready when the next heat wave hits.
