I grew up in the 90s, in the southern part of the country.
I remember we never had an air conditioning unit in my home.
If it got hot during the summer, we would just open the windows or use a fan. But nowadays, it’s unthinkable to go without a cooling system in the summer. I found out when I traveled to my hometown a few weeks ago and suffered from the scorching heat. I stayed at my dad’s place while I was there, and thankfully, he had zoned HVAC. I don’t know what I would have done without it, yet as a child, all this HVAC technology wasn’t needed. This made me think about the effects of climate change and the ecological impact of over-relying on heating and cooling systems. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should stop using this technology, but instead look at more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives, like, for example, ductless mini-split systems. When I had to choose my HVAC system, I was conscious of the impact of heating devices like furnaces and boilers, and instead opted for radiant floor heating and heated floors. I certainly appreciate the comfort that modern HVAC technology offers, but there must be a balance between comfort and sustainability. When I look back to when I was younger and remember spending the summer comfortably without relying on air conditioning, it’s obvious to me that climate change is a significant issue. Thus, we must prioritize sustainability and opt for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems now more than ever.