Risking lives to save dollars

Older Australians may be “risking their lives” to lower electricity bills as some refuse to operate their air conditioners on hot days.

Dr Steve Hambleton, Australian Medical Association national president, is particularly concerned by the thousands of pensioners who he describes are “vulnerable” when the temperature is above 37C.

“While most people can get away with fans on hot days, the frail and elderly need extra help to cool down,” Dr Hambleton tells AAP.

“Older people often overdress, are on medications that decrease sweating, do not drink enough cold fluids, or don’t open windows or doors because of security concerns.”

The elderly, disabled and young children are most vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration in a heatwave.

As climate experts warn Australians to brace for a record hot January, welfare agencies say people on tight budgets are being forced to turn off air conditioning.

Large air conditioners can reportedly add $530 to annual electricity bills, compared with $15 to $30 for each ceiling or pedestal fan, according to consumer group, Choice.

Choice spokeswoman, Ingrid Just, explains air conditioners are best when combined with shading and insulation.

“Fans went well in homes with good cross-ventilation, and well-planted trees and bushes to help channel breezes inside,” she says.

UnitingCare Australia national director, Lin Hatfield Dodds, tells AAP: “We are increasingly concerned about people’s health and wellbeing. If we are looking down the barrel of a very hot summer as predicted, that will only get worse.”

“As electricity costs keep rising, more people are having to treat cooling and heating as an optional extra,” Ms Hatfield Dodds said.

“Lowerincome people are more likely to live in poorly insulated homes so they end up sweating in a hotbox.”