One question often asked by Mainland buyers is, “Why don’t many homes in Hawaii have air conditioning?” On islands with warm temperatures year-round, this can seem surprising. However, there are two practical reasons why many Hawaii homes were built without A/C.
Design: How Hawaii Homes Stay Cool Naturally
First, many of the homes without A/C were built prior to the 1950s. Following the post-war economic boom, air conditioning installation became common practice. However, prior to this, it was almost non existent. In Hawaii, traditional plantation-style homes were designed to cool naturally. Features like jalousie windows, high ceilings, and open floor plans promote airflow and take advantage of the trade winds, helping homes stay comfortable without air conditioning. Newer homes that are built without A/C tend to not have jalousies primarily due to personal preference.
Price: Why Air Conditioning Can Be Expensive in Hawaii
Many newer homes are built with multiple ceiling fans as it costs much less than installing A/C. Installing central air conditioning in Hawaii can be costly. For a 2,000-square-foot home, installation can range from $3,500–$4,000 or more, not including electricity costs, which average around 45 cents per kilowatt-hour. Because of this, many homeowners opt for split A/C systems, which allow individual rooms to be cooled as needed.
More Information
Whatever option you decide to look for in your new home, there are many different options out there to fit your preference and financial needs so you can be comfortable. With summer approaching, I hope that everyone finds different ways to keep cool. If you would like more information on the Hawaii lifestyle, or are interested in Oahu real estate opportunities, please contact us.
Chris borreca
October 7, 2019
The question asks “what do I think?” Here is what I think (my opinion of course)….i think this is the craziest logic I have ever heard!!! Im visiting from houston. We have gawd awful weather (ie HOT and HUMID!!!) and believe me we have air conditioning. I’m sitting in a lovely house on the coast of the big island and there hasn’t been any sort of wind here all week long! Your temps don’t go down at night like most of the civilized portions of the US and a house without a/c at night here is miserable!Right now we have a tariff , it appears, on the trade winds as they simply aren’t blowing and our house faces the northeast. Put some a/c in your homes for GOD sake , it was invented a long time ago and it’s an invention, I’m sure, that would be appreciated!! Light bulbs in lamps cost some amount of money but would you like to use candle light??? Please, get out of the fifties and modernize with a/c and you will appreciate the technology!
sunelectricac
December 10, 2020
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