Heat wave drives demand for air conditioners, fans

Air conditioners and fans have been in high demand as Barbadians find ways to cope with excessive heat, with appliance retailers reporting increased sales and some fan models already out of stock.

At Courts Sheraton, assistant branch manager George Mayers said sales of air conditioners and fans had increased.

“We have definitely seen within the last month or so, an increase of over 20 per cent in sales in the AC units and fans,” he said.

Air conditioners, in particular, were moving quickly, with the 12 000-BTU model proving especially popular as it is suitable for small rooms, said Mayers.

“The request for fans is very high as well. At the moment we are out of some standing fans, but we’re expecting some shipment soon,” he added.

At Massy Stores’ Sheraton location, supervisor Nicole Callender also reported a spike in air conditioner sales: “We do get a lot of sales in both areas, but I find that here of late that we have been getting a spike in AC sales. More customers are coming in and looking at the ACs, whether it be portable or whether it be split unit.”

Air-conditioning units, including standard and inverter models range from 12 000 to 36 000 BTUs.

For fans, the store carries 16-inch and 18-inch models, as well as wall and pedestal fans.

Callender suggested that consumers should consider the size and construction of their rooms when choosing an air-conditioning unit: “Depending on how the houses are now today, you have the close-board ceilings, the high roofs. So, you would have to use a split AC rather than an old sealed roof where you can use the portable AC.”

In a statement issued on September 3, the Barbados Meteorological Services said the heat wave observed across the island over the past few months was expected to persist throughout September and into October.

Residents and visitors were advised to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.

The Met Office warned that the heat could have serious effects, particularly on vulnerable individuals and outdoor workers, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke and fainting.

For some people, staying cool has meant spending more time indoors, drinking more water and trying to limit their exposure to the sun.

“Ain’t nothing I can do about it. Just have to go with it for the time being,” said David Archer of the heat. “I continue to use AC and fans, but I didn’t purchase any.”

For people who have to work outdoors, beating the heat is not an option.

A clothing vendor on James Street said: “It’s a scorcher, but I drink a lot of water and try not to stay in one position, move around sometimes, take a little stroll, go with my wife and daughter and come back. 

“But we can’t do anything about it. We have to do what we need to do to keep ourselves together.”

He said he had not significantly reduced the amount of time he spent at his stall, but the heat made working outdoors difficult.

“Not really less time, but those walks would be like less than 30 seconds… It’s horrible, man. But we got to bear with it, and do the best we could to help ourselves.”

The vendor said he had previously thought the island could not get much hotter after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, saying: “This is it, it can’t get much hotter.”

Snowcone vendor Mercy Adelanwa said: “You know, it’s really that hot, but it comes with a little bit of breeze. So, and it consumes a lot of water to the system, but it’s okay.”

Adelanwa said she had been spending slightly less time outdoors because of the intensity of the sun. She said wearing lighter clothing could also help people cope.

“You just need something, you know… some light shirts to wear so the breeze can at least flow with the heat.”

However, she said she was still relying on her umbrella and a fan when possible.

“I still need some fan. I forgot my fan. So today, you know, I’m just going to cope with the weather.”

Another vendor, Marguerite, said the breeze at her spot helped her deal with the conditions: “You could feel the wind blowing here. So I do cope.”

Like several of those interviewed, she said drinking water was part of her routine since she walks with three bottles of water.

But the heat had not caused her to shorten her working hours, Marguerite said: “No. No. No. Time goes the same way.”

Jeffrey Goddard said: “It’s hot and I’m trying to get out of it. Get away from the heat.”

Goddard said he had been drinking plenty of water and his advice to others was straightforward: “to get out of the sun instead of going back in the sun”. 

(LE)