Spatial disparities in air conditioning ownership in Florida, United States

This study emphasizes the critical role of air conditioning (AC) in preventing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The challenge of limited geographic coverage and outdated AC availability data hampers effective heat risk mapping and prevention efforts. We identified areas with significant AC needs and examined factors related to AC ownership in Florida, U.S. Local Indicators of Spatial Association results displayed distinct AC ownership disparities, with high-high clusters in coastal and metropolitan areas and AC-deficient clusters inland. Vulnerable urban communities, predominantly inhabited by marginalized groups, had limited to no AC availability. The Spatial Durbin Model results revealed a significant correlation between AC ownership and socioeconomic and urban factors. Notably, a higher proportion of AC-deficient households were in predominantly African-American neighborhoods, underscoring racial disparities in AC ownership. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted interventions to mitigate heat-related risks and adapt to evolving climate conditions in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Automated summary

This study highlights the important role of air conditioning (AC) in preventing heat-related illnesses and identifies disparities in AC ownership in Florida. Limited geographic coverage and outdated AC availability data pose challenges for heat risk mapping and prevention efforts. The results show distinct AC ownership disparities, with high ownership in coastal and metropolitan areas and limited availability in inland and marginalized communities. The study also reveals a significant correlation between AC ownership and socioeconomic and urban factors, with racial disparities in AC ownership observed in predominantly African-American neighborhoods. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted interventions to mitigate heat-related risks.