Air-conditioning and antibiotics: Demand management insights from problematic health and household cooling practices

Air-conditioners and antibiotics are two technologies that have both been traditionally framed around individual health and comfort needs, despite aspects of their use contributing to social health problems. The imprudent use of antibiotics is threatening the capacity of the healthcare system internationally. Similarly, in Australia the increasing reliance on air-conditioning to maintain thermal comfort is contributing to rising peak demand and electricity prices, and is placing an inequitable health and financial burden on vulnerable heat-stressed households. This paper analyses policy responses to these problems through the lens of social practice theory. In the health sector, campaigns are attempting to emphasise the social health implications of antibiotic use. In considering this approach in relation to the problem of air-conditioned cooling and how to change the ways in which people keep cool during peak times, our analysis draws on interviews with 80 Australian households. We find that the problem of peak electricity demand may be reduced through attention to the social health implications of air-conditioned cooling on very hot days. We conclude that social practice theory offers a fruitful analytical route for identifying new avenues for research and informing policy responses to emerging health and environmental problems. •Over-use of antibiotics and air-conditioning has social health implications.•Focusing on financial incentives limits the potential of demand management programs.•Explaining peak demand to households shifts the meanings of cooling practices.•Emphasising the social health implications of antibiotics and air-conditioning may resurrect alternative practices.•Analysing policy with social practice theory offers insights into policy approaches.