Cooling Systems Calculator
Cooling Systems Calculator
Cooling Systems Calculator
In partnership with the City of Vancouver
In partnership with the City of Vancouver
In partnership with the City of Vancouver
How can we encourage landlords to invest in cooling upgrades before extreme heat hits?
How can we encourage landlords to invest in cooling upgrades before extreme heat hits?
How can we encourage landlords to invest in cooling upgrades before extreme heat hits?
The Cooling Systems Calculator is an interactive financial tool that shows landlords the potential long-term savings of cooling upgrades for rental units.
The Cooling Systems Calculator is an interactive financial tool that shows landlords the potential long-term savings of cooling upgrades for rental units.
The Cooling Systems Calculator is an interactive financial tool that shows landlords the potential long-term savings of cooling upgrades for rental units.
At a Glance
At a Glance
At a Glance
Role: UX Researcher & Product Designer
Role: UX Researcher & Product Designer
Role: UX Researcher & Product Designer
Timeline: 2 weeks
Timeline: 2 weeks
Timeline: 2 weeks
Team: 5 team members
Team: 5 team members
Team: 5 team members
Participants: 7 tenants, 2 landlords
Participants: 7 tenants, 2 landlords
Participants: 7 tenants, 2 landlords
Methods: Interviews; City resources & literature review; affinity mapping
Methods: Interviews; City resources & literature review; affinity mapping
Methods: Interviews; City resources & literature review; affinity mapping
Tools: Figma
Tools: Figma
Tools: Figma
Outcome: Interactive Prototype
Outcome: Interactive Prototype
Outcome: Interactive Prototype
My Role
My Role
My Role
Research
Research
Research
Conducted and synthesized interviews; reviewed current city resources and literature
Conducted and synthesized interviews; reviewed current city resources and literature
Design
Design
Design
Used research insights to guide design decisions and rationale
Used research insights to guide design decisions and rationale
Prototpying
Prototpying
Prototpying
Prototyped the Cooling Systems Calculator using Figma
Prototyped the Cooling Systems Calculator using Figma
Context & Challenge
Context & Challenge
Context & Challenge
Brief
Brief
Brief
Examine current heat-preparedness information and develop a way for Vancouver tenants and homeowners to become more aware of and prepared for extreme heat.
Examine current heat-preparedness information and develop a way for Vancouver tenants and homeowners to become more aware of and prepared for extreme heat.
Examine current heat-preparedness information and develop a way for Vancouver tenants and homeowners to become more aware of and prepared for extreme heat.
Context
Context
Context
For renters, staying cool is not always fully within their control.
For renters, staying cool is not always fully within their control.
For renters, staying cool is not always fully within their control.
Some heat-preparedness measures depend on landlords, building conditions, and permission to make upgrades.
Some heat-preparedness measures depend on landlords, building conditions, and permission to make upgrades.
Some heat-preparedness measures depend on landlords, building conditions, and permission to make upgrades.
Research Focus
Research Focus
Research Focus
We investigated how tenants and landlords in Vancouver prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape their decisions, and what actions are realistically feasible within a rental setting.
We investigated how tenants and landlords in Vancouver prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape their decisions, and what actions are realistically feasible within a rental setting.
We investigated how tenants and landlords in Vancouver prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape their decisions, and what actions are realistically feasible within a rental setting.
The Solution: Cooling Systems Calculator
The Solution: Cooling Systems Calculator
The Solution: Cooling Systems Calculator
A digital calculator that shows Vancouver landlords the potential financial value of installing cooling systems (i.e., air conditioning (AC), heat pumps, fans, curtains) in their rental properties.
A digital calculator that shows Vancouver landlords the potential financial value of installing cooling systems (i.e., air conditioning (AC), heat pumps, fans, curtains) in their rental properties.
A digital calculator that shows Vancouver landlords the potential financial value of installing cooling systems (i.e., air conditioning (AC), heat pumps, fans, curtains) in their rental properties.
This concept focuses on landloards because renters have limited control over building-level cooling upgrades.
This concept focuses on landloards because renters have limited control over building-level cooling upgrades.
This concept focuses on landloards because renters have limited control over building-level cooling upgrades.
Enter rental property details to compare cooling options, rebates, and potential savings.
Enter rental property details to compare cooling options, rebates, and potential savings.
Enter rental property details to compare cooling options, rebates, and potential savings.
01
01
01
Discover Cooling Support
Discover Cooling Support
Discover Cooling Support
A City of Vancouver letter introduces landlords to the Cooling Systems Calculator available on their website. A QR code directs them to the tool.
A City of Vancouver letter introduces landlords to the Cooling Systems Calculator available on their website. A QR code directs them to the tool.
A City of Vancouver letter introduces landlords to the Cooling Systems Calculator available on their website. A QR code directs them to the tool.
02
02
02
Enter Property & Cooling Details
Enter Property & Cooling Details
Enter Property & Cooling Details
Enter basic property details and select preferred cooling systems (AC, heat pumps, fans, curtains etc.)
Enter basic property details and select preferred cooling systems (AC, heat pumps, fans, curtains etc.)
Enter basic property details and select preferred cooling systems (AC, heat pumps, fans, curtains etc.)
03
03
03
Compare Costs & Savings
Compare Costs & Savings
Compare Costs & Savings
Compare installation costs, rebates, net costs, energy costs, and potential savings.
Compare installation costs, rebates, net costs, energy costs, and potential savings.
Compare installation costs, rebates, net costs, energy costs, and potential savings.
04
04
04
Explore Long-Term Value
Explore Long-Term Value
Explore Long-Term Value
Review additional financial benefits and available rebate programs before deciding on upgrades.
Review additional financial benefits and available rebate programs before deciding on upgrades.
Review additional financial benefits and available rebate programs before deciding on upgrades.
What Shaped the Solution
What Shaped the Solution
What Shaped the Solution
To understand what could encourage earlier investment in cooling, we explored how tenants and landlords prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape cooling decisions, and what financial factors influence landlord action.
To understand what could encourage earlier investment in cooling, we explored how tenants and landlords prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape cooling decisions, and what financial factors influence landlord action.
To understand what could encourage earlier investment in cooling, we explored how tenants and landlords prepare for extreme heat, what barriers shape cooling decisions, and what financial factors influence landlord action.
My Research Approach & Rationale
My Research Approach & Rationale
My Research Approach & Rationale
Method
Method
Method
We conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with 7 tenants and 2 landlords. Participants were asked about their experiences preparing for heat waves, how tenants and landlords communicate about cooling, and who is responsible for cooling decisions in rental housing. We also reviewed heat-preparedness research, renter and landlord resources, and available cooling rebates.
We conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with 7 tenants and 2 landlords. Participants were asked about their experiences preparing for heat waves, how tenants and landlords communicate about cooling, and who is responsible for cooling decisions in rental housing. We also reviewed heat-preparedness research, renter and landlord resources, and available cooling rebates.
We conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with 7 tenants and 2 landlords. Participants were asked about their experiences preparing for heat waves, how tenants and landlords communicate about cooling, and who is responsible for cooling decisions in rental housing. We also reviewed heat-preparedness research, renter and landlord resources, and available cooling rebates.
Analysis
Analysis
Analysis
We used affinity mapping to synthesize findings and identify key barriers, constraints, and patterns shaping heat-preparedness decisions.
We used affinity mapping to synthesize findings and identify key barriers, constraints, and patterns shaping heat-preparedness decisions.
We used affinity mapping to synthesize findings and identify key barriers, constraints, and patterns shaping heat-preparedness decisions.
Rationale
Rationale
Rationale
Semi-structured interviews were chosen to understand how tenants and landlords actually prepare for extreme heat, what feels realistic in a rental setting, and what influences cooling decisions.
Semi-structured interviews were chosen to understand how tenants and landlords actually prepare for extreme heat, what feels realistic in a rental setting, and what influences cooling decisions.
Semi-structured interviews were chosen to understand how tenants and landlords actually prepare for extreme heat, what feels realistic in a rental setting, and what influences cooling decisions.
Reviewing heat-preparedness studies, renter and landlord resources, and rebate programs helped us understand the broader constraints and incentives shaping those decisions.
Reviewing heat-preparedness studies, renter and landlord resources, and rebate programs helped us understand the broader constraints and incentives shaping those decisions.
Reviewing heat-preparedness studies, renter and landlord resources, and rebate programs helped us understand the broader constraints and incentives shaping those decisions.
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
01
01
01
Heat preparedness was often reactive
Heat preparedness was often reactive
Heat preparedness was often reactive
Participants often described responding to extreme heat once they were already experiencing it, rather than preparing in advance.
Participants often described responding to extreme heat once they were already experiencing it, rather than preparing in advance.
Participants often described responding to extreme heat once they were already experiencing it, rather than preparing in advance.
02
02
02
Limited communication creates barriers
Limited communication creates barriers
Limited communication creates barriers
Communication around heat preparedness was limited, roles were unclear, and renters could not make building-level changes themselves.
Communication around heat preparedness was limited, roles were unclear, and renters could not make building-level changes themselves.
Communication around heat preparedness was limited, roles were unclear, and renters could not make building-level changes themselves.
03
03
03
Landlords may lack incentive to invest in cooling
Landlords may lack incentive to invest in cooling
Landlords may lack incentive to invest in cooling
Our research suggested that cooling improvements could be seen as an additional expense, even when rebate and support programs were available.
Our research suggested that cooling improvements could be seen as an additional expense, even when rebate and support programs were available.
Our research suggested that cooling improvements could be seen as an additional expense, even when rebate and support programs were available.
Research to Design
Research to Design
Research to Design
Each insight was translated into a concrete design direction for the proposed Infant Wellness Status Tool.
Each insight was translated into a concrete design direction for the proposed Infant Wellness Status Tool.
Each insight was translated into a concrete design direction for the proposed Infant Wellness Status Tool.
01
01
01
Design for landlord action
Design for landlord action
Design for landlord action
→
→
→
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
Make current and previous wellness updates available on demand.
Make current and previous wellness updates available on demand.
Make current and previous wellness updates available on demand.
02
02
02
Encourage earlier action
Encourage earlier action
Encourage earlier action
→
→
→
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
Introduce cooling options before an extreme heat event occurs.
Introduce cooling options before an extreme heat event occurs.
Introduce cooling options before an extreme heat event occurs.
03
03
03
Make savings visible
Make savings visible
Make savings visible
→
→
→
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
Show how cooling upgrades can provide financial & property benefits beyonf the initial installation cost.
Show how cooling upgrades can provide financial & property benefits beyonf the initial installation cost.
Show how cooling upgrades can provide financial & property benefits beyonf the initial installation cost.
04
04
04
Make financial support actionable
Make financial support actionable
Make financial support actionable
→
→
→
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
DESIGN DIRECTION
Connect landlords directly to relevant rebates and programs that can reduce the upfront cost of an upgrade.
Connect landlords directly to relevant rebates and programs that can reduce the upfront cost of an upgrade.
Connect landlords directly to relevant rebates and programs that can reduce the upfront cost of an upgrade.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
This project taught me to investigate what motivates action, rather than assume better information will lead to better preparedness.
This project taught me to investigate what motivates action, rather than assume better information will lead to better preparedness.
This project taught me to investigate what motivates action, rather than assume better information will lead to better preparedness.
In rental housing, that meant looking beyond heat awareness to the constraints on cooling upgrades and the financial factors shaping landlord decisions.
In rental housing, that meant looking beyond heat awareness to the constraints on cooling upgrades and the financial factors shaping landlord decisions.
In rental housing, that meant looking beyond heat awareness to the constraints on cooling upgrades and the financial factors shaping landlord decisions.
That led us to explore potential long-term savings as a way to encourage investing in cooling. In future projects, I'll use research to identify the barriers and motivations behind a desired behavior before defining the solution.
That led us to explore potential long-term savings as a way to encourage investing in cooling. In future projects, I'll use research to identify the barriers and motivations behind a desired behavior before defining the solution.
That led us to explore potential long-term savings as a way to encourage investing in cooling. In future projects, I'll use research to identify the barriers and motivations behind a desired behavior before defining the solution.
References
References
References
BC Hydro. (n.d.). Free portable air conditioners. BC Hydro Power Smart. https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/savings-based-on-income/free-air-conditioner.html
Burrows, A., Marsden, S., & Koncan, K. (2025, October 2). Opinion: We need legislation to uphold B.C. tenants’ right to cool residences. Vancouver Sun. https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-we-need-legislation-uphold-bc-tenants-right-cool-residences
FortisBC. (n.d.). Air conditioning offer for FortisBC electricity customers. FortisBC. https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates-and-energy-savings/save-money-and-energy-with-income-qualified-offers/air-conditioning-offer-for-fortisbc-electric-customers
Linett, A., Schultz, C., Siu-Zmuidzinas, I., & Stern, R. (2025). Extreme heat & tenants’ rights: A guide to renting in the climate crisis. UBC Centre for Climate Justice.
Sheridan, S. C. (2007). survey of public perception and response to heat warnings across four North American cities: an evaluation of municipal effectiveness. International Journal of Biometeorology, 52(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-006-0052-9
Uguen-Csenge, E. (2023, July 18). Landlords in B.C. warning renters against installing AC units despite rising heat. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-air-conditioner-renters-1.6906665
Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health. (2025). Climate, lived experience and resilience (the CLEAR project): Listening to communities to enhance the public health response to extreme weather events for priority populations. Vancouver Coastal Health
BC Hydro. (n.d.). Free portable air conditioners. BC Hydro Power Smart. https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/savings-based-on-income/free-air-conditioner.html
Burrows, A., Marsden, S., & Koncan, K. (2025, October 2). Opinion: We need legislation to uphold B.C. tenants’ right to cool residences. Vancouver Sun. https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-we-need-legislation-uphold-bc-tenants-right-cool-residences
FortisBC. (n.d.). Air conditioning offer for FortisBC electricity customers. FortisBC. https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates-and-energy-savings/save-money-and-energy-with-income-qualified-offers/air-conditioning-offer-for-fortisbc-electric-customers
Linett, A., Schultz, C., Siu-Zmuidzinas, I., & Stern, R. (2025). Extreme heat & tenants’ rights: A guide to renting in the climate crisis. UBC Centre for Climate Justice.
Sheridan, S. C. (2007). survey of public perception and response to heat warnings across four North American cities: an evaluation of municipal effectiveness. International Journal of Biometeorology, 52(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-006-0052-9
Uguen-Csenge, E. (2023, July 18). Landlords in B.C. warning renters against installing AC units despite rising heat. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-air-conditioner-renters-1.6906665
Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health. (2025). Climate, lived experience and resilience (the CLEAR project): Listening to communities to enhance the public health response to extreme weather events for priority populations. Vancouver Coastal Health
BC Hydro. (n.d.). Free portable air conditioners. BC Hydro Power Smart. https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/savings-based-on-income/free-air-conditioner.html
Burrows, A., Marsden, S., & Koncan, K. (2025, October 2). Opinion: We need legislation to uphold B.C. tenants’ right to cool residences. Vancouver Sun. https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-we-need-legislation-uphold-bc-tenants-right-cool-residences
FortisBC. (n.d.). Air conditioning offer for FortisBC electricity customers. FortisBC. https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates-and-energy-savings/save-money-and-energy-with-income-qualified-offers/air-conditioning-offer-for-fortisbc-electric-customers
Linett, A., Schultz, C., Siu-Zmuidzinas, I., & Stern, R. (2025). Extreme heat & tenants’ rights: A guide to renting in the climate crisis. UBC Centre for Climate Justice.
Sheridan, S. C. (2007). survey of public perception and response to heat warnings across four North American cities: an evaluation of municipal effectiveness. International Journal of Biometeorology, 52(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-006-0052-9
Uguen-Csenge, E. (2023, July 18). Landlords in B.C. warning renters against installing AC units despite rising heat. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-air-conditioner-renters-1.6906665
Vancouver Coastal Health Public Health. (2025). Climate, lived experience and resilience (the CLEAR project): Listening to communities to enhance the public health response to extreme weather events for priority populations. Vancouver Coastal Health
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