The Harlem Heat Project: a Study of Summer Indoor Temperatures

Those most at risk during heat waves are the ill and elderly, who generally remain at home; yet very few studies exist of indoor temperature in non-airconditioned residences during heat waves.  The Harlem Heat Project was concieved by a consortium of media partners to address this gap, forming the basis for a number of ongoing radio stories (WNYC and New York Public Radio) as well as scientifically valuable information.  The advantage that media brings to this study is the ability to attract community volunteers to place sensors inside residences.   The sensors are hand-constructed to save money, and distributed through the We-Act environmental justice community group.  Results are posted on the ISeeChange website.  Preliminary results show that indoor temperatures are far more stable than outdoor temperatures, so can be both cooler during the day but warmer at night.  A full analysis will be presented.