The cost that would most likely have a negative association with the average outdoor temperature is the cost to cool a house. Here's why:
1. Cooling a house: When the outdoor temperature is high, especially during hot summer months, the demand for cooling a house increases. As the temperature rises, people tend to use air conditioning more frequently to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This leads to higher electricity bills due to the increased energy consumption of air conditioning units.
2. Inverse relationship: There is a negative correlation between the average outdoor temperature and the cost to cool a house. When the outdoor temperature is higher, the cost of cooling the house also tends to increase. Conversely, during cooler months, the need for cooling decreases, resulting in lower cooling costs.
3. Example: For instance, in regions with scorching summers where the outdoor temperature frequently exceeds 90°F (32°C), households may need to run their air conditioners for longer periods, leading to higher electricity bills. On the other hand, in cooler climates or during winter months, the cost of cooling a house decreases as the need for air conditioning diminishes.
Therefore, out of the options provided, the cost to cool a house is the cost that is most likely to have a negative association with the average outdoor temperature.
