Living Without A/C This Summer

[Peeps]

I grew up w/o AC and rarely bother with it now, either. It's plenty hot here. Leaving the windows open at night helps a lot. Closing them, or at least closing the shades during the day also helps. On the unbearable days, I pull out a portable air conditioner and run it as needed. I avoid heating up the kitchen on hot days... the barbeque in the backyard works just fine for those meals. Drinking iced beverages helps a lot, too. I bought light-blocking blinds for rooms that get bombarded with morning or evening sunlight. Generally, it's rare for me to have a summer utility bill over $75/mo.

The only problems I've experienced come from those open windows. There are times when my allergies just go nuts (those dratted cottonwood trees) and sometimes smoke from mountain fires blows into the area and makes it unpleasant to have the windows open. Plus the place tends to get more dirty with that very fine dust that blows in on the wind.

[IamOld]

I agree with Freddie - MANY - not all - HOUSES were constructed so that there would be windows on all sides - I'm also presuming shade from trees.

Today, because I'm not in a detached house, we only have windows at either end of the structure - UNLESS it is significantly colder outside, there is no air circulation. The whether where I live has been hot and is ALWAYS very humid. These structures are not meant for human habitation w/out cooling. Neither is the area where I live...w/out A/C it's unlivable.

[Freddy03]

Well since I'm in FL - I would not be living without AC ever...LOL

I'd rather not eat...LOL

Good Luck to you!

[APL]

I am trying it, so far so good.

What has worked best is leaving the windows open at night, and closing up the windows and drapes/blinds during the day.

My grandparents never had A/C growing up, it simply didn't exist in residential homes. To this day, they only turn it on when it gets REALLY hot.

My sisters and I always are miserable when we go there, so if I can stick it out at home then I'll be used to it being warmer and be comfortable when I'm there.

Anyone else going without A/C this summer? Tips you can share?

http://www.wikihow.com/Cool-Yourself-Without-Air-Conditioning