'Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World'
Environmental and political writer Stan Cox takes air conditioning to trial, using hot eco-topics to hand down a guilty verdict.
IT'S POSSIBLE: Go ahead, throw open the windows and enjoy the summer breeze. (Photo: rick020200/Flickr) 
For many Americans, from mid-June to mid-September the AC runs full tilt and there’s not really much thought given to it until the bill arrives. But even then most families bite the bullet and keep that cool air flowing.
link:
Comments
Our summer has been hot this year, but we have lots of trees and it is often times cooler outside under the trees than in the house. We keep windows open and run some window fans. I almost caved and bought a window AC for the bedroom as a refuge during the day or those humid nights, but I didn't and I think I am glad for it.
Last month was the first time we hit more than $100 on our electricity and both my husband and I are home during the day. I get by by using small desk lamps at.... More
I live in South Florida. My utility bill is $25.00 per month.By simply opening the windows and the useof fans has become a way of life for me. Any major projects at home are accomplished when the early morning coolness occurs. I also do not use AC in my vehicle either. My shopping and errands are taken care of when there is little traffic to contend with and the weather is cooler. Careful planning and making a choice to reduce your carbon footprint is worth the sacrifice.
could not WILL himself to survive without air. its always freezing in our house, and im always cold, but no "turn the air on more baby!"
The biggest culprits are the stores and other public buildings that have their thermostat set at 68 degrees, and the doors constantly opening with people (and air) coming in & out. Their thermostats are set so low that it's uncomfortably cold to people like me, who prefer their thermostats set much higher. I feel like I need a freaking coat when I go to a store!
I'm sitting in the library as I write. I'm guessing the temp. is about 72. The Whole Foods across the street is just as cold. The local university chapel has their rooms set at 68. They are a member of a coalition of local churches dedicated to a sustainable way of life. Clueless.
I totally agree. I keep a jacket in my car or on my bike just for stores! Such a waste!
In theory this sounds wonderful, but for some people it is not possible as noted in the article. For people living on a fixed income they cannot afford to redo the landscaping or remodeling that might be required to go without air conditioning.
As noted in the article, life without air conditioning can be deadly. Living without air conditioning has already led to the death of elderly people in our community. At 100+ temperatures and humidity the heat index has reached as high as.... More
I live in FL also and need the a/c because I have asthma & COPD. It's set at 87 at night & when I'm not home and 85 when I am home. The fans run year round and the windows are open from October - June. I would rather not have to use the a/c but I can't breathe when it's hot & humid.
Finally someone who has done a real study about the harm of air conditioning. I live in the hot humid south but with a lot of wonderful shade and the great early invention of the attic fan we use air only in the most extreme conditions, like heat wave with actual temps around 100 or for cutting down of the inevitable humidity.
I watch people of spring or fall days of mild temps scurry from air in the home to air in the car to work or store all with air as if fresh air is the enemy. .... More
We live in Florida. We run our a/c June through October when thee humidity is high. We leave it at 78 when were home, and bump it up to 80 when were not. Oct thru May we lead a very "indoor/outdoor" lifestyle, with windows and french doors wide open!!!
Sadly, we are renting a house that has only two windows (both in the kitchen) that open in the downstairs main living area. The two upstairs rooms do have windows that open. Our bedroom, living room and dining room have only closed windows, so we HAVE to use airconditioning. I hate it, because we never can have fresh air. It gets up to the high 90's and 100's here. I can't believe they can build a house like this. Yes we do use the air conditioner, but would be happy not to always have to..... More
We don't have air conditioning, and it often gets over 100 degrees here in the summer. We open the windows at night and use fans, and close the windows in the morning. Fortunately it isn't humid here. I've been in other areas of the country where the heat and humidity are unbearable, and I would want an air conditioner at least some of the time.
food for thought
