options without AC

[TheVTCGuy]

Here is one suggestion I have for everyone looking to cool their house, an attic fan. In my condo I installed an attic fan, AND placed a screen on the door that leads to the attic i.e. open air flow. In the evening, when the air outside cools down, I turn on the attic fan and it sucks cool air in to the condo through the open windows and blows hot air out the roof. It works AMAZINGLY well. I sprung for a good attic fan, if I remember correctly something like 300 CFPM, cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $300. But it makes a huge difference during the evening hours and at night when sleeping. It's especially nice because you get a gentle breezed of fresh and cooler air throughout the condo without really feeling like a fan is blowing on you.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Here is one suggestion I have for everyone looking to cool their house, an attic fan. In my condo I installed an attic fan, AND placed a screen on the door that leads to the attic i.e. open air flow. In the evening, when the air outside cools down, I turn on the attic fan and it sucks cool air in to the condo through the open windows and blows hot air out the roof. It works AMAZINGLY well. I sprung for a good attic fan, if I remember correctly something like 300 CFPM, cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $300. But it makes a huge difference during the evening hours and at night when sleeping. It's especially nice because you get a gentle breezed of fresh and cooler air throughout the condo without really feeling like a fan is blowing on you.

Thats how they used to cool houses in Orlando back in the 50's. It's somewhat effective.

[breitlings]

I think the OP is really asking for AC alternatives as a means to be green so I think Paul’s answer is a good one.

[pallindrome]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I think the OP is really asking for AC alternatives as a means to be green so I think Paul’s answer is a good one.

Well yes & no. I was asking for AC alternatives mostly cuz it is going to be an uphill battle to get my landlord to repair the AC. So short term solution - fans. My main objective was to understand what kind of solutions apart from AC forum members use to stay cool. I had in mind vornado, window fans...and wanted to get some feedback on these. Of course being green is a bonus.

But I enjoyed reading all the other suggestions & comments nevertheless.

Just want to reiterate here - of course we open the windows in the house. And especially at night, the air is cool, but the house traps a lot of heat & the air is very still. So I know getting fans to ventilate & bring in cool air while expelling hot air is crucial. This is the context of my current apartment.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by pallindrome

Well yes & no. I was asking for AC alternatives mostly cuz it is going to be an uphill battle to get my landlord to repair the AC. So short term solution - fans. My main objective was to understand what kind of solutions apart from AC forum members use to stay cool. I had in mind vornado, window fans...and wanted to get some feedback on these. Of course being green is a bonus.

But I enjoyed reading all the other suggestions & comments nevertheless.

Just want to reiterate here - of course we open the windows in the house. And especially at night, the air is cool, but the house traps a lot of heat & the air is very still. So I know getting fans to ventilate & bring in cool air while expelling hot air is crucial. This is the context of my current apartment.

I am no expert, and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I think the key is airflow. If my attic fan is not an option, then I would buy two cheap fans, window fans if possible, and place them in open windows on opposite ends of the apartment. Have one pulling in and the other blowing out. The hot air that gets caught in your apartment has to have a path of exiting, and being replaced by cooler air from outside. The best option of course, is blowing it out the ceiling, but if not possible, then give it a path from one side to the other and I think you’ll get the best cooling effect possible. Best of luck!

[pallindrome]

Haha I forgot to update.

gave notice in writing to the landlord, issuing an ultimatum before which I would deduct the cost to repair from the next month's rental....and it worked wonders!

Thanks everyone!

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by pallindrome

Haha I forgot to update.

gave notice in writing to the landlord, issuing an ultimatum before which I would deduct the cost to repair from the next month's rental....and it worked wonders!

Thanks everyone!

Thank god! I was reading this saying 'are you kidding me'

Never let this happen again. You rented a unit with AC - the AC should work period. Keep on top of this type of stuff. The land lord shouldn't have an issue making sure it's in working condition. You did the right thing by threatening to deduct it from the rent. I probably would have threatened not to pay the rent until it was fixed.

[77T]

Originally Posted by pallindrome

Haha I forgot to update.

gave notice in writing to the landlord, issuing an ultimatum before which I would deduct the cost to repair from the next month's rental....and it worked wonders!

Thanks everyone!

Cool


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[pyrostick]

I love our swamp cooler, works great in Denver's dry air. Can be 90 or 95 outside and 65 in my house. Pretty easy on electric and water too!

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[codecow]

AC is a must in this area.