is A/C a must in summer?? (Boston: condos, houses)

[rockyroad]

Hi
I noticed a lot of houses and condos do not have ac units...from what I hear it can get very hot and humid so I would like to find out if air conditioning is a necessity or a luxury!!!

[scarletfire]

It's pretty miserable without AC. There are some new units that you can get installed that are less clunky looking than window AC if you don't want to or can't go with full-blown central air.

[septimus]

most summers you need it about a total of 5 days.... that said if you are on the 3rd floor of a triple decker you'll probably want it every day...

[leorah]

If you have a single level home with shade trees and good cross-ventilation, you might be okay without a/c. However, if your bedroom is on the second floor and/or you don't have shade or windows that can ventilate the house, you'll want a/c. Granted, the summer isn't long or overly hot, but on the days when the humidity and the temperature are high and the air isn't moving, it can be quite oppressive.

[rockyroad]

Thank you for your replies I think I will have to get central air...here in CA its running alll summer from June to Oct

[eevee]

NO, you don't! I lived in MA for my whole life, and only had access to AC during 2 summers. if you're older, have very, very young children, or ill, high humidity may be a problem for you, but for the majority, AC is not needed. on days when it got very hot and humid (and assuming I wasn't at work or school), I'd go to the mall, library, movies, etc. kids play at various fountains and pools (heck, on very hot days, I used to hang out w/ the kids at the Christian Science fountain). on so-so days, a window fan is fine.

[AQUEMINI331]

Wow, you don't need A/C in Massachussetts during the summer? Maybe that's where I need to be (I prefer cooler climates).


I'm contemplating a job offer out in Boston (I live in Chicago now, originally from Alabama). I went three summers in Alabama without A/C, and that was hell. Surely I would think if someone could survive a long hot southern summer without A/C, then you can survive in Boston without A/C. It would save on utility costs too, I bet.

[slang75]

In all but the most optimal conditions, you most defiantly need some A/C. We survived with small (5500 BTU) A/Cs in our bedroom. You need something to get you through the dog days. For $100 it's at least worth getting a good nights sleep.

[AQUEMINI331]

So how hot does it typically get in Boston in say, late July or early August? I can take the cold but I absolutely despise heat (living in the South for more than 20 years will do that to you).

[slang75]

Not looking at any weather sites, I'm guessing an avg of about 85 during that time. Some days will get in the high 90s with high humidity. I'm sure you're familiar with humid days in the south. It's not that bad. I used to bike to work from Apr to Nov and would rarely skip a day because it was too hot.