What the heck, no air conditioning?! (Chicago: college, living, floor)

[eevee]

Originally Posted by via chicago

I've never had air conditioning my entire life. Window and ceiling fans usually do the trick, although Im sure its different living in a high rise. We do have a small room air conditioner for days it gets oppressive, but thats maybe a week out of the year

ditto, though my current place has central air. not that we ever used it this summer (seems like there were only 2-5 days of 90+ heat). other than the near constant cloudy and rainy days of June, this was a pretty good summer, temp wise

[Drover]

Originally Posted by eevee

ditto, though my current place has central air. not that we ever used it this summer (seems like there were only 2-5 days of 90+ heat). other than the near constant cloudy and rainy days of June, this was a pretty good summer, temp wise

Indeed, a perfect Northwoods summer right here in Chicago.

[i blame history]

We got 3 window units off of craigslist this past winter for about $80 total. That's the prime time to do it. We have one for the living room, one for the bedroom, and one for the technical dining room at the other end of the place. We have one of those weird, long apartments.

We wanted heat included, which usually means radiator heat, which then usually means so central air. Definitely worth it to avoid paying for heat in the winter.

[jlawrence01]

We have used air conditioning three times in nine years - usually only when the carpets were clean or I have been hospitalized. Rarely does it get that hot. And when it does, we get out the fans, iced tea and plan to bear it.

[Avengerfire]

One can get AC units for free on craigslist and on The Freecycle Network

[Lookout Kid]

I highly doubt the OP has found a single new high-rise building without air conditioning (by new I mean built in the last couple of decades). It's pretty much standard here in any new construction.

[TabulaRasa]

New construction would definitely have a/c.

I never lived in anyplace in Chicago that had air, it was either go without, or install your own window unit, but that's because I lived exclusively in vintage brick 3-flats and other walkups, and they were all designed with radiator heat and no HVAC ductwork...just that era of construction. Those awesome old brick buildings were also thickly enough insulated that they stayed pretty cool, and didn't require more than an open window and a breeze on all but the worst days.

[Steve-o]

You dont really need A/C unless it gets hot and sticky, which luckily isnt too often. I think for the last 2 summers we've run the A/C for maybe 2-3 weeks total at most. Havent had the A/C on here since, ummmmm, early July I think it was? Been nice, cool, and not humid.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

You dont really need A/C unless it gets hot and sticky, which luckily isnt too often. I think for the last 2 summers we've run the A/C for maybe 2-3 weeks total...

Yeah maybe the last few years. But many years we get plenty of it as evidenced by this year.

By the way for anyone looking for a small unit I picked up a 5000 BTU at Sears for $99 before tax today. Pretty good deal.

[hxcobd]

Never had AC in an apartment/house before in my life either. Never really bothered me.

It's only a huge issue if you don't know how to properly shade your living space and know when to cleverly open doors/use window fans, etc.

Plus, it's freaking Illinois. It doesn't get that hot here, trust me.