Old Fashioned Air Conditioning
This summer and last summer, we’ve been fortunate to have more summer rain than usual. And the temperature hasn’t been as hot as normal – only short runs of 100+degree days, rather than weeks on end in the three-digit figures. In this part of Oklahoma, we have only made it to 100 a few days, with the reprieve of cooler nights and good breezes.
My house is a century-old farmhouse, built in the days when there was no air conditioning. It has windows that create cross-breezes and overhangs on the south (and an added porch on the north) that help cool the house. Trees on the west provide shade in the hottest part of the day. So far this summer, I only have had to turn on the air conditioner in the heat of the afternoon, and only since mid-July. Mornings and evenings are cool in the house, especially with the use of ceiling fans. I set my thermostat at 85 and keep fans going where I’m working. When it hits 90 and the air coming through the windows is warming, I shut them and turn on the air conditioner. By 9 p.m. the air outside is cooler and I shut off the air conditioner and open the windows and sleep in the cool breeze.
I have to admit I don’t like air conditioning. I love air coming in the windows. A long time ago, a friend who was visiting and got hot in my house asked why I didn’t have an air conditioner. After hearing my rationale, he suggested that if I got an air conditioner I wouldn’t have to leave it on all the time. It was a revelation – and I got an air conditioner.
Now days, when it warms, people seem to turn on the air conditioner and not turn it off. Our bodies aren’t used to warm weather. And I wonder how our pioneer ancestors managed.
It’s good to remember we have choices – while we still have choices, so that we will have choices.
July 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I’ve been leaving my air conditioning set at 80-85, and relying on window air conditioners to cool things down in selected rooms if it gets too hot.
And so far, so good, although I have turned it down to about 78 today.
My house is a 1940 edition and lacks the cross-breezes of the older houses.
What it does have, however, is almost like nested rooms, so that the heart of the house (the kitchen and a little spare room) stay very cool, no matter what, and the rest of the house is very comfortable.
The room I use the window air con in the most is an addition of sorts that I sleep in – a converted sleeping porch with windows all around. It’s the only room that gets toasty – it’s also the best room to sleep in. If I could get the windows open in there, though, my problem would be solved.
July 26, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I used to live in a house in southeastern Iowa that was built back in the 1870’s… didn’t have A/C either. It was nice. Although I had A/C installed, I only used it on extremely hot days — which is rare in Iowa.
Now living in west Texas in a house that was built back in 1959. It has central air and heat; used to have natural gas, but is now 100% electric. Mornings are still in the mid 60’s during the summer and gets up to 100+ during the long hours of the afternoon.
Building a guest house to run off of solar panel grids and rain retrieval system with a windmill for backup water and electric. It’s hard to beat.
Long, wide eaves around the house with a wrap around porch helps a lot, too. Put it out on the east side of a large 50′ Box Elder tree and it has plenty of shade for the afternoons.
July 26, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Just another note: our ancestors probably did what I’m doing… sweating in their daily chores and staying physically fit, and eating the fruits of their labors. :)
July 27, 2008 at 6:23 pm
We are fortunate, to have the benefit of our ancestors’ wise building practices and, now, new technology that is ecologically-friendly.
When we get to build the retreat center of our dreams, it will use the best of both. We’re doing what we can to make changes in existing structures, including the recent installation of a rain retrieval system for our greenhouse.
Step by step…
July 27, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Step by step… yes, ’tis true. I forgot to mention that I was also incorporating drip irrigation and rain retrieval, along with wind and solar backup in the greenhouse.
Plans for the greenhouse are to be 50′ x 100′ – should be big enough – with a separate sitting room up front for visitors.
Outside? Well, a well landscaped koi pond with a water garden.
Perhaps I can do a small part to transform this barren patch into a small Garden of Eden.
Ernest O’Dell
Sagebrush Gardens
July 28, 2008 at 11:22 am
Sounds lovely.
What are you growing in the greenhouse?