There is a lot of bemoaning of coming natural gas heating ban in New York State at least by conservatives. But it was a long time coming and gas heating makes less and less sense with changing technology — and our warming climate, which among other things makes extremely cold days rare. When winter days are mostly in the 30s and 40s, even the most basic two-mode air source heat pumps make a lot of sense. Most new construction already locally includes split level units, the code changes just reflect changes already under way in industry.
But there is another side to the mass adoption of split level heating – the end of homes without central air conditioning. There was a time when most homes in New York State didn’t have central air conditioning, though those days are somewhat behind us now. Yet, the All Electric Building Act almost completely mandates the end of buildings without air conditioning – it would be silly to build a building with a heat pump and no reversing valves. Modern all-electric buildings inherently have air conditioning.
The death of buildings without air conditioning may not be bemoaned by many. Air conditioning makes life much more comfortable, especially as 90 degrees days become more common. This year will El Niño, Albany may have it’s first triple digit day in 70 years. Sustaining life in New York State with the warming climate might require air conditioning, especially with the vulnerable, frail and elderly.
But it also means a loss in learning to cope with the heat and humidity, breathing in outdoor air and learning to adapt to ones surroundings. People having windows open for fresh air, especially in the suburbs and country might become rare as the split level units automatically cool the room in the summer, and energy conservation discourages people from opening windows. Some low cost new residential buildings might not even have windows that open, with the split level until doing all the work to keep the room comfortable at all times.
I’ve decided if I am not going to buy a house right away — and my dreams of building a cabin are probably best to wait until retirement — I am going to focus more on travel in next few years. While I won’t say it will be spare no expense, I should also not be worried about pinching every penny or shaving every mile off trips.
People say I was nuts when I was Coney Island and wasn’t willing to pay $7 for an authentic Nathan’s Hot Dog from the beach. Maye I should have just gone for it, as who knows if I will ever be in Coney Island again. It’s great to save and invest in your future, I do think I should also have a bit of fun and not missing out on some great adventure along the way due to a $5 admission fee, when you’re 500 miles away from home.
If I am dreaming of moving out west, then I really should plan trips out west. Maybe next summer, especially if I end up replacing Big Red with something a bit more fuel efficent. Or gasp! Taking a plane and renting a car. I don’t want to go to tourist traps, I want open country, probably places that are relatively inexpensive and interesting to visit.
Staying cool without air conditioning can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies you can employ to beat the heat:
Use Fans:
Ceiling fans or portable fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler.
Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a fan to create a DIY air conditioner.
Close Curtains and Blinds:
Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight.
Create Cross-Ventilation:
Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage cross-ventilation. This helps to draw in cooler outside air.
Seal Gaps and Insulate:
Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent warm air from entering your home.
Consider using weatherstripping or draft stoppers.
Use Natural Ventilation:
Open windows during the evening and early morning when the outside temperature is cooler.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help regulate your body temperature.
Cooling Clothing:
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
Take Cool Showers or Baths:
A cool shower or bath can provide instant relief from the heat.
Use Cooling Products:
Apply a damp cloth or use a cooling towel on your forehead, neck, and wrists.
Consider using a handheld personal fan or a cooling vest.
Limit Heat-Producing Activities:
Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens and stoves during the hottest parts of the day.
Opt for meals that don’t require cooking, or use a microwave or slow cooker to minimize heat production.
Create DIY Airflow:
Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air as it circulates.
Hang Wet Sheets or Towels:
Hang damp sheets or towels in front of open windows to cool incoming air through evaporation.
Sleep Low:
Hot air rises, so if your home has multiple levels, consider sleeping on the lower floors.
Stay in Cooler Areas:
Spend time in air-conditioned public places like libraries, malls, or community centers during the hottest part of the day.
Use Natural Cooling Techniques:
Plant shade trees around your home to reduce direct sunlight and lower the outdoor temperature.
Limit Electronics:
Electronics generate heat, so reduce their usage during hot weather.
Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on weather forecasts to plan your activities around cooler times of the day.
Stay Still:
Physical activity generates body heat, so try to limit strenuous activities during the hottest hours.
Remember that staying cool without air conditioning requires a combination of strategies and adjustments. Experiment with these methods to find the ones that work best for your specific situation.
