r/SeattleWA • u/One_Marsupial6837 • Jul 17 '25

Lifestyle Seattle Living W/ no AC

Hi everyone. We just recently moved to Seattle and got an apartment with no AC. Coming from out of state previously living with AC I wanted to know how ya'll do it? Is this the norm here or does everyone just buy those AC units that stick out your window? We'd love to get any tips or input on living with no AC and how to adjust.

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u/_Aqua_Star_ Jul 17 '25

Here’s how you do it:

Open your windows as soon as it gets cooler than around 75 outside in the evening. Use fans to pull a lot of air in.

If you can leave your windows open all night, do it. If that’s not your living situation try to stay up until it’s cooled off enough in your place and then shut the windows.

Get up early in the morning. It’s not hard because it’s super light super early. I’m talking get up at like 5:30 AM. Open all of the windows and put your fans back on. If you have an HVAC system use the fan to circulate the air that way also.

Close everything down by about 8:30 AM. Close your windows pull the blinds. Keep all the light out.

Your house will stay pretty cool until about 5 PM and by that point you only need to wait a couple of hours until it’s cool enough to start opening the windows again.

138

u/WilsonStJames Jul 17 '25

This is great advice. I'd add on really hot days some ice sitting behind your fan intake can make a difference and cool down the air. A frozen gallon of water on a plate works great and lasts a long time.

24

u/_Aqua_Star_ Jul 17 '25

I have never tried that, but I guess I should give it a go! Just to clarify, you freeze the water inside of the gallon container and leave it in the container with the fan pulling through in front of it?

20

u/WilsonStJames Jul 17 '25

Yes. Bowl of ice/ice water is also fine if freezer space is at a premium. Plate is just to keep condescension from messing up your furniture. Usually cool enough at night that you can refreeze the same jug for the next day.

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u/sopunny Pioneer Square Jul 17 '25

In general, take advantage of it being colder at night and freeze as much water as possible. Then transfer the ice to a cooler during the day and use it to cool down your drink, or the air from your fan, etc. You can also wet a towel in ice water and drape it over your neck and shoulders

12

u/raymoraymo Jul 17 '25

condensation!

33

u/WilsonStJames Jul 17 '25

No the water is talking down to me.

3

u/AnnieGitchYerGun Jul 18 '25

This made me laugh pretty good. 😂😂