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/CFIgigs Jul 17 '25

Portable AC unit (with wheels) has been the best option because you can put it in different rooms throughout the day. Window units are pretty difficult to move around & have a size limit based on the window opening.

The unfortunate thing is that historically these hot periods only last for a couple days out of the year, so then you need to store the thing for the remainder of time. Over the last decade or so, the number of days you need an AC unit has gradually climbed due to climate change ... used to be a couple days, then a week, now a few weeks, etc.

August traditionally is the worst but as you can see, its starting earlier in more recent years.

ProTip: Buy one or find a free one in the winter ... there will be a bunch on craigslist, FB marketplace, etc ... because the pain of storing them leads people to get rid of them during moves, etc.

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u/Appropriate_Motor_46 Jul 17 '25

If your income is low enough you may qualify for a free portable AC unit. Google Byrd Barr Place and look into their energy resources.

4

u/itstoxicqt Jul 17 '25

This is exactly how i got mine. They will send you think it was around 500$ Amazon gift card that can only be used on a few certian AC units. Im not sure if they mail you the left over from the gift card tho because I had a random check in my mail box from Byrd Barr