That one week in July where my AC broke and I actually saw what low-energy living feels like

Last summer my AC unit died during a heatwave in Phoenix, right when temps hit 115. I had to survive 5 days with just a swamp cooler and blackout curtains, timing my cooking for early morning only. What shocked me was how much my energy usage dropped - my bill went from $280 to $90 that month. Has anyone else had a breakdown that accidentally forced them into way lower consumption?

2 comments

2 Comments

caseywest2d ago

Surviving Phoenix in July with just a swamp cooler is basically a real-life episode of "Survivor: Suburbia." You traded $190 for the privilege of living like a pioneer with marginally less dust. Bet you never thought you'd be grateful for a breakdown that saved you cash and made you rethink your whole relationship with the thermostat. Next summer, maybe just unplug the AC and stand in front of the fridge for a few hours. Honestly, your electric bill drop is the most convincing sales pitch for low-energy living I've ever seen. Congratulations on your accidental eco-friendly adventure.

blaked792d ago

My uncle tried that swamp cooler life for a summer back in the 90s and ended up sleeping on the kitchen tile with a wet towel on his chest every night. He said the smell of wet dog never really went away from the whole house.