How do off grid guys keep cool in the summer?

[John Gusmano]

This question goes out to all the true off grid guys out there… I have always wondered this, and now that the heat of the summer is upon us, what methods do you use in an off grid situation to stay cool in the summer? Or do the majority of you still keep air conditioners or fans around? I’m looking forward to the responses on this one!

[Jack of all Trapping]

Great question!!! Pops and I actually planned ahead knowing we would be fishing here also during the hot summer months. Being my residence now, I am glad we did. The cabin is in the mountains and sits in a small heavily treed and rocky valley between 2  hills. Each hill is approximately 1500 to 2000 feet high. This provides a natural coolness . A creek flows through the valley also. 2 large maple trees grow next to the cabin providing a canopy over the cabin and natural shade. The cabin is insulated very well, top to bottom, which helps keep the heat out. All windows face south except 1. Shades on the windows keep the sunlight out. I have been away from the cabin for a day or 2 in the dead of summer and come back to find it chilly inside. Both doors, front and back, are directly opposite each other. I leave both open at night. Any northern breeze comes through the back to the front. The cabin sits on a solid stone foundation. I have used a fan in the past on the extremely muggy nights, especially  before a thunderstorm when everything is so still. If all else fails, I sit in the creek for awhile. The pond gets too warm for me. I actually slept in the rootcellar once when we had a fire up this way. It was humid and the smoke lingered about 4 foot off the ground for a day or two before the rain took care of it.

[Petron]

This is a great idea for those interested.

[rendezvous]

[walkerdog]

Jun 17, 2014 16:51:50 GMT -5 Petron said:

This is a great idea for those interested.

Now that was just to cool!!! I will have to build one for my shop. I am a youtube junky.

[Petron]

I'm in the HVAC field and when I seen this video I obviously had to build one to see if it actually works - as we say here in New England, "It werks pissah"

I was quite amazed to say the least.

[patricimo54]

Awesome twist on the old 60's/70's hippie's a/c. Block of ice or frozen water filled milk jug in front of a fan. Thanks for taking the time to post

[marshwalker]

Have to keep one thing in mind, modern day off grid doesn't necassarily mean no electricity. It just means you are not using power from the grid. A/C and refridgeration are still possible being off grid. Theres a mile long list of how to accomplish this.