schoolmarm

We've rented a condo for the first week in July without first asking if it had air conditioning; unfortunately, it does not. I've been to Santa Fe during the summer, but we stayed at a hotel with AC. Now I'm worried that we'll be miserable without it because where we come from, everything is air conditioned. I checked average temperatures for that month, and they range from a high of 82 to a high of 90-I know it cools off at night. The owner of the condo claims that the unit is "very cool temp-wise," but of course they don't want to lose the reservation. Any words of advice for someone who lives there or visits often during the summer? Thanks in advance.

Wayne

I lived there 3 years. It is highly likely that you will be very warm and uncomfortable, especially if you are accustomed to AC. Some of those adobe-type buildings are good insulators and you might be able to get cooled off around midnight, then sleep into the late morning. But I'd beward.

DebitNM

I would ask if there are: [1] ceiling fans or any other kinds of circulating fans, as they can help move air around to cool off the rooms; [2] perhaps they have what we call "swamp cooler" which is officially called evaporative coolers. These were the typical system to cool off homes here in the dry southwest. They work very well to keep a place cool. They won't work IF the humidity goes above about 25%, which is usually doesn't do.

How hot the condo will get really depends on where its located as to shade, open and available to catch breezes or in a close situation with other units and/or houses which can block breeze. What physical set up is it? A townhouse, a unit in a multistory building [not too many tall ones in SF], is is right in town or out in the further reaches? That will make a difference too.

To combat heat: keep windows and shades closed from when you get up in morning until after sunset. Once the sun has gone down, open everything open, make sure fans are on and pull in the cool evening air. Leave everything open until morning and then close up again. Trick is to keep the cool night air in and keep the sun and hot air out.

And I have to say, "it's a dry heat" which always made me laugh until I moved here. It does make a huge difference from the heat and humidity of back east, but it is hot, don't let anyone fool you!
Deb

BeachGirl247

We go to Santa Fe almost every July and it is WARM! If you don't sleep with a/c or need it cool during the day you'll be fine. As Debit mentioned, ceiling fans and location of the condo will help. Hopefully, it won't be facing south or west. I couldn't do without a/c in July but that's just me.

Is it too late for you to cancel and find another rental?

schoolmarm

Hello all. Thanks for your valuable input. I found out the unit will have a portable evaporative cooler which I suppose is better than nothing. We're committed and going for it, so I hope we won't be too uncomfortable. I'm going to try the power of positive thinking and a frozen margarita to keep cool.