Cool idea: Save energy - and money - by using less AC

As I see it, if you want to get some really creative ideas for keeping cool at the height of summer, go to someone who has figured out how to live without air-conditioning on the fringes of Phoenix -- the world's number-one urban heat island -- or in the sun-broiled steambath that is southwest Florida.

So I asked John, Sheila, Dani, Chris and Priti to help me come up with a summertime guide to remaining comfortable -- or at least of sound mind and body -- without air-conditioning.

If you follow any of this advice, it may be out of a desire to reduce your carbon footprint or your utility bill. But we're betting that as you begin to realize some of the benefits of the non-refrigerated life, you'll find yourself looking for more opportunities, even excuses, to turn off the air-conditioning.

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Cool idea: Save energy - and money - by using less AC