As temperatures soar across the United States, many people seek alternatives to air conditioning to stay comfortable. NPR News reached out to its readers on July 31, 2026, asking how they fend off the heat without the refrigerant blasts of AC units. The responses highlighted a variety of personal strategies for coping with extreme heat without air conditioning.

This reader-driven inquiry reflects growing interest in sustainable and accessible ways to manage heat, especially as climate patterns shift.

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