Arizona man challenges himself to go full summer without A/C to raise awareness for those in need

PHOENIX — An Arizona man is committed to putting himself in the shoes of people who have to endure the state’s sweltering summer months without A/C.

In fact, Paul Farmer said Monday was the 61st day of his “No A/C” challenge.

“I have 64 days left to go,” Farmer told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Monday.

“The other day I woke up and outside it was 117 degrees. Inside, my home was 110,” he added.

How does the ‘No A/C’ challenge work?

Farmer is recording his journey day by day on social media. Many of his followers give him ideas, such as sleeping on an inflatable raft filled with water.

As much strain and pain as the challenge puts on his body, there are also silver linings in the form of summer rain.

“This past week has been absolutely incredible,” Farmer said. “The monsoon season is here, the clouds are out.”

He also has several fans going on in the home. Farmer focuses on maintaining proper airflow so mold doesn’t grow and the wood doesn’t warp.

“There’s a lot of stuff that can actually happen to your home when you don’t have the right type of humidity inside,” Farmer said. “You also have to watch out for your body.”

He tries to shower and clean his clothes as often as he can to combat potential health issues or fungal growth.

“I go through clothes like nobody’s business,” Farmer said.

Why is Arizona man going without air conditioning in summer?

All the money he saves on his power bill by not using his air conditioning unit will be donated.

“I’m raising money to hopefully be able to pay for three families’ … whole entire electricity bill,” Farmer said.

Last year, he couldn’t afford to cool his home. Now that he’s in a better place financially, he’s launched the “No A/C” challenge to give hope to families facing similar struggles.

“I took it one day at a time. I took it day by day, step by step, and I eventually ended up making it out of my financial hole and the little depression that I was going through, and here I am,” Farmer said.

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