El Paso County has one of the highest rates of Texas residents without air conditioning, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 10,964 households have to brave the heat without AC, according to an analysis of local air conditioning estimates.

Alternative Cooling Methods

For residents like Anyalo Martinez, an increased electric bill can create too much of a financial burden to keep the cool air on. Others may not be able to afford a swamp cooler or refrigerated air. Martinez told ABC-7 his family uses alternative cooling methods like using fans, sleeping without a shirt or taking cool showers during the day.

The El Paso Extreme Weather Task Force has been offering fans to households in need. To see if you qualify for a free fan, dial 211. The city has a designated list of buildings that have free air conditioning.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.