In Lowell, Massachusetts I don’t really worry about cooling.
There are about two months where the weather can get into the 80s.
Then at night it drops to the 60s. So that means there are only a few hours everyday for two months where it is hot. So a max of 8 weeks, for around five hours. 280 hours is as much cooling as I would ever want. Now consider that I spend a lot of time outside due to the fact that I hardly ever get warm weather. So how much really am I going without by not owning an air conditioner? I feel people who live in Massachusetts and own cooling units are dumb. If you are that desperate, get a window AC unit to combat the heat and humidity. But you really could save the money and just sweat a little. In the summer I mainly grill to keep the heat out. I also open the doors and windows to let in a fresh breeze. I feel it is good to air out the house and let fresh scents go inside. Get rid of that same, recycled air. I also like calling my Lowell, Massachusetts HVAC dealer around that time. They usually have great availability and can tinker on my heater. I get parts replaced, oiled, cleaned, and checked over. I like doing this way before I would need the heater. Sometimes major parts are backordered. It is nice not having to worry about it. I also can prepare all year for that hefty appointment financially.