August is our hottest month, so we all need to figure out how to stay cool.
Here’s a tip for how to keep your house comfortable, when it feels like the AC is overtaxed or if you want to be more energy efficient:
- Shades on the outside of windows: It isn’t common in Portland yet, but people are starting to do this in my neighborhood. If you put the shades on the outside of the window, it means you don’t let the light (and heat) in. At my house, we’ve added them to some of our south-facing windows. And it has made a surprising difference.
Other reminders:
- Don’t make it hotter inside than it has to be — use your oven when it’s cooler.
- Open your windows during the cooler parts of the day, and get some fans going to move the air through. We’re lucky that even in our heat waves, it tends to cool down at night. Ceiling fans are also an energy-efficient way to keep air moving.
- Weather-stripping: Just like in the winter, you can use weather-stripping to keep out the elements.
Also: Plan your escapes to places that aren't as hot. If you can, head up in the mountains or get out to the coast. After all, they’re an essential part of living a Portland summer to the fullest.
Plus: Revisit some of our picks for having fun during a heat wave. (The Lloyd Center Mall is closing Aug. 8, so consider going for a last visit — including for a Prom on Ice tomorrow night.)
