Keep Your Home Cool: How to Lower Your Energy Bills During the Summer Months

While our summers here in Portland tend to be mild, there’s no denying that we also get our fair share of scorchers. And in some cases — such as the heat dome event of 2022 — knowing how to keep your home cool is absolutely essential. If you’re living in a rental, you might not have the luxury of installing new ceiling fans or other structural changes. But fear not–there are still plenty of ways you can keep your home cool without violating your lease.

Whether or not you have air conditioning, there are many ways to reduce your home’s temperature. Here are our tips on keeping cool without breaking the bank.

Manage Windows and Blinds

Despite our wet winters, our summers tend to be dry rather than humid. When daytime temperatures soar, the night often brings relief. This means it’s easier to manage your house’s temperature by taking advantage of our area’s natural temperature changes. Try opening your windows in the evenings and even leaving them open all night if you’re comfortable doing so. The cool night air will help reduce your home’s temperature so that, come morning, it will likely feel a little chilly. Then once morning temperatures start to rise, close your windows and blinds. This traps the cooler air inside and prevents the sun from heating your home. With any luck, your house’s temperature will stay comfortable throughout the day without spending a dime.

Avoid the Heat

One of the best ways to beat the heat is simple: go where the temperature is lower. If you live in a house with a basement, then spend the hottest part of the day in the coldest part of the house. If your upper floor gets scalding in the afternoon, consider restructuring your day to spend more time downstairs. But if you live in a smaller home or one that stays consistently hot, you still have other options. Spend some time outside in a shady area to get some relief from the heat. 

Unplug Non-Cooling Devices

Keeping your energy bill down during the summer can be tough. Air conditioning, fans, and other cooling methods are often a significant drain on electrical bills. But if keeping the house warmer isn’t an option, you can save electricity in other ways. Be more conservative with electrical use for non-cooling appliances. Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using, and unplug electrical devices when not in use. 

Invest in a Window or Portable AC Unit

With Portland’s new Right to AC Law, tenants can install cooling units in almost every case. Window AC units tend to be cheaper and more efficient, but they won’t work for everyone. In instances where a window unit may damage the property or create a safety concern, your landlord still has the right to prohibit them. However, portable AC units are a great alternative. These units sit on your floor and attach to your window using a vent hose, making them a versatile and safe alternative to window units. Plus, you can take your window or portable AC unit with you if you move, ensuring you’ll stay cool wherever you go.

Keep Your Home Cool With a Swamp Cooler

Do you know what’s even cheaper than an AC unit? A DIY swamp cooler. Despite the funny name, there’s nothing fishy about these coolers. With a bucket, fan, cloth, and a few tools, you can create an effective evaporative cooler to keep your home cool without air conditioning. 

Give Your Air Conditioner a Tune-Up

The number of Portland homes has nearly doubled since 2011, shooting up from 41% to 78%. Most Portland homes now have air conditioners — but having AC isn’t a magic bullet. If you’ve had your AC for a while, you must get it serviced to keep it in peak condition. Without regular tune-ups, air conditioning often becomes less efficient and more costly–costing you comfort and money.

Experiment with Higher Thermostat Temperatures

Keeping the AC blasting all summer may keep your home cool, but that’s not the best option for people trying to save on their energy bills. If you’re willing to keep temperatures a little higher during certain parts of the day, you can often save a lot of money on cooling costs. For instance, if you work late, consider keeping your thermostat off during the day and bumping it up once you’re home. This will avoid using electricity during peak hours without making you uncomfortable.

Use Fans

Have you ever fanned yourself on a hot day and been surprised at the instant relief? Fans may not reduce the temperature of a room, but they can help you stay cool and comfortable nonetheless. It all comes down to convection and evaporation. As a fan blows cooler air toward you, it displaces the hotter air around your body to cool your skin. It also helps moisture on your skin evaporate more quickly, reducing body heat. A portable box fan is a great alternative for renters living in homes without existing ceiling fans. 

Looking for a Cool Place to Live?

No matter how beautiful our summers can be, if you’re struggling to stay comfortable on our hottest days, you might consider looking for a better place to stay. Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew manages a huge variety of top-quality rentals in the Portland area with excellent service that tenants can trust. 

If you’re having issues with the air conditioning in your rental, our 48-hour maintenance guarantee ensures you won’t have to sweat it out for long. Rather than risking the shady listings on Craigslist or other less-than-trustworthy sites, you know you can trust our professionally crafted listings to give you all the information you need to decide on your potential new home. If you’d like to find your new dream rental, we’d love to help you find the right fit! Check out our superb selection of homes to rent now.