It’s been an unusually hot summer in Clark County, WA. We’ve had weeks in a row of 90+ degree weather for months now. If you’re like many renters or homeowners in the Pacific Northwest who don’t have AC (since we usually only have a short few months of warm weather per year), you’re likely suffering some very hot nights, and stifling afternoons. Although installing air conditioning is one quick fix, there are less expensive solutions, like window repairs, for example.

Here’s how you can affordably keep your house cool, despite the blazing temperatures:

Keep the Sun Out

Close the blinds and curtains before you leave for work, so your house gets the least amount of sunlight during the hottest portion of the day – afternoon.

Let in Cool Air

Open your windows when you first wake up in the morning and after the sun goes down in the evenings. The cool air naturally pushes the inside temperature of your house down and helps beat the heat when the sun starts warming it up again.

Turn On the Fans

Turn on your ceiling fans, portable fans, all the fans! Fans are a life-saver during nights when the hot air hangs in stifling clouds in your bedroom, delaying your sleep. Try putting a bowl or glass of ice water in front of your portable fan to coax chilled air around the room. Another tip: “for maximum cooling effect, make sure ceiling fans spin in the direction that pushes air down, rather than sucks it up.”

Turn Off the Stove & TV

Appliances like your dryer, television, and oven will heat up your house. During peak heat times of the day, turn them off and refrain from using multiple appliances at a time. Since it is so hot outside, why not line dry your clothes outside?

Re-caulk the Windows

If you can feel air trickling in from the inside of your closed windows, that’s a sign you need to re-caulk. Apply a fresh strip of caulk to your windows during a cool part of the day to prevent it from melting.

Create Your Own Shade

Foliage, like bushes and trees, can help create much needed shade to keep your home’s exterior and interior cool.

Here’s what you need to know about planting near your house:

“Plant them by west-facing walls, where the sun is strongest…Deciduous trees, which leaf out in spring and drop leaves in fall, are best because they provide shade in summer, then let in sun when temperatures drop in autumn. Select trees that are native to your area, which have a better chance of surviving. When planting, determine the height, canopy width, and root spread of the mature tree and plant accordingly.

Climbing vines, such as ivy and Virginia creeper, also are good outside insulators. To prevent vine rootlets or tendrils from compromising your siding, grow them on trellises or wires about 6 inches away from the house.”

Questions? 

At Properties West 360, we’ve managed residential and rental properties for over 25 years, and we’re here to help answer any questions relating to property care you may have. Leave your question in the comments, or contact us.