PORTLAND, Ore. — A heat wave is hitting the Pacific Northwest this week. The Portland metro area will see high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s with a few days of possible 100-degree weather.
The hot weather has many people wondering how to keep their home cool while avoiding a large energy bill. Below is a list of some little things you can do during this week's heat wave and throughout the summer.
KGW spoke with Andrea Platt, who is the spokesperson for Portland General Electric (PGE). Platt said PGE knows the energy demand will be high during the heat wave, as many people use AC to cool off. Platt added that they are watching the forecast, but at this point, are not planning any public safety power shutoffs (PSPS).
“We are monitoring conditions,” she said. “We’re watching the weather as we always do during fire season and at this point, things look good. No plans for PSPS at this point.”
Shade your home
It may be an obvious tip, but shutting your blinds during the hottest periods of the day does reduce heat while also improving energy efficiency. About 76% of sunlight that falls on windows enters a home to become heat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you turn your blinds upward so that less sunlight enters and warms your home. This will not only keep the heat of the sun out, but it will also help any AC units run more efficiently.
Floor-length Curtains and drapes on windows that receive direct sunlight can also keep more heat out of your home. Some studies show that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
When it's safe to do so, opening your blinds and windows at night or in the early morning hours will let in the cooler air.
"Use a fan, draw in that cool air, cool off the inside of the home and capture that air when the outside temperatures reach about 75 to 80 degrees," said Platt.
Postpone using heat-generating household items
Put off using appliances — like an oven, dishwasher or dryer — that will generate heat. Save using those appliances, and even taking a hot shower, for the late night or early morning when temperatures will be cooler.
Limit use of household vents
Running a kitchen or bathroom vent can pull cool air outside of your home, so limiting use of them will better preserve any cooler indoor air.
Use LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs produce less heat and help conserve energy compared to a standard incandescent light bulb.
Consider shifting the thermometer
Everyone has different comfort levels, but if you have AC and want to save more money, Platt recommends shifting the temperature from 70 to 76 degrees to save, on average, an estimated $13 per month.
"Of course, safety is number one. So if you have health concerns, you need to keep that in mind as well," said Platt.
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