By Lydia Hallay, July 14, 2023
It’s getting hot out there! As summer temperatures start to spike, it can be challenging keep your house cool in the summer- especially during stretches where the evening temps stay warm. Since I moved to Portland in 2005 (I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona), summers here have gotten increasingly hot and sticky. According to a new analysis by climate research group Climate Central– the average summer temperature in Portland increased by 3.7 degrees between 1970 and 2022. Ooof.
While air conditioning is becoming more common in our region, more than a quarter of Portland-area homes don’t have it.
Here are some ways to help keep your house cool this summer:
1. Keep your blinds closed
One of the easiest ways to put a check on indoor temps is to close your blinds during the day. This will help block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. Want more protection? Blackout curtains are a great way to add an extra layer of insulation- especially for older windows, or ones with southern or western exposure.
2. Use a fan
Did you know that ceiling & portable fans can improve the temperature in your home by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit? Wowza! Even if you have air conditioning, using fans first is a great, inexpensive way to tame sweaty spaces. Remember: set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise- they’ll create a refreshing breeze and keep airflow moving.
3. Plant shade trees
Planting shade trees around your home can help block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. Plus, it’s a great way to add some natural beauty to your yard. Keep in mind that summer isn’t the best time to plant new trees (wait until fall or spring for best results)- but it’s a great time to research! As you walk through neighborhoods or visit your local garden center (see this article about my five favorite nurseries)- take note of which trees you gravitate towards- and don’t forget to take photos! They’ll likely look different (changed leaves, no leaves, or spring blooms) during peak planting season.
4. Upgrade your insulation
Good insulation is key to keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your insulation is old, insufficient, or nonexistent- consider upgrading! In many cases, it’s something you can DIY. Popular types of insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Once you have determined the type of insulation you need, you can purchase it from a hardware store or home improvement center. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective gear, such as gloves and a dust mask, to ensure safety during installation. It may also be helpful to watch online tutorials or consult with a professional for guidance.
5. Cook outside
Who doesn’t love an excuse to BBQ? Using your oven or stove can generate a lot of heat in your home. No-cook meals (charcuterie for dinner, anyone?) are a favorite in our household, as are salads and sandwiches. And- just about anything can be cooked on the grill- skewers, veggies… even pizza!
6. Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Set it to turn off or turn up the temperature when you’re away from home during the day.
7. Keep your air conditioner maintained
If you do have an air conditioner, make sure to keep it maintained and clean. This will help it run more efficiently and keep your home cooler. It’s a good idea to get your AC system serviced once a year to keep it running smoothly. However, how often you need maintenance can vary depending on the age of your system and how much you use it. Your best bet is to consult with a professional HVAC technician for specific recommendations on what’s best for your system. They’ll be able to give you the best advice to keep your system in tip-top shape!
8. Go Low!
Heat rises! If you’ve got an upstairs bedroom, consider pulling your mattress down to lower levels (and into the basement, if you’ve got one) to stay below the sweat-zone on especially hot days.
9. Open those windows!
When the evening hits and outside temps start to drop, open your windows to let the cooler air in. Pointing box or window fans inwards at night will move fresh air in. Close the windows up again in the morning (before temps go up) to keep your house staying cool into the day.
So there you have it, Portlanders! With these tips, you can keep your house cool all summer long.
Lydia Hallay
Principal Broker | OR
She/They
Calm, prepared, and people-first—Lydia brings a steady presence to what can be a high-stress process.
As a licensed Principal Broker, she leads Ello, a collaborative team within Living Room Realty known for its neighborly approach to real estate. Ello works with buyers and sellers who value thoughtful strategy, good design, and clear communication.
Lydia is consistently top-rated and ranked among the top 150 agents in the city, and is known for listings that sell faster than average (often with multiple offers), with distinctive, design-forward marketing that stops buyers in their scroll.Before real estate, Lydia spent 17 years as a union organizer and negotiator, advocating for worker rights, leading large-scale strategic leverage campaigns, and navigating complex contracts. That background shows up in her work today: calm under pressure, sharp in negotiations, and deeply attuned to the human side of big decisions.
With roots in the Sonoran Desert (she owns a vacation rental in Tucson), Lydia is an avid gardener, a devoted fan of Portland's food & small business scene, and loves hunting for secondhand/vintage gems. Lydia & her spouse (a longtime restauranteur & golf nerd) enjoy taking their vintage camper (named Puff the Magic Eurovan) for mini adventures. They live in a midcentury home in SE Portland with their dog (Maybelle) and two cats (Kenny & Caroline).
A lifelong advocate for social, economic, and housing justice, Lydia supports organizations doing on-the-ground work in the community. A portion of every paycheck she earns is donated to Taking Ownership PDX, which helps Black homeowners age in place and build wealth.
- T: 503-807-0156
- lydiah@livingroomre.com
