Editor’s Note: If you are interested in learning more about whole home battery storage and solar systems here’s a link to an informative webinar produced by our colleagues at Electrify Oregon.
By Ben Scott, Electrify Ashland Now
As Rogue Valley summers heat up now is a great time to think about keeping your home cool – and staying safe during extreme heat.
Good insulation and sealing air leaks are among the best investments you can make. They help keep heat outside, reduce energy bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round. But it’s also wise to have a backup plan. If the power goes out during a heat wave, your heat pump or air conditioner won’t be available.
Portable Battery Power Stations Can Run Fans
One simple, affordable solution is a portable battery power station that can run one or two small fans. If you already have a home battery, solar system, or even an electric vehicle capable of providing backup power, you’re ahead of the game. Fans use very little electricity, making them an ideal way to stay comfortable during an outage. While they don’t cool the room itself, they do circulate air and cool your body—and that’s what matters most. A ceiling fan’s downdraft can make you feel up to six to eight degrees cooler.
Keep Cool Air in and Hot Air Out
Simple habits can make a surprising difference, too. On hot days, keep windows closed once the outside temperature rises, lower blinds or curtains, and, if possible, use exterior shades on south- and west-facing windows. Blocking the sun before it reaches the glass or siding (preventing heat gain from radiation), is one of the most effective ways to keep heat out. If exterior shades aren’t an option, inexpensive heat-reducing window films can also help reflect solar heat, making rooms noticeably cooler while reducing the workload on your air conditioner.
At my home, these strategies—combined with good insulation, a tight building envelope, often keep the house comfortable enough that the air conditioner rarely needs to run, even on very warm days. HVAC systems are meant to keep us comfortable, but using them less is still more energy efficient and good for the environment.
Building climate resilience doesn’t always require major renovations. A few thoughtful upgrades and everyday habits can help you stay cooler, lower your energy bills, and be better prepared for the next heat wave. Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.
Ben Scott is a retired energy efficiency professional and member of ACC’s Electrify Ashland Now action team. He has lived in Ashland for 29 years.