It’s Seattle: Do We NEED Air Conditioning?

This sunny, warm July weather has got me thinking about air conditioning. Most of the year, those of us in Western Washington don’t think too much about it. Really, there are only a few days out of the year where it gets really hot and sticky. (Though I admit I’ve come closer to wishing for some A/C being pregnant this summer!)

So, what are the best ways to stay cool for us in the greater Seattle area when the weather gets hot? Is air conditioning worth it the expense? Or should we just tough it out?

Toughing It Out
If you don’t want–or can’t afford–mechanical air conditioning, try these methods of keeping your home comfortable:

1. Get shade. Exterior shading works better if you can get it with awnings, trees, vines, or other plants. If you can’t shade on the outside, pull the blinds. This won’t be as effective since the solar heat gain will already be trapped inside, but at least the shade may help.
2. Close the house. As soon as the outdoor temperature gets above the temp inside, close all the windows for the day, then open them again at night when things cool off. This should help as long as it’s not too humid out!
3. Turn off lights and electronics. Anything electronic generates waste heat, so the simple solution is just turn everything off if you can. If you have a grill, try cooking outside also so you don’t heat up the house using the oven or stove.

Air Conditioning Options
If you need to replace a furnace soon anyway, consider getting a heat pump. While more expensive than a regular furnace, heat pumps can also be used to cool your house, and they tend to be more efficient also. However, unless you’re planning to live in your house long-term (think at least 10 years), the cost may not be worth it since it will probably take about that long for the cost savings to kick in.

Another option is a mini split unit. Mini splits don’t require duct work, making them even more efficient than a heat pump. They can also heat as well as cool, and are a great option for smaller, tighter homes. Mini splits are also much less expensive than heat pumps. You can get one for as low as about $800, whereas most heat pumps run a few thousand dollars plus installation. The effectiveness of a mini split does depend on how your home is built, but one unit should be able to cover at least one bigger room.

Finally, there’s always the ol’ window unit or a portable air conditioner. This kind of unit will run somewhere around $200 to $400, but will only cover one room at best.

And the Answer Is…
Of course, which option you choose comes down to your personal comfort level when it comes to heat as well as your budget and current living situation. For now, I will be toughing it out, but a heat pump or mini split will be high on my list for the next house!